Our Experiments with Wordpress

Every one in the blogging world is talking about Wordpress, the new blog-engine. So the Musketeers also wanted to try this. When we saw wordpress and its cool tools and ease of posting , we were impressed. We urged, and were allowed by the Konfessioners to try wordpress for next few Klashes. Our continuance on wordpress, or return back to Blogspot will depend upon your reaction and the Konfessioners consent. We hope to hear from you in this respect.

Klash at WordPress is an effort by the Three Musketeers to ease their own plight at being thoroughly incompetent with the iconic blogger. This blog in no way dilutes the history of Klash. It merely attempts to add a new page to it.

This site is still in its experimental stage. So bugs and inaccuracies will prevail. Your patience is solicited.

 

Your suggestions/opinions as to whether klash should remain at blogger are precious to us. Leave us a line at submissionsknk@gmail.com

Mask

[Entries Closed]

Mask

1. A covering for the eyes, mouth, or whole face. 2. Something that conceals or disguises something else, for example, true motives or feelings. 3. A representation of a face used as an ornament or decoration. 4. The face or facial markings of some animals, for example, foxes and raccoons. 5. A template used to control the pattern of conducting material deposited or etched onto a semiconductor chip. 6. A facial preparation used to tighten the skin and remove impurities, applied to the skin as a paste and allowed to dry before being removed. 7. A guard, often a sheet of paper, placed over areas of unexposed photographic film to stop light from hitting it. 

Genuine Fake (116)

Smile at the missed train and bus every morning when you want to give it all up – a new day has begun.
Enjoying silly jokes cracked by seniors at work when all you want to do is get back home – looking good for the next appraisal, honey.
Being delighted at the sight of your least favourite food, when you yearn for some spice -- tired ma gets her quantum of solace.
Allowing your kid to tug at you, even when you are asleep – C'est la vie.
Looking eye to eye in the mirror, and never regret ting your actions ever – Priceless.

There are few facades material can buy, for every other mask – there is the Mirror.


DokSaab (118)

I entered into his office hesitantly.
Dim-lit room….light music…huge paintings...

"Say, how can I help you, Miss?"
I sprang. Then I saw him sitting on the sofa.
Around sixty... bald… saintly face… kind, inspiring smile.
"Uncle, I was promised job after Dad's demise. It's been a year now."
"Oh so you are Shukla's daughter. Arey He was my classmate? Don't worry. I will see you get the job."
His crow feet eyes reminded me of my father. I felt like crying.
He embraced to console me.
I rested my head on his shoulder and wept.
His hug tightened.
Cold lips touched my neck.
Feeling uneasy, I tried to get away.
"Uncle…."
And then he took off his mask.

Juhi, the Fragrant (117)

The dimly lit room rang with laughing voices and flashy masks. Ritta's masquerade party was a success. Hanuman and Cleopatra were getting cozy in a corner, while a Kathakali dancer was showing her samba moves to a fan wielding Inuit. Zorro walked up to where Esmeralda and Pocahontas were sipping drinks, his eyes desperately searching.
"Where's Chandini?" he asked.
"Shantanu? You look sooooo handsome!" said Esmeralda.
"Yes. Wher…? Chandini? Wow! You are the most beautiful geisha I have ever seen." He said.
She smiled and leaning forward kissed him passionately, as she had never done.
When their lips parted, Shantanu couldn't resist. "I love you! Marry me, please?"
"Yes! Oh yes!" squealed Pallavi.
"Pallavi!?" he cried, "B..b…bu..but…whe…?


Nandini Sen (71)

He looked around at the mayhem – blood, gore, destruction. Suddenly the victory did not matter. Something stirred from deep within.
The carefully built mask of aggression, indifference, intoxication of victory was cracking. He felt vulnerable, and strangely very uplifted.
King Ashoka sank to his knees at the battle ground. At that moment, he literally heard the mask encasing his soul, break. His soul was bare, and was getting anointed with peace.


Rashmi Gupta (119)

Inside the innocuous cocoon,
Lies a torrent soul,
Battered to death in a shrinking abyss,
She asked herself, "Who is this, staring at me, through these dead eyes?"
She was left answerless.

"Mom, what are doing in my room??"
"Nothing beta, I just came to clean a bit…"
"And you don't read others things without asking!!"
"Beta, I was just… waise, you write pretty well!"
"Thanks, now, do you mind??"

Looking for answers, damning her doomed fate,
She cried for help.
Looking at her, the other laughed, loathed and scared the blood out of her tiny veins.
"The mask is me."
"I am the mask."

"20 years of marriage and today I come to know that you write too??"


Sweta Singh (118)   

The most grotesque mask today is worn by "society".
Incidents engineered to mask love :
A Gujrati man and a Rajput woman, to be married after 2years of convincing their families. The bride was tall, 60kgs, fair .The groom was a head shorter, darker, 40kgs. Bride's mother:
His mother chose my daughter! Its arranged!
[ you'll give your daughter to anybody?]
Never dated! They're just colleagues.
***
Rajput boy, Punjabi girl, "looks" scenario reversed.
Boy's mother :
The wedding was arranged...we were sitting ,making jokes and decided to go for it.
[decision of 7 lifetimes]
***
Masking what makes the world go around- makes the dizzying ride easier. What a shame that it has come down to this.


Mandappa KC (114)

"Whodunnit?" screamed the old man, jumping out of his rocking chair.
The usual kids were running, hollering and jumping around as usual. It was his afternoon routine. To sit in his rocking chair, looking out the front porch. It was his time. No one dared disturb him. Not even the nosy, pesky brats.
But that day, some one had lit a cracker behind his chair. Sending everyone into peals of laughter while sending his heart to his mouth. He screamed in anguish and then in anger.
Everyone giggled and looked around. It was quite the mystery and remained so until his dying day.
Meanwhile God sniggered behind his mask, sitting atop the mulberry bush.


Sowmya (120)

His beard itched while the suit was tight but Rohit drove faster towards the orphanage.

