Tapestry of words !!

The white cat

2010-08-29T06:57:00.000-11:00

The white cat sneaked into our home

through the window in my room

I watched him dash by

Ran to chase him out

Shoo shoo, i followed him

into the bedroom, and under the bed

he ran

Shoo, shoo, i followed him out

under the dining table he decided

to hide

Shoo,Shoo, i followed him out,

He r an to the window, but knew not

how to get out

Opened the front door

Shoo, shoo, i tried to chase him out

Alas, he would not even peep out

Shoo, Shoo, i chased him some more

Till he ran helter skelter through

all open doors

Tired and scared

he gave up,

Stoodnext to the back door,

whining at me

As if to say "am sorry, but cant you open the door any faster"

The door opened

and out he ran

The cute little white cat!!

This is him!!

(c)Aaarti - 29th Aug '10

Wrote this based on what really happened today afternoon!! :D Took me a few mins to understand why he dint run out through the front door.. Floppy was waiting to attack outside the door!! :)

Hold on..

2010-04-04T02:02:00.000-11:00

The swish of the wind

bellowing in my ears

Taking me back,to

days flown by.

Memories flooding my thoughts

Alternating- happy and sad,

I held on tight

to today's dreams .

Reaching for the stars

like i always do

Little drops of doubt

lingered in my mind.

Challenges and learnings

i hope to gain

Was that all it took

to complete my life?

Aspirations, i had many

cached in the chest within my heart

knew not when i shall unleash em

Hoped i did.

"That day too shall come"

my inner voice chided

jolting me back to today

hope and dreams

Here i come....

Aaarti (c) 4th April '10

[55er] Dream

2010-03-25T22:35:00.001-11:00

Driving back home, my thoughts began to wander.

"What if the guy and gal weren’t killed?"

“What if the girl’s brother had set them free?”

"What if the store guy hadn’t agreed to the sting operation?”

Would the story move so well, or would it have become boring...

Honkkkkkkkkkkk

Jeez, the signal is Green already!!

Pic: Shot by me in Blore, lal bagh!!

(c) Aaarti @ 26th March 3pm

[55er] The Morning

2010-03-18T21:58:00.002-11:00

She was still sleepy, struggled to open her eyes – am i dreaming?

“I want to spend my lifetime .....................”

Ah, there it is again, i know i heard it, she thought

That’s when the buzz from under her pillow jolted her awake.

[big grin]] Ahhh... What a start to the day... “Hi there honey... “

Path

2010-03-17T20:17:00.004-11:00

The road ahead
winding and long
footsteps,and shadow
are all i see coming along

Where does it lead to
am tempted to ask
Adventure and excitement
i put on the mask

In the distance
i see a faint glow
something pushes me ahead
like pebbles fighting against the river flow

Where does it lead to do
i dare wonder?
Or wait for the discovery
Oh yonder?

Time flies by
with the baby hand on the clock
My life, i hope
is what the path will unlock.........

Aaarti (c) 18th Mar 2010
[pic taken by me in mahabalipuram, near chennai]

55er.... Lost...

2010-02-18T00:04:00.000-11:00

Twinkling stars lit up the night sky as we tried to figure out the constellations, only to give up in a few seconds.

The waves came crashing, one right after another. White foamy salty water brushing against our feet, jolting us from our reverie

Bah, who cares... we continued to remain lost in our Love..

55er.... Valentines day....

2010-02-14T04:42:00.000-11:00

Since today was Valentines day, thought why not try a 55er...

The phone rang. She stared at it, making sure it was for real.

Grabbed it and ran to her room all the while staring at it praying it continued to ring

Answered it breathlessly whispering a "Hello sweetheart"

All she heard was rustle and voices..

Alas, the phone had dialled on its own...it wasn’t Him........
[Pic: http://www.wondercomments.com/]

Towering

2010-01-15T07:55:00.000-11:00

Towering high
majestic and grand
decked in bright red
with rings of light on your neck
you came waltzing towards me

fear, excitment and a rush
ripping through me in all directions
knew not what was in store
heart beating faster
hands itching to click

not one, or two, but
quite a handful
big steps, looming large
closing the distance,
i saw the gentleness in you

words of awe and admiration
gasps, and claps

frenzy of emotions

engulfing me from around

drawing me into your act

all the way across the world
a small country i know is your home
larger than life ideas, thoughts
never seen before
overwhelming us all

parading as if you owned the space
dancing to the beats
twirling and swirling
flirting and romancing
you had us all spell bound
while, time flew by quietly

Towering......
The Giraffes ruled the evening!!!

Just felt like writing these few words after witnessing an interesting act today evening as part of the Chennai sangamam - a cultural fest over a week, coming to an end tomorow... This was from Bonjour India~!!

[55er] The Game

2009-12-15T16:55:00.000-11:00

“Wanna try? I’ll teach you”, she offered

“Sure, why not! But you better remember i’ve never done it before”, I countered

“Hold on to this stick with your right hand, move your legs like this” she taught me

Nervous and excited, I gave it a shot

Thwack...

Oh, There it goes..rolling into the hole.. Yayy!!

[err, this story was inspired by my 1^st game at Pool last evening at friends’ office club... J]

55er

2009-10-27T22:06:00.001-11:00

Not a day goes by when I don’t think of you, alas, you’re far and gone now

Wonder when I shall get another glimpse of you!

Come to your salsa class or your home, the only way I can lay my eyes on you

My beloved darling,

My prized possession

Those pretty red dancing shoes…

(c) Aaarti 28th Oct '09

Within me

2009-10-22T18:43:00.000-11:00

All of 18
she shoots questions
day in and day out

making me look within
am i so bad?
or is she just lost?
Who would know, i wonder..

questions, i know not the answer to
life, i've lived by my own rules
renewing vows every day
enjoying every moment
or so i thought...

"What have you accomplished"
she asked.
a line that ripped my heart and soul,
tears flowing free

how could she?
how dare she?
i screamed
i ranted and raved
[within me]

life, a cruel game
rules i seem to have forgotten

my turn..

lost, i stand
i wish i knew why......................

Aaarti

Summer ...

2009-05-12T05:06:00.001-11:00

Blazing sun
Piercing rays
Sweltering heat
Sweat trickling from within

Cold water
Ice cream
Tender coconut rage
Melting chocolate
The beach
Hill stations

Umbrellas
Sunscreen
Cotton suits
Picnics
Yearnin for rain

Exam time
School holidays
Childhood days
Train journey
Endless movies..

Ahhh..
i know now
Summer is here!!!!

Aaarti (c) 23rd April 09

Random poem...

2009-03-16T06:54:00.002-11:00

On Saturday evening a bunch of us Caferatians[i just made that word up:)] met up at Amethyst....TOI wanted to do a story on Caferati and so we all showed up in our finest outfits and empty minds..hehehe...

