EpiphanyMoments

 *The First Hundred* Its 100 days today since my angel broke her wing She was for this earth, but not of it Long before seas parted and life churned She had me on her roster Her long soft tresses, brown eyes and beautiful face Smote me. Enchanted me. 42 years ago She reined me in, dragged me into her goodness She held me there with great affection. Never hurt anyone, nor raised voice in anger or despair.  Never forgot to smile or chat with King or knave.  Never missed a beat in prayer or devotion Never stopped providing those in want or need Then at the bewitching hour of the 21st midnight She fell Silent, hurt, watching me tearfully, fearfully as she did a slow fade-out. Her left hand on my trembling right palm loosened My heart fell Hurt, incoherent, confused, helpless and angry I pleaded, heavenwards. I looked for God all these days, didn’t find I looked to God, didn’t pray Ranted and raved for broken wing to quickly heal Where was God when I needed Him most? When His ...

 A child is born unto me: gentle smile brown eyes and a gaze that speaks of thousand thoughts that run through her mind. This is not the manger in Bethlehem. This is our home in Baner. The child lies still. Sometimes in pain sometimes in joy. My new born is Alka. My Nandi I rub her forehead and run my fingers through her short cropped graying hair with a reassuring hand letting know of a bright star that shines over her. Friends and neighbours come in droves; bringing  gifts of grace good wishes and lots of cheer. She is not alone. She has all you angels this evening singing songs of goodness, praying for good health and happiness. In our days of despair, I have not forgotten God. I’ve berated him, I've argued with him, but at the end of each agonizing plea, I’ve asked God for help. Help to ease her sometimes intense pain. Help to make me understand that the child that is born in Baner will be strong and smiling again. I ask for quiet moments in your heart to send your Christm...

 It took just few heart wrenching seconds to step back and out of a life of purpose, of unhinged joy and spin you back down memory lane, when 36 years ago...  - Two almost broke but resolute souls sat on a bench in front on the open grassy patch opposite Siddhivinayak temple in Dadar, promising to love and be together for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.  - Parents and siblings realised this inexplicably strong bond between two souls of diverse background was unshakeable...and readily consented.  - The saree-clad, teary-eyed beautiful woman held my palms, looked deep into my eyes, patted me on the cheek and said: Ok, Let's do it. - 25-odd rupees and half hour later, we were in front of the marriage registrar signing a couple of documents, exchanging cheap garlands, while two journalist friends scribbled away as witnesses.  - a quick celebration lunch at Golden Gate restaurant was the only time we had before she went back to h...

 All I see in these beautiful brown eyes Is the warp and weft of immense hope Weaving through a body halved No fear, pain, a worry none But joy of seeing one more day dawn Freshened nerves prance under bruised baby skin She lies awake soul rekindled Shit happens That's when life begins!0