Santa Claus seemed such a stupid idea then, he reminisced. It was to promote his first big movie which ended up a blockbuster.
Three years and five flops later, on a frustrated impulse he visited the orphanage. He won three consecutive awards.
Thus began his Santa visits before every release. In every child's smile he saw fame, cash and awards. But Rohit remembered coming back feeling shallow, guilty and a strange emptiness.

Rohit reached to see Lakshman eagerly awaiting him.
"Thank you Dada. I am going to USA. I will be the best doctor. Promise."
A warm glow engulfed him. Santa's mask had stuck on.


Priyanka Chakraborty (102)

Rachel was torn apart with grief, as she entered the dazzlingly lit ball room, but looking at her, nobody could guess that. Nobody could know the emotional turmoil she was in, because her husband had hitched his ass off with his secretary that very afternoon. But she had to come. This party was essential for her acting career.

She wove her way through the room, chatting with the crème of the theatre and film industry, and charming them with her demeanor. Nobody doubted her. Nobody could see through to her heart. Everything about her seemed genuine to everyone, and she knew, her self-assured and content mask was in place.


Pratik Bubna (120)

I asked him why he wore that mask
He questioned back, "Why do you ask?"
"Some call me by this name, some by another
No one questions my actual identity, why do you bother?"

"I am the one they worship in one form,
I am the one they seek to end in another,
I am the one they haven't really seen,
Yet they define with different faces, my being!!"

They like their definition, concluding they are right,
To know the unknown face, without its sight,
When they don't bother, why do you?
why question the unquestioned, why seek something new?

He never lifts his mask yet many portray him still,
Does God have his own identity, his own free will?

Scribbler (107)

UNKNOWN AMONGST THE KNOWN

Eyes deceive and mirrors lie

They never reveal the true image that's hidden inside

Of people you think you know everything about

You sometimes think twice if you're wrong or right

And all that's in store is a big surprise

But one day for sure it'll unexpectedly strike

And before you know the truth will tear you apart

It can be right now, or just any other day

So be prepared to face it, 'cos it could be just any time

For this world's a maze where most are lost

With people all over the place living a fake life wearing a mask

Ruchika Bajoria (92)

Seeing the people walk around,

And the children play...

I remember how we lied at home;

And sat here all day.

Bunking college, avoiding friends...

We'd sneak back here

And watch the sunset.

We'd walk to church

And kneel to pray;

I'd thank Him for you,

And wish you'd never go away.

Its not the same anymore.

Unspoken words fill the air.

The tongues are resolutely mute;

Our eyes conduct a silent dispute.

Unsure of what's to be.

Unsure of voicing our real sentiments.

We sit alongside,

Wearing the mask of camaraderie.

Sarang Mahajan (120)

The Mask of Choro

Wind stirs the silent night

A dog shifts in the dustbin

“A deadly night,” says Choro

And pulls on his mask green

He steps out in the backyard

To stop a dirty crime

For the thieves all notorious

“This” is the right time

He lurks behind a barrel

Draws his long knife

And patiently awaits the villain

Risking dear life

At the devil’s hour

When the clock-arms huddle together

Choro hears the dreaded sound

Of the footsteps coming nearer

He springs like a thunderbolt

And brandishes his weapon

A rope cuts swiftly

A net catches the felon

“Long have I waited,’ says Choro

“Only to catch you”

The thief shrinks in net

And says, “Meow, meow.”

Pratik Kamani (253)

(Not up for kompetition)

Sitting on the worli sea face, a thousand lights behind me, a clear, lucid full moon felt more an ornamental bearing on the black canvas then the source of light to the very metropolitan I came to call my home.. the waves would placade the horizon with a numb innocence.. With every dying moment I felt the waves more and the girl beside me less.. it all seemed to tell me something beyond the sight, some sort of hidden message, and something made me think of Paulo Coehlo and his Alchemist. It was then at almost midnight of my birth day, that I was born again, I did see clearly and contently, It answered a lot of questions, it cleared a lot of thoughts, the million troubles hovering in my cerebrum about me, my dreams, my girl, my life and the fix all of us find ourselves at some time or the other,, what next? seemed to give answers to its own ciphers…. The answer was stark and beautiful.. amidst the waves I saw my dreams dying, but failed to see the waves coming back, the will to last.… with the moon, I saw its dying glory, but failed to see it everlasting spirit,, , its charisma yielding the absolute power, .. and most of all, how stupid I had been… I failed to see that single tear in my girls eye , masked behind that gratifying sweet smile … for me to rise again.. she wore the mask of hope….

Hullabaloo

[ Entries Closed]

Ohkay everyone! This is VERY VERY VERY discouraging! This is our FIRST word in 4 months! And including me and my sister, we're all so VERY busy with everything else to do something which brings us all pleasure and satisfaction! This is NOT just a kompetition, its our voice! It's our channel of expression! Please do NOT let me assume that these few entries are all that we as a cult can come up with.

Hullabaloo

n

1)Great noise or excitement.

Rishi Ghan (113)

“Yes Sir Mr.Gatekeeper, I am God’s insurance agent”, said Mr.Portney, “And my viciousness lies in the fact that I insure God against your mistakes.”

“Excuse me?” Mr.Gatekeeper interjected.

“Yes, you make mistakes, just like the rest of us.”

“And by mistakes you must mean, not letting you in here?”

“That would be correct Mr. Gatekeeper.”

“In that case, Mr. Portney I assure you, my mistake is well compensated for, by ahem, God Himself. And He will surely acknowledge the fact that I did not allow you entry into Heaven. You clearly don’t belong here.”

“That is not for you to judge”

“Whats all the hullabaloo about” God thundered.

“Oh Mr.Gatekeeper’s been a bitch….”

Nandini Sen (108)

Chaos reigned supreme in the ashram. Swamiji was coming to give a lecture, and everything had to be in order. The sweeper was dusting up a storm, the florist and decorators were squabbling over nothing. Carpets were being laid, mikes being tested with the raucous “123 check” Curious devotees were already flocking in.

The hullabaloo was too much for Rambabu, the organizer. He tried to shut out the noise by retreating into another room, but the hullabaloo had seeped into every corner of the ashram.