After the intial ramble... S[from TOI] asked if we had anything to read/share, which brought on plenty of blank stares.. So, H said why not we write something right there... On anything, random stuff, whatever catches our thought/eye/mind.... 5mins was the time... Some dint have paper.. so we started passing around Paper napkins [Courtesy Amethyst], till S ripped off a few sheets from her notepad and saved them all!!! Phew, what an evening that was!!

This is what i churned out... I was so kicked that i still had it in me to put words together and they actually sounded good... :)

Been eons

Since i held the pen

Ink struggled

Thoughts refused

Words, once my friends

today, threatened

A muse, i seem to seek

to proceed.

Poems,i used to lash out

One too many

Alas, is this it?

Fear, gripes me!!!

Aaarti (c) 14th march '09

The Future...

2009-03-03T19:26:00.000-11:00

As we race through the days
time it runs ahead
thoughts and wishes leading us
on...

With every step i take
future i urge to grab
dreams and hope keeping me
strong....

work on and struggle some more
grab the books and get going
where does my future lie, i
wonder....

like a rat in the race
chasing and overtaking
time and time on, we forge
on...

"Enough!", not just a mere word
putting a halt,
dawning upon us, the value of
Life................

At that moment....

2009-01-16T08:10:00.000-11:00

Entered my life,
like a wave against the shore
Slowly sneaking in

At that moment
knew not what struck me
but i knew,
a friend in you, i had found

Day in and day out
Words and unspoken silence
filled gaps between us
Slowly bridging the gap

At that moment
knew not why we connected
but i knew,
a friend in you, i had found

Time wore on
Gap fading away

enveloping me in your
love and warmth

At that moment
knew not my life was going to change
but i knew,
a friend in you, i had found

Months have gone by
Your life has changed
celebrations i was a part of
Oh, how Special i was made to feel!!

At that moment
knew not i had earned a new family
But i knew
not just a friend, but some more i had found....

This poem is dedicated to a dear darling friend of mine, Dee... She came into my life about 8mths back and now, we are thick as thieves and close as hell... Love her and her entire family!!!!!
God bless you girl.... :)

[3WW] The Dreams Villa

2008-07-11T19:47:00.004-11:00

A little something for this week's 3WW

What are you doing outside, son?

Well, Sir, i thought it was inappropriate for me to barge in without knocking and when i did knock, there was no response, so decided to wait!

Oh, poor kid, you should have knocked harder.. I was inside talking to my missus and getting the room in order for your visit. By the way, hope you had no trouble finding the place?

Truth be told, Sir, i had a bit of trouble. Got off the bus at the junction and dint know how to get to the cottage. Walked around aimlessly till a gentleman came my way. When i asked him for directions to the Dreams Villa, he showed me a shortcut. Even though the path was rugged and there were vines all around, i managed to get here in one piece.

Sir, why did the gentleman gasp when i mentioned the place?

Good of you,my boy! Well done, am proud of you!! It was a test to see if you can find your way, which is why i dint give you directions. Now, now, that gentleman is just an old coot... dont mind his reactions!!

Come on in, check out the room that is going to be your home the next two months and get yourself settled in.

Sir, errr, where is your wife? you said you were talking to her when i knocked!

She is inside, must be getting the closet and bathrooms sorted out.... Freshen up, and come over to the kitchen!

Ma'am, he whispered walking into the room.. Nothing.. no answer.. no noise...

His teeth were chattering in the cold, he was scared and nervous.. Slowly walked across the room calling out to the lady, and came across empty spaces only...

More shivering....Thinking to himself "Oh,God, what have i gotten myself into.. Sigh.. no going back now, i better make the most of it while am here!!"

Son, are you coming? me and my wife are waiting here with hot cup of hot chocolate!!!

Jeez~!!! Am doomed!!!

3WW... Might of the word

2008-07-02T04:22:00.006-11:00

After a brief hiatus, am back on 3WW

I cant control them anymore, the words seem to pour out for no reason. Every day as i wake up, the only thought on my mind is "what will it be today?" And when work hits me like a comet, i cant be indifferent towards my client's needs and say,"no, i shall write only what i feel like".

At times, it gets a bit frustrating, for my mind is elsewhere while my hands strain to type within the fixed outline. But still, i have noticed, that i manage to do full justice to whatever i write, and the finished product makes me smile...

I love writing~~~

Well, i started writing about 2yrs back, and it was with creative writing that i began this journey. To think that today i actually write for a living and am loving it, makes me wonder if this is what i was meant to do and it took me all these years to figure it out~~ :)

All i can do.. all i can say....

2008-05-12T22:29:00.003-11:00

A day no different
work and routine
taking over my time

time passed on
till dusk fell
"time to bid hello
to doctor", granpa said

Stuck in traffic jam
mind wandering away
...
Tring goes the phone

saw the familiar name
smile crept up on my face
"hi Girl, whats up"
i chirp

"sniff sniff, sob sob"
was all i heard
heart racing faster
knew something was not right

"bad news A, she sobs into the phone"
My mind racing away,
wondering what it could be
"my dad passed away"

Froze
my breath, right there
yet to regain it
sense of helplessness set in

Oh,how i wish i could console her
make her feel better
make everything alright for her
my heart tugs with every minute

all i do
pray and tell her
"am here for you, always..."
hoping
praying
she is ok....

Still lost and wondering whats going on.. am yet to digest the news...feeling so awful for my friend

i know God has a reason
but i wonder what it is...
to bring in something so shocking and such a nasty surprise
shattering their world.... sigh.... :(

Aaarti (c) 13th may 3pm...

[55er] Her

2008-05-08T20:43:00.003-11:00

Flapping her wings, she tries to break free; refusing to budge, her feet stay grounded.

“Panic sets in”

Will I ever?

But, what about when everyone…?

Am I meant to stay put right here?

“Gulp”

Swallowing fear, she stares out the window

Oh, well! Atleast am safe

Inside this cage, with my Tweety grain bowl…

This is my 1st attempt in writing 55 word stories.... do let me know what you think... :)

Words are all i got

2008-04-28T05:31:00.004-11:00

Type i do
hundred a minute;
Speak i do
dime a dozen

Mind of mine
runs as fast as it can,
Brain trying hard
to catch up and stay focussed

Plenty of times
lose track of reality,
Dreams and castles
i build in air and around me.

Crash boom bang
jolted back to reality
"Ah, found you finally"
they exclaim!

did i want to be found??
loving it, running amidst my fantasies
safe and protected
knowing there is no pain or hurt

"Life", i know, is built on hopes
and wishes
do they come alive?
or are they just lost?
as lost as me?

Aaarti (c) 28th April '08

Random thots floating in my head as i saw that picture, so i let it wander away..... :-)

[Writer's island] Soul...

2008-04-14T23:27:00.003-11:00

sunlight
piercing through the skin
sweat
dripping from every pore

days
seem to go never ending
nights
wish they went on forever

summer
God, i hate this climate
winter
will i ever get to see this?

swap places
i wish i could
live in an igloo
wrapped in a bundle

when will this end
put me out of my mysery
so my soul can take flight
feel free...