He smiled and thought how ironic it was that Swamiji was coming to deliver a lecture on “The Importance of Silence in Life”.

Sowmya (120)

"What's this hullabaloo about?" The noise irritated Swati rushing to work.

"They are from that bankrupt financial company. Poor guys, losing their job in a flash! And it's not even their fault." Gayathri shuddered.

"Come on. It's just a job. Opportunities are available everywhere, one just has to look and be positive. Fortune favors the brave." Gayathri smiled indulgently at her colleague's zealous sermon.

An hour later, Swati's tears blurred the pink slip she clutched. "This is unfair! It's not our fault that crude prices are increasing and more people are travelling by trains now", she wailed.

The next day protest rally saw Swati screaming her lungs out. She instinctively turned to hear a passer-by remark, "what's this hullabaloo about?"

DokSaab (91)

The noise was deafening.

Doksaab, when will his fever subside,

Papa, you forgot to deposit my fee,

Boss, the meeting with the minister is at 4.

Beta, I need a pair of new glasses,

Yaar, aren't you coming to the party tonight?

Sir, the patient on bed 3 is serious.

Honey, you are late for dinner again.

I tried to close my eyes, and relax.

The sound grew even louder.

Doksaab,

Papa,

Boss,

Beta,

Yaar,

Sir,

Honey,

I sunk my head deeper into the pillow,

But the hullabaloo failed to die.

Sarang (110)

What’s this rackety hullabaloo?

I’ll say what I say, I’ll do what I do

You idiot morons, what’s it to you?

What me and my girl do in the park,

What me and my friends smoke in the dark,

Whether I care about the people or not,

I keep my morals or leave them to rot,

Leave my business to me, and shoo

What’s this rackety hullabaloo?

Gone are the days when the nation was old

If ever it was a sparrow of gold

Catching up now is the western hold

Give up, and know your culture is sold

Keep quiet, sit tight, don’t make ado

What’s this rackety hullabaloo?

Rashmi Gupta(116)

"Why are you still doing this job??"

She kept stirring and staring at the caffeine vapor…

"It pays you peanuts, drains your energy and drives you insane at the end of the day!"

The dark circles beneath her eyes were defied by the gleam in the hazel dew.

"Listen Mom, I am coming there next month. Get your passport in order. If you are so much in dire straits to work, you can find a decent job here too. Okay bye, take care!!"

The call ended.

The mayhem at the Morgue was enough to keep the hullabaloo in her head at bay. After all, that was the only way she could meet her dead husband, everyday.

Mandappa KC (119)

Joker licked his lips, with a smile across his face.

The interrogator screamed in rage.

“What the fuck is this hullabaloo about. Your death sentence is in 24 hours and I can’t fucking believe you’re smiling.”

Joker’s smile broadened.

The interrogator banged his fists on the table. “This time you’re not getting away.”

He slams the door shut and joins his colleagues on the other side of the one way mirror.

Joker stares at them intently, smiling, like he can see through.

They watch him, a tad scared.

The interrogator still beamed at him, with a “what-the-fuck-can-you-do?” expression.

Joker smiles. They can’t hear him say.

“This is your hullabaloo. Fuck you too.”

Kaboom.

They’re blown to bits. He’s free.

Seema Kashyap (120)

Kashiram was reclining on his charpaayi on a hot summer day, thinking of everything and nothing in particular. He had placed the charpaayi under the shade of the biggest mango tree in the orchard, yet sweat dribbled down his back and disappeared into his dhoti every few minutes. Suddenly he heard a cackle of kids screams and shouts. Cursing, he rose up in a somnambulance of a summer afternoon, lifted his lathi and lumbered towards the voices. The neighborhood kids were his worst enemies- always trying to steal his mangoes. “Stop this bloody hullaballoo, get out..!”, he shouted as he emerged from the trees…only to come face to face with the meanest looking cobra he had ever seen! Hissssss! “AAAgh”!

Mickey(92)

Bang-Bang

Vrooom

Dhadaaam

Boom

Fizzzz

The cotton ear-plugs and the thick woolen muffler wrapped around my ears failed to stop this great commotion. I had not been able to sleep for past three nights due to this pandemonium.

What's this hullabaloo, Jane, I asked her assuming that being a human, she must be knowing why these village people were creating such uproar.

-Oh Monkey, they are celebrating Dipawali, the festival of light.

But why are they spoiling our peace. We also celebrate, but tell me Jane, have we ever disturbed their peace?

Ruchika Bajoria(114)

"Ruchiiii, come back here! No safari park for you!"

"Uff Amu, why are you yelling? And STOP running around both of you!"

Amu looked at her masi petulantly and said, "but, but, she has my book! And I was reading it!"

"But, but, di isn't playing with us. All she does is put her nose in her books! Ughh."

Smriti looked at them carefully. Neither showed any sign of relenting. "Ruchi, give Amu her book."

"I knew you would say that. But me and mini need a third person to play!"

"I don't want to play! Now give me my book."

"I wont, I wont!"

"Masiii…"

"Buaaaa…"

Smriti sighed! The hullabaloo had started again!

Priyanka Chakraborty(107)

"Aaaaarrgghh.."

"We need to take her to the hospital..she's in labor.."

"I know mom..am trying to get through to the doctor.."

"Aaayyiiiaaahhh…forget the doc…get me into the ward first.."

"Yeaa darling..am taking out the car..hang on.."

"You are going to drive..?? Isn't that dangerous.."

"Dad, its 2:45 in the morning, we won't get a taxi.."

"Just go…go go…aaaaaaarrrgghh.."

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

"Sissssterrr…"

"Ok, ok..calm down..we are in charge now"

"Someone call the doc…"

"Where's my hubby…where's my doctor…shittttttt...yyaaarrgghhh.."

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

"Doc's here…I'm here baby…don't worry.."

"Yes, don't worry..you are doing good…ok..one more push..that's a good girl.."

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

A cry to outdo all that hullabaloo..and smiles all around.. "It's a girl"

Richa Gupta(104)

" this is just my reflection on the financial chaos in the US and the insecurity and fear everyone is living with everyday. specially us, the ex-pats in the financial sector"

The market crashed

The banks collapsed

What a mess, what a to do

Everywhere a big hullabaloo

Debates and fights in the senate

700 billion dollars they want

The big financial giants we shall rescue

What a mess, what a hullabaloo

I am just glad I have a job

Never shall I complain about it again

At least I have food on the table for two

I am not caught in this hullabaloo

Arrow

This is where  we stopped to rest for a while. Four months passed since .  

The Konfessioners are now busy with certain less important chores of their lives, and have handed over the reins to us , The Three Musketeers :)

This is only a time-gap arrangement amd we eagerly await them to return to there usual posts. Till then we , the musketeers will try to hold post as best as we, DokSaab, Juhi and Ruchika, can.

So till the time we get the takes on the new word, we present before you the five odd takes we received for the last word, Arrow. 

These are not up for Kompetition though.

Arrow

n.

1. A missile having a straight thin shaft with a pointed head at one end and often flight-stabilizing vanes at the other, meant to be shot from a bow.
2. Something, such as a directional symbol, that is similar to an arrow in form or function.

Sweta (117)

Following His release from  Underground, On His way back to Hades, Cerberus fell into an alternate world. 

Where some of the local folk indulged in gluttony even as their fellowmen starved to death.

Where one hand helped, the other stabbed.

Where they acted like pigs unabashedly then worried about becoming obese.

Where their frontal sympathy was followed posteriorly by "I knew it".

Where honey toned words disguised poisonous intentions...

Cerberus was brave, but these natives frightened Him. He wondered why his three heads scared mortals possessing infinite faces to go with their heads. He prayed to the Gods and tail tucked twit his legs He shot away like an arrow from a bow, hoping to hit home.

Nandini Sen (120)

Cupid’s work life’s in jeopardy. Big Boss is displeased.

Shooting his arrow on a victim is easy. But the work behind it is tedious. It takes time filling each arrow with the love potion, which in itself is pure and hard to get.

His opposite number from Satan’s team is acting faster. He’s mass produced arrows, filled it with cheap juice, and shoots blindly.

People are falling in lust, and even before Cupid can shoot the love arrow, the side effects of the cheap juice ensure jealousy hit the victims harder, leaving the heart (where love potion is injected) scarred.

Cupid needs help – more helping hands, more conducive hearts. He’s on a recruiting spree – do you wanna join his team?

Dok Saab (63)

Can you see the head of that bird?

Which bird, O Master.

Can't you see the bird sitting on that branch?

What branch, O Great One.

The tallest branch of that banyan tree.

Sorry Master, I cannot see the tree.

Then what do you see?

One eye is all I can see.

That's perfect, O Parth, your arrow can never miss the target.

Sowmya (113)

When his visitors left, he turned to his wife. "I have to do my duty."

"The consequences can be terrible for you."

"But they are right. Think of that young girl. It will make a world of difference."

"I'll come with you."

Armed with his bow and arrows he began his journey accompanied by his cuckoo, parrot, the gentle breeze, the lovely season of spring and his ever-loving, dutiful wife.

Their presence made the atmosphere cheerful and him hopeful. He saw the girl arrive. This was his chance. One arrow should do the trick. His wife prayed. Just as Kamadeva fired his passion filled arrow at Lord Shiva, his third eye blazed open……..

Priyanka (118)

It was the end of November. Ayodhya had been decorated lavishly. Lord Rama had come back after fourteen years of exile, vanquishing the rakshas raaj of Ravana. The glory and bravery of Lord Rama and Lakshmana, told and re-told; their heroics making the whole country rejoice. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were clothed in the best of silks and jewellery. The priests chanted their mantras and the devotees offered their prayers in the huge temple. It was a sight to behold. I knew the photographs would come out beautifully. As I stood in the open courtyard, in the chilly night, I thought, "Lord Rama could have done with one of those nice and warm shirts from ARROW. It’s freezing."

Clash

CLASH

----------

.
1. to make a loud, harsh noise: The gears of the old car clashed and grated. 2. to come together or collide, esp. noisily: The cymbals clashed. 3. to conflict; disagree: Their stories of the accident clashed completely. 4. (of juxtaposed colors) to be offensive to the eye. 5. to engage in a physical conflict or contest, as in a game or a battle (often fol. by with): The Yankees clash with the White Sox for the final game of the season.

.

[ENTRIES CLOSED]

Nikhil (120)

There was a shadow lurking in her closet,
Reminding her of somebody, some time in her life,
When she met someone, felt something in her heart,
They were noticed, there were speculations, rife.
They knew they met for a reason,
Not worrying about a single rumor, or backlash,
Spinning the wheel on their lives,
They knew their lives had had a clash

Times changed, he changed too.
He cared about the world more than he ever did.
Whenever the cameras flashed
She tried to be composed, chirpy and candid
One day he left, leaving her alone,
Wondering, pondering, about what caused the strife
There was a shadow lurking in her closet,
Reminding her of somebody, some time in her life…


Juhi, the Fragrant (118)

Clash! Crash! Clatter! Bang! Chhnnnnnn……! Suddenly the house reverberated with sounds similar to a thunderstorm. “What happened? What did you break? Did you hurt yourself!!?” Suman called out as she frantically tried to get out of the bed, rudely awakened from a deep sleep. “Don’t you dare get out of that bed!” warned her husband’s voice. “Everything’s under control. I have just…dropped…err…a few things.”

Suman sighed. She rued the silly kitty party that her mother-in-law had made her attend, as a result of which she was suffering from this horrible food poisoning. And more importantly, Prashant’s intense love and care.
“Suman! The doctor has advised complete rest!” His strangled voice still echoed in her head and she smiled.

Nandini (97)

A tremendous clash was taking place. The alien had invaded unchartered territory, and it had to be broken down. The pancreas knew that to avoid damage, it will have to produce more enzymes. However the alien object was putting up a fight. Pancreas pumped more enzymes, the small intestine quivered with the impact.

Sunita clutched her stomach and sat down. She wished she had not indulged in her third samosa. The clash in her stomach was making her feel sick.