Aaarti (c) 15th april

A poem that i wrote trying to distract myself from the unbearable heat.. ended up with my soul wanting to fly away and be free[which is the prompt at Writers Island this week]... :)
Chennai is known for its HOT KILLING SUMMER'S, infact that is one reason, why a lot of people DONT want to visit or move to this city.. summer's are killing.. we basically have three seasons through the year..
Hot.. Hotter.. Hottest.. :)

Pic Courtesy: http://www.rcsail.com/

[3WW] Memories

2008-04-09T07:04:00.004-11:00

here is my contribution for today's 3WW.

interesting words.... got my creative cells going.. reminiscing the good ol days.. :)

Memories

Rusty old chairs
Creaking with every move
eyes hovering across the hall
familiar faces light them up
smile tweaking at the corner of the mouth

Theater, bringing back memories
movies, sitting on mom's lap
craning the neck
to catch a glimpse
[of kamal and rakhi]

Ah.. those were the days
Remember every minute
as if it were yesterday
peeled off paint on the seat
narrow lanes leaving no leg room

Funny, how days have gone by
time seems to fly by
memories i know,
it shall never erase..

Aaarti (c) 9th april..11.30pm

[was suddenly remembering the days when i've been to movies with my parents and how it was back then... and apparently during this movie -"ek tuje ke liye", i fell down right after the interval, hurt myself on the chin- still have the scar, was bleeding and we all rushed home..]

Pic Courtesy:http://www.skinbase.org/

[Two for Tuesday] Start over..

2008-03-29T20:13:00.004-11:00

My 1st attempt on Two for Tuesday prompts...

The night was cold
streets were empty
the silent moon
glowing in the dark

knew not if the act
he committed
was right or wrong
just felt right

knew he had to
cross the mountain
leaving behind
forgotten memories

trudging towards
new pastures
new life
new hopes
new dreams.....

Aaarti (c) 30th march

Pic Courtesy:http://orbum.net/mark/

[Writers Island] She stares...

2008-03-16T07:06:00.002-11:00

For this week's prompt on Writer's Island..

walking into the room
light shining
in the corner of her eyes

strides across the floor
wrapping hands around shoulder
keeping her soul warm

sun begins to set
gentle rays streaming
through the crack in the window

spellbound
she watches in awe

feeling safe and warm
alone, at last
she sits...
she stares...

Aaarti (c) 17th march 08 @ 11.38pm[IST]

Mind...

2008-03-12T02:07:00.003-11:00

My first attempt at the 3WW prompt... do let me know what you thought... just a few words that i managed to string together... :)

Saw u standing tall
looking cool and distant
do i need an apology?
my mind, it began
to consider the options

Oh,what the heck
out slid the transparent plastic
slip it underneath n
let the water pour
out your blue snout

Sigh! my heart relaxed..
You were not mad at me..

:) yep, its a bit quirky, but i went with my hands, just letting them type out the words.. and well, decided not to meddle too much and to let it be... :)

[Writer's island] Over the horizon

2008-01-09T01:08:00.000-11:00

From the hammock in the balcony
i watched the sun take a peek
slwoly rising from behind the towering building
it made its way into the clear blue sky

I watched in wonder
amazed at this beauty
and wondered what was behind
the shimmering sun's rays

over the horizon
i knew new opportunities
unexplored ventures
waiting for me to open doors
and take a dive into this world

the sun's rays bathing my life
with its brightness
i watched this sight
in wonder.....

Aaarti (c) 9th Jan 08

Chills and thrills

2007-12-17T23:32:00.001-11:00

four seasons
we know em all
i was yet to see
what Winter felt like

living here in this warm land
i knew not what it was
to feel cold
to put on mittens and gloves

knew not what it was
to wear sweaters
to cuddle up in front of the fire....

.........
.........

and then it happened
was beautiful
little drops of ice
sitting pretty on the fence

sun,taking a peek
clouds, bright and white
cool air flowing through my hair
ah,i now knew it
i knew what winter was.

wish i could take you back
lock you up in a box
hide you in my closet
for me to savor everyday...

Aaarti (c) 18th Dec 07

Caferati - readmeet of sorts - 18th Nov

2007-11-20T21:45:00.000-11:00

Last Saturday we had our meet at Mocha, and this time it was not the usual write something on a topic, read it out, etc kinda readmeet.. it was filled with exercises that helped us go beyond our realm and look for words that would remain with us and help us change our writing styles..

here is one such exercise.. we were all teamed in 3's and given a sentence and had to build a story.. something we've done in schoool or college.. where one person would write a sentence, fold the paper,pass it on and so on.. finally the complete story is read out and trust me, it cant get any hilarious...wacko.. crazyyy ;)

Writers : Lavanya, Sharanya, Aaarti
The sentence given to begin with - 'There is never enough sugar in Mocha'

'There is never enough sugar in Mocha', said Shilpi, as she licked the spoon dark with chocolate that dripped down to her cleavage and mingled with the sweat in her valley, like a river of mud.

Shilpi had recently been in a TV commercial purportedly for shampoo, the highlight of which was a close-up on said bounteous bosoms with the glowing words 'Volume Boost' emblazoned across them. She put the
spoon down and sighed.

Staring at the TV, she could feel her eyes water and mouth go dry. She longed for a Paneer Frankie and a cold coffee.

'Waiter', she called, and a tall man in a hat and handlebar moustache appeared, hiding a conspicuous bulge in his too-tight red silk pants, with a little teacup with floral engravings along the edge.

'I'm coming, ma'am, I'm coming', he said, a little too enthusiastically. 'give me some sugar', she said. The bulbous waiter nearly fell over, composed himself, then scuttled away again.

She waited and waited, grew tired, and just got off the seat, marched into the kitchen, taking the waiter by his collar and stared him down.

'I knew you would come here', the waiter said, his name tag - Senthilnathan Anbazhagan - gleaming menacingly in the harsh glow of the lone kitchen bulb.

'Oh really?', she replied dismissively, 'Did your horoscope tell you that? Your parrot astrology?" And with that, she stood up and swayed off, swishing her hair. .... ;o)

Tunes of the wind...

2007-10-31T03:58:00.000-11:00

Trees dancing wildly
to the tunes of the wind
People running helter skelter
to the force of the breeze

Water gushing forth
keeping pace with the pouring rain
Roads flooded to the brim
keeping up with water flowing down

Rains, pouring down on earth
with a vengence
Floods, racing down the streets
with a purpose

Life, it comes to a stand still
no way out
Fear and danger
looming dark on everyone's mind

Thunder so loud,
roaring through the skies
lightening so sharp and bright
piercing through the night sky

oh,rain... wont you calm down
oh,clouds, wont you settle down
please oh,please
rain rain..
please ease up wont you....