She popped a Diegene, the clash subsided. Pancreas had won and Sunita managed to digest her samosa.


Coffee is my Poison (120)

"UGH... is he colorblind? His shirt clashed totally with his trousers!" said Ruchi.
"That’s not reason enough to say no..." retorted her mother.
"YEAH? Well is the fact that he doesn't talk sense and that everything he’s done so far is like a terrible comedy of errors and he’s blissfully unaware reason enough...? When Sweta asked him, if he was into any physical sports he said he liked videogames."

"No ones perfect, neither are you."

Her mom was wrong about that, She did know the perfect guy... only he wasn't ready for marriage. She didn't know if she could wait any longer. Pressures were mounting, Parents, Pundits and everyone unconcerned took it upon themselves to back her into a corner.


Priyanka Chakraborty (118)

Perseus reached the island of Medusa. There lying around were the statues of innumerable men, turned into stone. Perseus knew he had to be careful not to look at Medusa directly, else he would also be turned to stone. He constantly kept looking in his highly-polished shield, for a sign of her. Suddenly, there was a high-pitched scream….


Shobhu, the director shouted "CUT!! This is ridiculous. Som, can't you look where you are stepping. Javed is a human being, not a statue. We have to finish this by tomorrow, and we haven't even proceeded to Act 2. Gear up guys, come on..PLEASE…"

To himself, he said, "This is not 'Clash of the Titans', its clash of the morons."


Sowmya (118)

"Not another grand-daughter". His mother's renewed chanting brought him back to the present….. this familiar agonizing wait when every second dragged on for a whole minute. He remembered his previous three visits…futile visits waiting for his son. "This time will be different", he smiled. Finalizing a name for his son would kill those cruel hours. No! That's what he did last time. Bad luck! He played with the blue stone ring…which was to bring him good luck. Or would his astrologer be proved right? Will he be the last son of his lineage? He prayed.

"What a beautiful girl!", the panting nurse broke his reverie He slumped into his chair. Who has ever won the clash against destiny?


Rashmi (120)

"So, How Was Your Day???"
"Okay..... Nothing Great... Usual Stuff.....What About You.....??"
"It Was Quite Constructive....."
"Oh, So You Mean To Say You Managed To Consume Less Than 1 Packet Of Cigarettes??"
"Dad.....Not Again!!!"
"Why Not???"
"What's Smoking Gotta Do Constructivism.....?? It Was About This New AIDS Awareness Program I’ve Enrolled In.....Educating People About Safe S** And Myths About HIV…."
"Isn't It Just Great….. First Misuse S** And Then Spread Awareness…"
"Dad, You Won't Understand.... It's Not Like That.....Having S** Is A Not A Mistake....."
"Okay.....What Would You Think About God Make A Mistake.....By Creating S**!!"
"Its Not A Blunder But Close To It.......The Ignorance....."
"You And Your Values Are A Blunder Itself......"

The Clash Continues... . . . .

Arvind Kumar (109)

He moved quickly before she realised that he was in the aisle just next to the one she hung around in. He was the predator of people's spaces but her presence gave him the shivers. She was wild in her ways. The last time she caught up with him, she had been hanging from the ceiling and had dropped to eye level in less than a second and given him that killer look followed by the sticky kiss.. Their eyes had clashed and sparks flew. Had it been "Love at first sight" or "The Clash of the Spiders." He simply did not want such an aggressive woman in his life.


Ruchika Bajoria (98)

A tempest in all its glory,
Surrenders to instincts predatory.
Lashes out on the destroyers of Isis...
To claim what is rightfully its.

Wind howling in trees hollow…
Water collecting in crevices shallow;
Clouds collecting to form a blanket;
Rain falling to claim its debt.

The clash of thunder,
And the flash of lightning...
The swish of the breeze;
And the sound of water crashing.

The spirited sky lets loose its wrath!
Man bows to tempestuous plans.
If only sanity had prevailed...
If only destructive ideas had been quailed...
Isis wouldn't be angered;
And man wouldn't be endangered.

Santonu (120)

Highway seemed to be endless, as the powerful lights of the SUV, Sumit bought last week, tore through it. Light was extremely focused as were the people inside. Rachna now sitting next her hubby in the rear sit, they wanted to bring their small car but Baba announced, "for family trip all of us has to be together….we will go by the car Sumit has bought..". Eight people felt extremely comfortable to fit themselves inside, but that was when they started, before Sumit started talking about his prosperity sitting at the driver's sit. Three long days and everyone is uncomfortable to fit themselves in. Sumit was no longer driving the car and people. Silence prevailed inside as the egos clashed.

Sarang (116)

“Sachin Tendulkar treated me with utter disdain, then. He tore apart my balling. But I was only a debutant in that series. Now, I just know how to bring him down in his own lair. I’ll have my vengeance.” - Shane Warne, before the famous 1998 Australia tour of India.

“The biggest clash of the decade begins today. Will Sachin be good enough for Shane Warne, the greatest leg-spinner ever, on the turning pitches?” – Media, at the morning of the first test match.

“I still wake up with a jolt in night. I get nightmares of Sachin dancing down the track and hitting me out of the park.” – Shane Warne, weeks after the tour concluded.

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

Shadow

SHADOW

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

1. a dark figure or image cast on the ground or some surface by a body intercepting light. 2. shade or comparative darkness, as in an area. 3. shadows, darkness, esp. that coming after sunset. 4. shelter; protection: sanctuary in the shadow of the church. 5. a slight suggestion; trace: beyond the shadow of a doubt.

[ENTRIES CLOSED]

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

Richa (66)

Famine, Tsunami, Floods
Hunger clawing at the intestines

Bombs, Attacks, Guns
Terror numbing the mind

They tell me
I live...
...in the shadow of death

I refuse
to give up
To give in
to such morbidity

Rain, Thunder, Sunshine
The celestial music loud yet mild

Flowers, Butterflies, Rainbows
The joyous laughter of a child

I tell them
I choose…
…to live in the shadow of hope


Santonu (117)

The blue line at the horizon was captivating, fading sunlight and the dark cloud hovered around me. The sun was setting. The shadows of uncertainty grew with the shadows of the trees, I was bone tired, the last man standing at the battle field. I sold my company today! The one I built with my own hand. Warm tears were flowing through the cheeks. I was waiting for my friends to come and sit besides me, quietly, but they never came and their shadows danced and mocked at me. I am tired and alone today, standing under this dim light I talked slowly with my shadow for long, it too deserted me as the darkness set in.