Aaarti (c) 31st Oct 07

Brewing liquid....

2007-10-13T20:39:00.000-11:00

Yet another poem that i wrote for the Read-meet we had on 13th Oct at Mocha... the theme was Rain or beverage... one could either write on them individually or combine em as well. since my brain cells were a bit dried up , these were what i came up with.... :)

new day has dawned
sleep beckons
as i toss and turn
the aroma,
levitating me from the bed

senses, working overtime
following the trail
walking, as if in a daze
all i know now
is i need that brewing liquid
to jostle me from this
sweet sleep...

Aaarti (c)12th Oct

Rain rain, dont go away.....

2007-10-13T20:34:00.000-11:00

as i walk along this lonely road
deep in the middle of the night
in the distance i see a light
a blink after another
and a gentle roar
look up at the sky
and plop,falls a raindrop in my face

sweet and gentle
tasting sweet as honey
clouds i see are crying
in happiness or sorrow i wonder
rain, oh,how i love those little drops
making me wanna dance
rejoice right there
in the midlde of the road

gentle rain
making the flower bloom
and soil green and happy
dont go away, stay here forever
look up at the sky
i plead with the One up above

rain rain
never go away....

Aaart (c) 12th oct 07 @ 6.35pm

On that rainy day~!!

2007-10-13T20:33:00.001-11:00

Sky looking so forlorn
Clouds gathering close
Looks like a new world coming alive
On that rainy day

Trying to catch the sun
There is no way my eyes can penetrate
I try to see through the clouds
On that rainy day

Oh,how i love the rain
Laughter and joy fill my mind
This is what a rainy day can do
On that rainy day

Sun slowly shines through the sky
A brand new day i see coming along
the Sun spreading brightness and light
On that rainy day

Oh,how i love the rain
Laughter and joy fill my mind
This is what a rainy day can do
On that rainy day

Aaarti (c) 13th oct

Butterfly....

2007-09-22T20:12:00.000-11:00

Sitting atop that pretty flower
i saw your wings glisten in the sunlight
colorful and light you flitted about
worries i am sure u had none at all

Going about your day like you normally do
filled with courage to make it in this world
Delicate and gentle are your wings
your life i am sure is free as it can be

butterfly, butterfly, i wish i was you
living through each day as if it were new
Loving and caring my smiles filling the air
what a joy it would be if i were so free

i wish i was you
i wish......

Aaarti (c) 22nd Sep

Some more quotes...

2007-08-18T22:30:00.000-11:00

All words are pegs to hang ideas on. ~ Henry Ward Beecher

It took me fifteen years to discover that I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous.~ Robert Benchley

The beautiful part of writing is that you don't have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon.~ Robert Cromier

I love being a writer. What I can't stand is the paperwork.~ Peter De Vries

You don't write because you want to say something' you write because you've got something to say.~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

Writing is the hardest way of earning a living with the possible exception of wrestling alligators.
~ William Saroyan

The wastepaper basket is the writer's best friend.
~ Isaac B. Singer

Quotes about writing.. interesting...

2007-07-28T07:02:00.000-11:00

Some cool quotes on writing that i came across..

The reason one writes isn't the fact he wants to say something. He writes because he has something to say. F. Scott Fitzgerald

Forget all the rules. Forget about being published. Write for yourself and celebrate writing. Melinda Haynes

My purpose is to entertain myself first and other people secondly. John D. MacDonald

Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else. Gloria Steinem

If the doctor told me I had six minutes to live, I'd type a little faster. Isaac Asimov

Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way. E. L. Doctorow

A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing. Eugene Ionesco

All the words I use in my stories can be found in the dictionary - it's just a matter of arranging them into the right sentences. Somerset Maugham

Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up. Jane Yolen

If you read good books, when you write, good books will come out of you. Natalie Goldberg

Moving around is good for creativity: the next line of dialogue that you desperately need may well be waiting in the back of the refrigerator or half a mile along your favorite walk. Will Shetterly

If you think that something small cannot make a difference, try going to sleep with a mosquito in the room. Anonymous

Every bush can burn if you fire it with your imagination.
Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

A good many young writers make the mistake of enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope, big enough for the manuscript to come back in. This is too much of a temptation to the editor. Ring Lardner

Silence 1

2007-05-17T23:52:00.000-11:00

Close your eyes, relax.
Listen to the sound of silence
Tranquillity, calmness
Allow your heart to savor the beauty of silence.

Leaves rustle in the garden.
Butterflies gently flutter.
Bumble bees buzz upon the flower
Listen to the sound of silence

No words no sound
No happiness no sorrow
Speaks no words,
quietly felt by the heart and soul
Listen to the sound of silence....

Aaarti (c) 17th may

Silence 2

2007-05-17T23:51:00.000-11:00

Sitting in a crowded room
Filled with people and music
hear nothing
silence

Surrounded by friends
filled with warmth and love
feel nothing
silence

Trudging through life
filled with ups and downs
realise nothing
silence

Aaart (c) 18th may 07

Life's journey

2007-04-18T19:38:00.000-11:00

My journey of life begun
That fateful Sunday morn
My eyes opened to see this world
My soul,and heart emerged alive
lo,behold my journey had begun!

That little child with time has grown
Yes! Time sure has flown
A lot has been learnt,mostly on my own....

With ups and downs
With tears and laughter
With stupidity and wisdom
With friends and ove
I have found a means of celebration
That will one day lead me to my destination

Tick tock, the clock ticks away
Minute by minute,hours fly
Tick tock, flows my journey
I have searched, questioned and found some answers

But I am still on this journey
My passion for life which was once raw
Tuned over the years as i trudged along
Know now, life's journey, it never never ends
For every end, is a new beginning

Aaarti (c) 19th April 07

Life .......

2007-03-08T22:09:00.000-11:00

Years have flown by
many miles covered
Goals,i see not very far
waiting to be reached.

Every little step i take
filled with choices and decisions
twist and turn my life
taking me closer to my dream.

Challenges and hurdles
Cropping out of nowhere
throwing me off balance
teaching me conviction

wonder how much further
i gotta walk, to reach
that post i long for
"hope","aspiration" are all i have along ..

Aaarti @ 4th march 2007

new age rhymess..

2007-03-04T00:42:00.002-11:00

Twinkle Twinkle Little star
How i wonder what you are,
Wont you come down from afar
We can go for a ride in my daddy's car

Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Shining bright in my eye
Oh,how i wish i could fly

Twinkle Twinkle Little star
Twinkling in the sky so far
Sweet like a candy bar
At night,watching over us,you are~!!
==========================================
Pat a cake, Pat a cake, baker's man
Bake me a cake and one for Anne
Pat it and prick it and mark it with a 'B',
We shall enjoy it sitting under the tree

Pat a cake, Pat a cake, baker's man
Pack it for me right from the pan,
Fill it with chocolate and nuts will you
Savour and enjoy it we shall do
===========================================
Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns!
Eat them in winter
Eat them in spring
One a penny,two a penny
Hot cross buns!