Mickey (120)

“Mickey, don’t you go out now”, shouted Dadima, “not till the eclipse is over”
“But Dadi, this is my playtime.”
“The God is in trouble and you want to play, stay here and pray with me.”
“What trouble Dadi, it’s just a solar eclipse, moon’s shadow falling on earth.”
“That demon Rahu has engulfed the Sun, and you say it’s just a shadow.”
“But Mom says…..”
“You and your Mom, She also never heeds to my advice.
Last eclipse, she argued it’s just a shadow.
You were in her womb, and despite my warning she went to her college.
Look what happened, you were born with this defect.”
I could feel it heat up as she pointed towards my tail.


Dok Saab (100)

A small bush it was,
old and stunted.
It had been there
always
for so many years,
calm dull bush,
just surviving.
I had never seen
it go dry,
shed leaves
or, flower.
*
But today,
suddenly
it was struggling
to survive.
Exposed.
Unaccustomed
to the rays of the sun
its leaves wilting.
Used only to cool breeze
it seemed to uproot
as the hot gusty wind blew.
*
But to me
it was more alive
today.
*
Even though
it had always
seemed to lived
under the shadow
of the banyan tree.
The big banyan tree
which fell
last night.


Sowmya (120)

"Can't believe this Swati! Look at yourself", Gayathri was fuming.
You have nothing left. Your children, job....why did you give up everything? For Arvind?
Gayathri thought of the enthusiastic and bubbly Swati who charmed everyone around her. People fell in love with her inspite of themselves. Everyone wanted to be with her since laughter & fun were guaranteed. Then she fell for Arvind….
Looking at her pale and spiritless sister, Gayathri could not help screaming, "What have you done to yourself? You were not like this".
"I loved to talk, Arvind liked silence. I loved my job, he felt threatened. I wanted children, he was not interested. I loved sunshine, he preferred darkness. All I am now is a shadow".


Coffee is my Poison (120)

The shadows don’t leave my dreams, my life. They chase me.

"Any female friends? Generally girls have girlfriends?" asked Dr. Singh, my psychiatrist.
"Not really."
"Why?" he persisted.
I didn't reply.

I'll tell your parents, I'll lie and they'll hit you. Do what I say. Touch me.
Here, and here... caress me. Act like you want me.
My six year old mind felt too sick to think. Ever since she hit puberty I was suffering the consequences.
Girls I found, even when I grew older, could be such FUCKING bitches, and unapologetic about it. Better being lonely than "friends" with them.

I turned on the lights, in my heart and my mind...
The shadows, will flee. I won't suffer them.


Yuvraj Jhaa (118)

Blank stage. Hard sunlight.
Remaltron — wearing posh clothes.
Stangtron — wearing middle class clothes.

(Remaltron) —sweating— There is something dark…really dark…at night it engulfs me…it takes over…its everywhere.
(Strangtron) —calm but curious— Where is it now?
(Remaltron) —further sweating— Look behind me…it follows me…it will follow me till eternity.
(Strangtron) —loosing his calm— WHERE is it?
(Remaltron) —without turning— Look…it must be somewhere.
(Strangtron) —angry— There’s just your shadow!
(Remaltron) —fear takes over— Yes!…is it there?…is it near?
(Strangtron) —alarmed— What is wrong with you?
(Remaltron) —speaking low— Its pitch black, and when it seeps into me after sunset…(weeping) it takes over.
(Remaltron) —speaking to himself— Its nothing…nothing but your religion, that has devoured you of beauty…and instilled fear.


Sarang (120)

Lallan sells pirated CDs on a carpet at Gandhi Putla Chowk. A booming business. Teenagers flock in for the latest movies. But that’s not the real secret of his success. They visit repeatedly for the blue-films he hides under his carpet. They only have to say ‘Bapu’, the code-word for BP, and he produces a bunch of them with mouth-watering pictures and provoking titles like – ‘Sali, Puri Gharwali.’

‘How do you manage it?’ a man asked astonished.

‘The kind shadow of this statue of Bapuji protects me from sun,’ he answered.

‘No, I mean this illegal business.’

‘Ah, that I do under the kind shadow of cops,’ he says spitting aside. ‘I give them five Gandhis a day.’


Nandini (120)

Seeing his wife laugh with her childhood friend, a shadow of doubt appeared in his mind. Gloom descended, he started to waste himself. Work filled late nights, shutting out of loved ones, the shadow turned to depression.

Wife’s anxiety grew, and he ended up visiting a doctor.

“Tension” was the doc’s verdict.

“Why” was wife’s reaction

Silence was the man’s defense.

One day, after another sleepless night, he glanced at the mirror and saw a mere shadow of his former self and a big shadow covering his mind.

Enough! he decided. He pulled back the curtains, let the sunshine filter through the room, and his mind. He had to get the lighting right, illuminate his mind, to vanquish the shadow.

Juhi, the Fragrant (120)

“Mooooom!” My 2 year old son was running across the playground as fast as his pudgy little legs could carry him, and shouting louder than his lungs would ever have allowed.
“What?! What happened?” I was terrified that something had happened to him, while I was gossiping with that no good Swati! “Did someone say something to you? Did you fall off the swing?”
“Swing?! Those are for GIRLS! I am a BOY.” Declared my almost a metre high son.
“Oh?!” I sighed. “Mom…” inching closer he whispered “there is someone following me.” “Oh?! Who is it?” I looked around wondering. “Not up, look down” my son admonished. I complied and burst into peals of laughter. It was his shadow.

Ruchika Bajoria (110)

While traversing the pathways of the moors, he didn't pause to appreciate its beauty. If only he hadn't been such a rash fool. He should've spoken with care. If he didn't get there soon, it would be too late. The brewing tempest outside, articulated his inner turmoil.

He entered her chambers stealthily. Head bent in thought, her back towards him, she was the embodiment of ethereal beauty. He moved closer and his shadow fell upon her. Fear constricted his throat as he reached for her. She crumpled in his arms. Lifeless and sunken, there were shadows under her eyes. In her death, she was a shadow of her true self!


Lord Summer, the Stallion Poet (111)

To the distant land of Far-far-away
I left once in the morning all alone
The road was empty like a bald human’s head
Boredom was deep in my bone

‘What a dreary trip, still two days to reach,’
I whispered feeling sad
‘Yes, O yes! You’re always so right,’
Someone answered… scaring me bad

I swung my head from side to side,
‘Who’s that?’ I cried out shrill.
I jumped up high, when my Shadow answered
‘It’s me, O Stallion of Steel.’

I ran hard and straight, right till sunset
And there I was, at Far-far-away
My Shadow sniggered, ‘Thank me later for the ride.’
‘We’ll meet in the morning anyway!’


Mandappa (116)

"Shadows"
Its hours before sunrise
Hours after the fireflies
When reality fades away
And the shadows come to play

It's four in the morning
And the dawns not breaking

Mind numb from sleeplessness
Sleepless from numbness
Colours begin to go away
When the shadows take over the day

It's four in the morning
And the dawns not breaking

Dizzy, tipsy from the night over
The bed and sleep, still a distant cover
Headaches will eat into your day
Until then shadows will drive your way

It's four in the morning
And the dawns not breaking

The shadows in my head
The shadows in my bed
The shadows of reality
The shadows that won't let me be

.

Rajat Mukherjee (120)

The shadows of my past haunt me; I have failed, over and over again. I still don’t know how I turned up like this, tormented by the despot within, shackled by my senses, inhibited by my own presence, catatonic, I have failed, oh the shadows, I fear them.

Once I thought of winning, I failed, once I thought of loving, I failed, once I thought of redemption, I failed, now I think of living, and I know I shall fail, again, oh the shadows of my past. I fear them, oh the shadows.

I retrospect, all seem nothing but a lay of failure, euphony for others, a swan song for me, oh the shadows, I detest them, I fear them.


Amey Mujumdar (94)

I am the feared obscurity.
Keep away.
But if you are beaten down, I am refuge.
Come to me and recoup.

I am the last place desired.
I hide losers from the brightness.
I shelter them when they are low.
But they survive to step out again.

I have a shifty nature.
I am small when heat is high.
Long when it is low.
But I am with you.

I am the meanest veil.
I shroud your success.
But step out of me and there is light.
Where I am, there is always light.

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

Hope

Hope

(Entries are now CLOSED!)

1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best: to give up hope. 2. a particular instance of this feeling: the hope of winning. 3. grounds for this feeling in a particular instance: There is little or no hope of his recovery. 4. a person or thing in which expectations are centered: The medicine was her last hope. 5. something that is hoped for: Her forgiveness is my constant hope.

Coffee Is My Poison (106)

AnYwAy...

.
all our lives,
we plan and pray
things may not work out
we dream, anyway.

.
look at the divorces,
loves taken a backseat
more 'me', less 'us',
we wed, anyway.

.
we hold our pets,
too close to our hearts
eventually they die,
we love them, anyway.

.

we study hard,
burn the midnight oil,
we may fail exams,
we try our best, anyway.

.

life’s often hard,
putting a foot forward,
waking up some mornings,
don't seem worth the discomfort.

.

in those hard times,
it picks us up,
it never leaves us,
not until we let it so.

.

its hope it is,
that makes
us live, anyway.

.=

.

Yuvraj Jha (119)

The wicked winged satire on optimism
Is placing its claws on our jaws
And leading us astray
In the arms of death.
.
Any moment we die is the sacred hour
There is no hope, no soup to turn sour
Hope comes with black wings that devour
The little lost girl hopes for the strange hour
.
We bring the mist of hope in this world
Through the event of our birth
And live in perpetual despair.
.
Hope for the forests of the night
The dead night, that sleeps
In the calm of its existence.
.
“We got our final vision by a clap”
.
Embrace the gloom,
This night we shall swim
Unannounced
To the kingdom.
Not with hope
But with wine.
.

.

Nandini Sen (120)

Miraben nurtured a hope she’d always live in the ancestral bungalow, but her husband sold it and shifted into a flat.
.
Miraben hoped she’d have two children. However, husband’s want for a son, ensured she produced three daughters before a son.
.
She hoped her children would go abroad for studies. However the eldest dropped school and eloped with neighbour’s son. She hoped her other children would go for big fat Indian weddings, but one didn’t marry, another did a registration. Her son married a foreigner in church.
.
On her deathbed, Miraben’s husband remarked none of her hopes were fulfilled. She smiled saying her ability to hope hadn’t diminished. Even in death she hoped her quality of life would get better.
.

.

Dok Saab (120)

"Is there any Hope, Swami ji?" Rukmini was looking expectedly at Swami Ji.

"Beta, where there is Faith there always is Hope."

"Hopeless," Doctor Sweta's remarks were still ringing in her ears, "You have no chance."

"But Swamiji, the Doctor said it's impossible."

"Nothing is impossible for those who believe.

Just apply this bhasm on your husband's forehead every morning.

Soon your house will reverberate with a baby's cry."

She returned from the ashram, her heart full of hope.

Rohan was anxiously waiting for her.

"Biwi, I have decided, we are not going in for IVF.

It is so uncertain."

"But Swamiji said…."

"Leave Swamiji alone, we are going to adopt that cute girl we saw last week at EHSAAS."

.

Juhi (61)

The barren land hid in its depth a creature so dreadful, that even Pandora wouldn’t let it out. The beautiful girl in white scrounged for it. Her hair disheveled and her eyes wild, she dug her small fingers into the merciless sand. Suddenly, her face lifted and her misty blue eyes reflected it. She had finally found it. Her lost hope.

.

.