If you have no brothers
If you have no sisters
Share them with your friends
One a penny,two a penny
Hot cross buns!

Share some with your mother
Share some with your father
Give some to your neighbour
One a penny,two a penny
Hot cross buns!
===============================
Three blind mice,
They run up and down the slippery stairs
Skating on thin ice,
Under the table,around the chairs

Three blind mice,
See how they run
Tripping over the pot of rice
Digging their way through the bun

Three blind mice,
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
Three blind mice
All being chased around with a knife...
===============================

Aaarti (c) March 2nd,3rd,4th@ 2007

no more

2006-12-20T18:50:00.001-11:00

Tall,dark and beautiful
sweet like the verses of Keats
lined along the streets
my heart,it feels a pull

1,2,3
I count no more
numbers i know galore
this is as far my eyes can see

Cut, fallen or dead
leaving behind not a single trace
streets ,lost and empty,without a face
along the street, i slowly tread

flats, office, multiplexes
coming up around every nook and corner
at home,as if i were a foreigner
simple life, why do we make it so complex?

Aaarti (c) 19/12/06

Ella and her haven ...

2006-12-10T00:05:00.000-11:00

The minute you walk into her room, you can smell the pot pourri in that beautiful blue vase sitting in the window bay, and a candle leaning against with the wax dripping down the side. Her room was on the top floor and had a slanted roof on one side that had a huge window letting the sun right through.

The other walls were bright and vibrant with colours and pictures adorned on them; most of them were of her friends and family. The beds was pushed against the window so she could look out and see the dew drops on the leaves and birds chirping about in the morning. Her mother had always enjoyed early mornings and would come wake Ella up at 6am just so they could cuddle and sit on the window seat and look at the morning sky, and share a cup of coffee.

It had now been two months since her mother passed away, Ella found it hard being home without her around and so she would walk around the block, or hang around the mall till the sunset. She spent the rest of the time cooped up in her room, having make believe conversations with her mom, sharing her day with her, asking for advice about boys. Because of this, the only time she had left to study was at night, once dinner was done and she had bid her dad good night. Time would go by and she would be at her desk trying to study, struggling to complete the Math assignment and the Computer record when tears would bite her eyes; she would end up picking up a cushion with her mom’s photo on it and snuggling it as she let the tears flow.

She knew she had to get a hold of herself and not let the grief wear her down, gritting her teeth, grabbing the bottle of water, she got back to her desk to slave for a couple of more hours just so she can pass and make her dreams of becoming an architect come alive.

Aaarti .. from RR

Anything For you Ma'am - Tushar Raheja

2006-11-21T22:47:00.000-11:00

Anything But this please..

The last time I was in Landmark, I saw this movie in the latest release list and it had also been received well in The Hindu and so not wanting to buy the book (for no reason but just that I don’t have space at home to store it), I checked with my Lending library, and lucky for me, they had not one but two copies. I promptly brought one home with me and plopped on the bed all set to read it.

The 1st page “before in begin…” was quiet interesting to read, and so I had very high hopes for the rest of the book. And so flipping through the next couple of pages, I finally got to the beginning of what seemed to be a never ending saga of how Tushar plans, plots, schemes, lies to make it to Chennai to meet his sweetheart who unfortunately cant come to Delhi thanks to a wedding in the family. The one thing that the reader neednt worry about is getting lost among all the names dropped here and there, cos the author has made sure to dedicate a couple of paras for each of them, this covers his friends, professors, family, his never ending line of sisters and ofcourse his hostel buddies and fellow IIT’ians.

The way he keeps talking about how the Weather is Great, The Month is great makes us wonder what’s with the superlatives sprinkled all over and another not so great thing about the book is the beyond vivid imagination that tends to go off on a Tangent far too many times and we kinda lose track of the book and the main story that he is trying to complete.

Some of the reasons why you should read this book:

Ø Vivid descriptions of the weather, you will find this almost through the book.

Ø Description of the love-interest of the writer makes one fall in love with her.

Ø Book is cheap; so even if you did buy it, its just Rs100

Some of the “stay away” reasons are:

Ø It’s all about IIT, IIT’ians, Professors, and more IIT’ians.

Ø It’s more like a journal rather than a novel.

Ø As I mentioned earlier, the amount of coincidences is far too many, makes the book seem like its all just been made up, cooked up.

The book is a good time pass read I would say, but it is too long and the amount of coincidences you come across make your head swim and wonder what the hell is the author trying to do to the reader? Baffle them, Surprise them or jus Kill them … another question that popped in my head was, why does the cover of the book say “An IIT’ians love story”? Are IIT’ians supposed to be Demi-Gods or is it just a way to try to increase the sales of the book or trying to lure people into reading it by putting it on the same shelf as the others by Chetan Bhagat?

Anyways, for all those of you who don’t mind reading about “A” guy’s narration of how he wanted to meet the love of his life, please do read this book and for those looking for something more than just a Journal, my request is stay away from this book…

Aaarti © 22/11/06

What Time Of Day Are You?

2006-09-17T04:21:00.000-11:00

What Time Of Day Are You?

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.

You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward.

Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.

All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

Othello ...

2006-08-12T04:52:00.000-11:00

Something exciting happened with me a couple of days back and wanted to share with you all--

Had been to watch Othello[by Can&Abel,from Delhi,which was part of the MetroPlus theater festival happening here in Chennai] on Sunday,14th Aug, with mom, and they announced a contest saying whoever writes the most interesting Review and sms's it before midnight gets a chance to win Rs1000 from Airtel...

So i got home and got down to penning something interesting and yet that which summarised the play and my take on the same...

Here is what i wrote and Guess what..I WON..yipeee!!! hahahaha ...

Wrath,passion & wit
Grace,jealousy & compassion
alive they came tonight
actor & director in tow

"Othello with a twist",is
how i'd describe it
am sure with me
Shakespeare would agree

An evening of fun
where time flew by in a whizz
"Encore" i wanted to scream
for i know, this is as good as it gets ;o)

Aaarti (c) 6th Aug 10.30pm

Why I love writing ~ !!

2006-07-24T20:52:00.000-11:00

The minute my fingers touch the keyboard or the pen, I can feel my mind becoming free and words flowing out from God knows where and they make me smile, for I know a piece of me is what is pouring out and this is way of sharing what is going on inside me with the outside world.

I have never thought of writing as a profession, to me it always came in handy whenever I sat to write letters, emails .Not until a year ago, did I discover that I could also write other stuff – like poetry and short stories.