Ruchika Bajoria (116)

I gazed out the window at the parched land craving the elixir of life – water.

A silent prayer heavenwards, a furtive glance towards the sky, an earthen pot on her head…she made the journey towards a pond which had almost run dry.

Why did she even bother to go when disappointment was assured?

With my curiosity peaked, I beckoned her. Folding her hands in a show of subservience, she entered The Grand Hall.

"Jee Hukum."

"Why go to the pond knowing that it is dry?''

With an unidentifiable look in her eyes she said "What sustains you now that Hukum is at War and you hear no news? It is hope that sustains us both."
.

. .

Shantaram (120)

Rocky: ‘I was hopin’ to talk to you for a while.’
Rita: ‘Sure. Shoot away.’
Rocky: ‘Ehm, erm, ehm…’
Rita: ‘Oh. My reply is, err, urk, err…’
Rocky (laughs tentatively): ‘Nah, I mean, I was hopin’ to take you out on Saturday.’
Rita: ‘And?’
Rocky: ‘And hopin’ we’d have dinner.’
Rita (smiles meaningfully): ‘And?’
Rocky (all charged up): ‘And… hopin’ we’d go to my place for a coffee?’
Rita: ‘Wow!! And?’
Rocky (swallows): ‘And… I have a nice couch. I was hopin’… we could use it?’
Rita stares angrily.
Rocky (dumbly): ‘What say?’
Rita (stomps away): ‘I hope you were a pig.’
Rocky (gazes): ‘Yuck! She fancies pigs to do it? Hope at least on woman on earth was normal.’
.

.

Sneha (52)

Is the consciousness
constantly giving me
strength to live?

They say this
world lives on
hope

Perhaps the highest
four letter derivative
that keeps us ticking, ticking
and alive

Hope is life
that overpowers
strife
that keeps hurting like
a knife

Have hope
for a better world
a better tomorrow
that's yours.
.

.=

1st RaY Of tHe SuN (120)

Sometimes, Secretly, She Would Wish… Closing Her Eyes… Collecting Her Broken Self… Putting The Jig-Saw Together… She Hoped No One Would See Her Tears… Prayed That The Smile Fooled Others….

Hope Is What She Clung On…After Every Broken Thread Of Trust… After Every Lie That Rocked The Cradle… Every Deceit That Shook Her Faith.. She Gave Another Chance.. Hope Ruled Her Mind…

The Phone Calls Continued…. The Late Nights Prolonged… The Slight Red Appeared Now-&-Then… His Smell Seems Adulterated…. Each Night, Making Love Felt A Distant Memoir… Fake, Dreamy, Stranger…

She Assumed The 2 Drops Would Just Make Him Ill… A Chance To Care, Another Awakening Of Long-Lost-Love.. But The Thought Went Wrong… Fatally Wrong… And She Hoped to Survive…

.

Sarang Mahajan (120)

The speck in the ocean was a smoking ship. The dot that moved away from it was the last man to jump out, Captain Demero. There was no room for him on the fleet of boats moving away with the crew, not without sinking one of them. But he did not need any. He had a plan – use the plank he had as a boat and his hands as ores. When the plank gets too wet and sinks, swim. Swim till the last bit of strength. When the strength is gone, bring out Mara’s picture from the pocket and hope it is intact under lamination, for that would be his last hope to cross the hundred miles to home.
.

.

Maggie (2)

Fools Hope!

.
.

Sowmya (105)

"Hope we can be friends", she said. His heart skipped a beat. His most cherished dream was to come true. They became friends, talked, laughed and cried on each other's shoulders. "I think I want to take this further", she said. "I hope u agree". It's a perfect world, he thought. He lavished her with attention, love and care. When she smiled he was ecstatic. I want to get married. Hope u agree. That's what decided he would tell her that day. "My parents found a guy from USA, a millionaire I think. I hope we can still be friends", she said. “We can”, he.

.

.

Amey Mujumdar (120)

Backache was gnawing Murari today. His old body lying in a cot wasn’t tolerant anymore. It wouldn’t let him lift his head an inch. But he had to. Somehow. Anyhow. There had been a sound at the door. Someone had pushed it open.

Moving hands aside might help, he figured. But it didn’t. Then legs, perhaps. But nor did that. So there was only one way now.

He jerked his head up; pain singed him. It won’t leave him for hours now.

But he had managed a glance at the door... only to find it was just the wind, not his son who had left him sick and broken years ago.

But he would come one day. Murari would hope.

Mickey (120)

This was the seventh time I had climbed to the tree-top.
It was brown and yellow as far as I could see.
I scanned the sky, not a fleck of cloud was around.
It had not rained since more than six months.
Kuano had never seen such a severe drought before.
Trees were drying, animals dying with hunger.
Kids were thirsty but the village well had dried up.
Worrying about them, don't know when I slept on the branch.

A cold draught woke me up.
The sky was dark, clear, and cloudless.
But the air blowing from west was cold and wet.
Suddenly I saw a bolt of lightening strike the horizon.
A ray of hope glimmered in my heart.

.

.=================

============

Rajat Mukherjee (120)

I touched around, four walls, no doors, no windows, was dark, I felt smothered and trapped, as if I was unwanted, detested. I wondered how I made it in there, someone said, I was born in it. I asked, “What about others, are there others like me?” They said, “Yes, there are many, more than you can count”, I asked back, “Are you one of them?” the voice said, “Yes I am. Just the room adjacent to yours”. Couldn’t stop from asking, “How are we alive without light, air, food, water”? He said, “The light is in you, we eat, breathe and drink it, we call it HOPE”. I sat down silently hoping to make it out of there someday.

Konfessioner Singh (83)

Dear –

“I wished. I wished as hard as I could, on every shooting star and every falling leaf…that…but…anyway.

So tell me, do your cold blue stars weep?

Is that what these mean?

… these paintings, they are stairways to you. Unending…are there any turns?”

From what I see, you now walk my roads. These postcards you send, the pictures are not enough. Say something. Run for me. Tell me I don’t need to… hope.

since forever,

S.

p.s. Even La Cienega once smiled.