Just to take an idea or a thought and to give it a meaning and make it sound nice and sweet, add a touch of emotions is what makes it so amazing and different from other art forms.. Words have so much in them, one can word can make a world of difference to a simple sentence, can make or break a relationship; can make you cry, laugh, drive you nuts or jus leave you lost and if the writing is good, it will leave you wanting more…

Poetry to me is very close to my heart, as it speaks volumes about me and what I go through inside. There may be times when I cant share the joy or turmoil within me, but poems help me express and release them. Prose is all about letting my imagination go wild and jus collecting those thoughts and putting them together.

Its like walking through a park or a garden where you come across some beautiful plants, couple of cacti, colourful butterflies, fragrance from all the blooming flowers and at the end of the trip you have stolen a little bit of everything with you. That is what makes prose so distinct and at times I must say difficult too. Cos the words need to have a lot of emotion and it must cut across as if you have been through it all, that leaves you with long lasting memory. Take an idea and build on it, just keep going till I cant write no more, with a touch of humour, that’s my style.

E-Mails are another means of sharing all that has been happening with me and know the person at the end is going to enjoy reading it and will be in touch with me no matter how far we are…. Most of the time the long ones are written to near and dear ones to keep them abreast of all happenings in my life, make sure they don’t miss out on happy and sad occasions, with a couple of smileys, colours to brighten it up, of course

There is this one piece that I have written which is a Conversation between a woman (home-maker) and God himself, which left me dazed that I too could write something as witty and rib tickling as that….Now, who is that who asked me why I love writing?….

I can’t stop now…look at how am going on and on and on………………………… :)

Boss

2006-06-16T18:05:00.001-11:00

I thought about you earlier today
flashes of memory haunting me.
I see your face when i look outside
hiding behind that giant tree.

I often find my self,
calling your name,
I so wish you were here
every time we play that game.

You’ve helped my through some rough
times, Lord, knows you were always there.
I used to think you look so smart,
the way you’d sit and stare.

You’d always lend a thoughtful ear,
a problem you’d never miss. And I miss
the way, on my cheek you’d lay
a little doggy kiss.

I know you’re gone for good now, though
it is hard for me to see. That you won’t
come when I call your name, it will always
be just me.

I know you didn’t leave me empty handed,
you left me a part of you. And, I will always
remember how much you loved me, and the
thoughtful things you’d do.

It is hard for me,
Yes it is,
It is hard for me to say
goodbye, so rest in peace, my Boss.

Aaarti @16th June @ 1am

WRitten in memory of my sweet angel, Boss, lived 10good years with us and went up to Heaven!!!Lvoe u girl!!!

The playground

2006-06-16T18:03:00.000-11:00

Words and emotions
playing with my mind,
moods,
like a see-saw,
rocking my world.

Nights and days
make no difference,for
thoughts of you,
like a merry-go round,
linger on and on.

Fantasy and reality
taking me through smiles and tears
soul of mine,
swings to and fro
a little high and then low.

Searching and groping
wading through deep pools
trying to find myself,
slipping and sliding
i tumble on .............

Aaarti @ 21st May @10.38pm

New beginnnings

2006-03-03T22:34:00.000-11:00

Clouds
smile down on me
as they sail along
up in the clear sky.
wonder
if they know
what i've just heard
am so happy
i wanna scream
and shout.
spirits soaring high
like waves in the ocean
heart racing
smile tugging at my lips.
can't contain
keep it in any longer
am ecstatic
beaming in joy.
this is the day..
she entered my world
There she lies
tiny and pink
wanna hold her
scared she'll
slip
lay her on my lap
whisper
sweet words
"Honey,look at me "
your mine
my one and only...
:)

Aarti @ 3/3/05

Just me

2006-03-03T22:33:00.001-11:00

I'm just one person
That's who i call "Me"

Sure there are people all around
Some walk by
Some even pass me by
Not a glance
Dont even want to give me a chance

Time goes by
Friends come along
Some Give while others just Take
Footprints they leave behind
in my heart, in my life
Some i cherish while some i try to forget

I'm happy, i'm content
Spending time with myself
No grudges
No harsh words
will come this way
This is all i need to keep things at bay

At the end of the day
as i look around
there is no one but ME
never will i lose this friend
That's just the way it is meant to be !~

Aarti @ 27/2/05

call ..........

2006-03-03T22:33:00.000-11:00

Its early
Clock flashes 6.10 AM
I turn to my side
With eyes half open
Hunt for the phone
Yea the cellphone!

Unlock the keypad
Locate his number
Hmm,am so excited
I wanna call him
Should i?Can i?
What if he's sleeping?

I dial the number
Wait for it to ring
Just about ready to hang up
But Freeze at the soft whisper
"Hi Sweetheart" He says
Ah!My heart melts

"Hey Honey" I answer
"Good Morning"..."Wakey Wakey"
I can feel him smile
Hear him sigh
"Am so sleepy" he says
Wish we could snuggle
And go back to bed

Alas!!Thats not possible
He is there
and i am here
Too many miles apart
Its not as easy as that
All we can do is dream
in our dreams we become One!!

Is this what i want?
For i know there can never be an "US"
Even though i promise you "My Love"
Thats all there ever will be
Just mere words dangling in air
Friends we will remain
Soulmates is what you call it

Thank you for coming into my life
For being so sweet and caring
Sms me ,call me,mail me
Just dont ever go away!!
That sure would break me

Aarti @ 25/2/05

Strings

2006-03-03T22:32:00.001-11:00

I Swing I Dance
You'll love me at very first glance
Will want to have me
For one and all to see

I am very colorful and bright
Warm smiles I sure come without invite
I am made in different shapes
Will bring you nothing but praise

I tingle
I jingle
As the wind brushes me
i look ready to flee

Hanging from such a height
Like a bird on a flight
Swinging and swaying
Music is what i am playing

I am an ideal gift
No need to be thrift
Can never depress
Maybe that's why some call me priceless

Got any clues
Who I am
Lemme know

ans... Chiimes

Aarti @ 2/3/05

Temptation

2006-03-03T22:32:00.000-11:00

Dark and Tempting
Sweet or Bitter
Craving and Longing
Pure delight
Makes u go-Hmmmmm

Can never resist
Always losing control
Some say- Divine
Others say - Romantic
Take your pick!

Eyes gleaming
Lips smacking
Feeling like a kid
Ready to give up all
Making you,Oh so selfish

Control an urge
Resolve a fight
This is all you need
Trust me ,it isnt a sin
Just a taste

Be it Kisses
Knows no Bounty
Ride like a Safari
All in all
Makes you feel like not one but a Five Star...

Yummy isn't it:)
That teeny piece of chocolate
;)

Aarti @ 7/3/05

Gift- NEw life

2006-03-03T22:31:00.001-11:00

New Life

Plastic moulded chairs
Yellow,Blue and Green
Neatly lined against the pale blue walls
Air filled with tension
Anxiety written on our faces
Holding hands,Heart beating faster
Speaking in hushed whispers

She enters the room
Her feet snuggled in tiny blue shoes
Leaving behind the one who held her
The only one she knows
All the love and caring she is familiar with
Turning her attention
To those two souls standing afar

Fear fills her eyes
Her feet refusing to budge
She looks up at them
The lady extends her hands
With a broad smile on her face
"Come over here, Honey!" she cooes
He beckons with a soft smile

Off i go to their home
Looking forward to a beautiful life
A Mother and a Father i have longed for
A sister who i shall idolise
This is the Best Gift
My Mom and Dad,i say to myself
Loving the way those words
Rolled off my tongue

Aarti @ 23/3/05

Chosen path

2006-03-03T22:31:00.000-11:00

Twists and turns
Curves and Swerves
winding
like the mountain;
Around the bend
a surprise
a mystery.

Traditions,
Principles
Restraining
Controling the soul;
Temptations,
Aches
Surpassing
Breaking barriers deep within

Emotions
Running amock
Gushing
like a
Waterfall

Droplets
Slipping away
Unlocking
the Heart
Breaking the rules
Free at last
Free,Oh free!
Ah!
Freedom never felt so good....

Aarti @ 19/3/05 :)

Release me.........

2006-03-03T22:30:00.000-11:00

Release me
From this bind that is
Rigid and Stiff.
Turmoil and Grief
I am left with.

Release me
From your heart filled with
Doubts and accusations.
Words and questions
Tearing me apart.

Release me
From this pain of,
Hurt and despair.
Sorrow and tears
Taking over my life.

Release me
From this world,that belongs to
Anger and Grudges.
Failure and Fears
Are my only treasures.

Release me
Release me.......

Aarti @ 20/4/05

See-saw

2006-03-03T22:29:00.000-11:00

I am ready
To take it in my sride
The Changes
The Transformation

Be it
In me or
Things around
Now,Today or 'Morrow

Surprises
Pain and Hurt
Longing to learn
Yearning to grow

I embrace them all
Accomodative i have become
Bending over too much at times
Giving in just seems easier

Like a see-saw
Going up and down
Turbulence and turmoil
Seem to rip me apart

When will i know?
Do i have to wait long?
For I know
I've Changed- and
It doesn't matter anymore...

Aarti @ 30/3/05

More about me...

2005-09-11T02:13:00.000-11:00

Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant.
Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.
In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do.
You are unique, creative, and expressive.
You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.
And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Gone are the days~!

2005-09-11T02:07:00.000-11:00

Gone are the days
when time stood still,
when days moved slow.
staring into space,eyes
searching and probing...

Gone are the days
when control was my slave,
when desires were hidden away.
encompass them all,mind
joyful and ecstatic.

Gone are the days
when my mind was blank,
when my heart knew its place.
embrace the transformation,heart
happy and content.

Gone are the days
Making way for tomorrow,
for New beginnings..........

Aarti@11/9/05

This is me!!!!

2005-09-11T01:52:00.000-11:00

Your Birthdate: September 4

Being born on the 4th day of the month should help make you a better manager and organizer.
You may be more responsible and self-disciplined than you realize.
Sincere and honest, you are a serious and hard working individual. Your feelings are likely to seem somewhat repressed at times.
The number 4 has something of an inhibiting effect on your ability to show and express affections, as feeling are very closely regulated and controlled.
You are apt to be much more practical, rational, and conscious of details.
There is a good deal of rigidity and stubbornness associated with the number 4.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Talent? hidden?? me??u sure!!! :)

2005-09-11T01:51:00.000-11:00

Your Hidden Talent

You are a great communicator. You have a real way with words.
You're never at a loss to explain what you mean or how you feel.
People find it easy to empathize with you, no matter what your situation.
When you're up, you make everyone happy. But when you're down, everyone suffers.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

Am i a Virgo??

2005-09-11T01:49:00.000-11:00

You are 87% Virgo

How much do you match your zodiac sign?

"Secret" - my 1st ever poem

2005-08-25T01:54:00.000-11:00

Here is something my mind made up after a long crazy day..and yea,it rhymes tooo:)Sounds ok to me..lemme know ur take on it...

"Secret"

I've created a new word
It's fun and yup,it's free
A four lettered wonder
As you will see

This one single syllable
Will change your whole life
Make you very popular
Get you a new wife(couldnt think of anything else that rhymed with life..hehehe)

It's funny, it's wonderful
You'll never look back
This one, single word
Will give you the one thing you lack

So now, it's time to reveal it
Ready or not
Here it is.......

Oh Shucks... I forgot! :)

Aarti@ 28/1/05

If Only...........

2005-08-24T03:29:00.000-11:00

If only these walls could talk,
you would hear
the unspoken words.
If only these walls could hear,
you would see
the unshed tears.
If only these walls could reach out,
you would feel
the unshared thoughts.

If only these walls could talk,
they would console me
and say "it'll be alright".
If only these walls could hear,
they would wipe away my tears
and put to rest my fears.
If only these walls could reach out
they would hold my hand
and give me comfort.

If only these walls could .......

Aarti @ 24/8/05

I give up~!!

2005-08-10T22:10:00.000-11:00

Alphabets,words and images
they play around in my head
day after day
waiting for me, to
take hold and string them up,
make some sense.

! , . " ; ?
swimming in front of my eyes
minute after minute
waiting for me,to
place them in the right spot,
dressing up the words.

tears,laughter,joy and despair
feels like am on a rollercoaster
one after another
waiting for me, to
give a mood to the neatly strung words,
adding rhythm and flow.

meter,rhyme,forms
options,that never seem to end
time after time
waiting for me, to
adhere to rules set by "God knows who",
I am just about ready to give up!! ;)

Aarti @ 11/8/05

Butterflies

2005-08-07T18:35:00.000-11:00

Butterflies
"My heart,picks up pace
My mind , starts to freeze
My hands, start to tremble
Wonder what is happening to me!

Feel like I'm losing control
I'm nervous, inside and out
What is this i am feeling?
Wonder who will know the answer!

These butterflies, inside of me
Keep fluttering, all day and night
I thought i chased them away
Wonder when they will disappear!

My life, i see it changing
For it is no longer Mine
My heart it moves so free
Flutter, and float like the butterflies.

Aarti @ 4/8/05

Gathering of Minds over Muses

2005-08-07T03:36:00.000-11:00

Gathering of Minds over Muses

On June 11^th, the details for the 4^th Read meet had been finalized and all left Avinash Subramanian’s residence with a smile and thoughtful look, wondering what to write on the topic chosen by Harish Vittal “Freedom”, he said “lets have this theme cos Independence Day is around the corner”, although it was a couple of streets away and incidentally he couldn’t make it, was held up in Blore…

The weeks wore on and a month had passed and we had yet to finalize the venue for the Read meet, the only venue that all of us thought would be perfect was Amethyst and as luck would have it, it was at their premises that we held our 4^th Read meet on July 30^th.

Yet another Saturday dawned as usual, although for me, the Sun rose around 12noon(will come around to why in a bit). I was all keyed up and ready for the meet, when I received a call from Anurag Mathur, greeting me” Good morning Aartz”, No!No! You dint read it wrong, he did say that because I was working night shifts and wake up around noon..He mentioned that he was going to be at the venue by 3pm to help out Prasad G I(Caferati’s Moderator-Coordinator) .A couple of minutes later, I got a message from Avinash saying Amethyst is awesome, and that he was there enjoying the place, relishing an apple pie. In-between all this, I got a couple of calls and messages from Avishek Aiyar, asking for directions, but he was unable to make it as he was leaving the country 31^st night..

At around 4pm, I took print outs of my contributions, a story sent in by my cousin and some others, remembered to carry the Visitors Book (a tradition, we had begun at the previous meet) and reached Amethyst at 5mins to 5pm, when the Caferati’s banner caught my eye and I made my way to the Hall upstairs, which was the venue. A nice, big spacious Hall that opened out to the balcony and sit out, chairs neatly arranged on one side of the room, making it look like a grand ball room with plenty of lights and cool air from outside.

Spotted Prasad and Avinash, huddled over the music system trying to get it working. Could sneak a peak at Anurag who was out in the balcony, with a lady in an orange kurta wandering about, I discovered it was Ananya Majumdar, who had driven down from Pondicherry (it was good meeting her, and we were glad she made the trip inspite of the fact that she left the same evening back to Pondy). Got back into the Hall, discussing with the guys about what was planned for the evening with Mirchi playing in the background, when Sivakami walked in (she is truly a veteran, has been writing poetry for over 30yrs and many of her poems have been published). This is when Avinash releases the packet of hot kesari (a sweet made using sooji) that he had picked up at Saravana Bhavan, suffice to say the evening began on a sweet note.. After a couple of minutes this gentleman with a kinda lost look on his face strolled in sipping tea(I guess), this was N Madhavan,he’s been in the writing and publishing profession for over 20years, he is a Tamilian living in Bangalore. He told us later that he had heard Tamil movie songs playing and wasn’t sure if this was the Readmeet venue.

Time wore on, and Glory, AnuradhaVijayakrishnan and Prasad (yes, yet another Prasad) walked in,and soon the number grew from 7 to a final count of 14 with Siva K G walking in just as the meet began..As the clock struck 5.30pm ,we decided to start off ,with Prasad GI presiding over the evening.

With no further delay, the poets began reading their poems J Started off with Avinash, who had written what Sivakami called a”Poster Poem”, followed by Me, Aarti- I read out my “what more could I ask for?” poem and later on read this short story sent in by my cousin in Blore, Lalitha Murali called”Eternal Freedom”. The next in line was Anurag (well, let me just tell you that we dint intend on it being in Alphabetical order, it just so happened that the order in which we had submitted our contributions coincided with this), he read out his beautiful poetry on freedom called “the call of the free”, which was followed by a mini discussion on the poem and how it talks about Freedom from a bird’s point of view and how well he had captured the essence..

Vinay Virwani ,then read out his piece “In search of Reality- moksha”,he said he wrote this on his way back from Pondy and it was all about how we go in search of something when it is probably right in front of us or something we need not put in too much effort to attain, was very interesting and fun. All eyes turned to Ananya as she read out her Letter to Dad,which was truly a heart felt piece that brought back memories of childhood and the transformation that takes place when a child grows up, she had earlier written a letter to her mom,upon reading that,her father had said he was mad at her which was the inspiration for this letter.

We then turned towards Sivakami who read out 2 beautiful poems,written in her true style, that summarized Freedom so well,one of it even had Napoleon in it, no jokes.. Anuradha,in her soft voice read out her piece aptly titled Sleep,and when asked what inspired her to write that piece, she very humbly said” I just write what I feel at that moment” and quoted Robert Frost- two people know the meaning of my poem, God and me and now only God knows!!!That brought on a string of laughter, and some more puns- Madhavan came up with this one “Journalist is literature that doesn’t last and literature is journalism that lasts”…

Seeta Bodke, a silent participant, who had come with a friend Akshaya,read out her story called “the choice that wasn’t” ,an incident related by a friend of hers, that gave yet another dimension to the word Freedom. Siva KG read out his piece that was untitled, which was about different generations, change in times and struggles in a South Indian family, paying much attention to details such as the battle between the thumb and the Remote control, the vengaya sambar and potato curry on a Sunday morning, someone commented that it was a piece that Rahul Bose must hear, he would lap it up, although Siva felt he had hurried a bit at the end and he had intended on writing a long story.

We all then turned our focus to Madhavan and asked him to read some of the verses he had brought along, one was called “Tambrahm’s blues”, a typical saga about Tamil Brahmins, rib tickling and something we could all relate to. And another piece was called “tabu- 9/11), this was a superb mix of Tabu in Chandni Bar and the 9/11 incident, that was deep and was obvious he had put in a lot of thought into it.

Once all those present had read out their submissions, we moved on to those who were missing, or rather couldn’t make it – Read out Avishek’s “She” and Anupam Shah ’s “The Quest”, not to forget the amazing story sent in by Max Babi, which was the 1^st part of a trilogy – Ronnie Strides in, that made us all chuckle and reminisce about that one person we had in our class back in school who was not afraid of anyone and would dare to oppose. Before we parted, I read out a 1^st time attempt in writing poetry by a friend of mine, Animesh Bhatt, about being free.

It was about 7.30pm and a couple of them had already Bid Adieu, the remaining bunch of us chit chatted for a while and slowly made our way downstairs to the café where we bumped into Anuradha’s hubby and baby gal. Spent a couple of minutes talking about our work and what we do outside of writing and the gang split with a promise to meet at the next Readmeet.

Sigh!! Cant believe we are now 4 read meets old and Chennai sure seems to have many aspiring writers and publishers who are still so enthusiastic about writing, reviewing and participating in such forums..

Bid you all farewell !!Till we meet again!!!

Adios

Aarti @ 6/7/05

Empty Spaces

2005-07-24T00:35:00.000-11:00

In my mind,

If i go far enough

I can see

Empty spaces...

No wires or cables,

To cut across my thoughts.

No dug up roads with signboards,

Offer me directions and choices.

In my mind,

If i stay long enough

I can feel

The empty spaces...

No promises reverberate against ceilings.

No doors that keep closing.

Making me lose all hope in life.

In my mind

All i have, are

Empty spaces...

For,

I am not lost..............

Aarti @ 24/7/05

The Walk...

2005-07-22T18:27:00.000-11:00

Walking on the beach,
the wind brushing my face,
the waves seeming to be out of my reach,
the ocean breeze filled with grace,
the feel of the sand, on my feet,
tickling the toes,as mist from the ocean splashes on my face,
cool it feels, making me forget the heat,
Long for your embrace,
My destiny, i await to meet,
Wonder if this is the place?

My walk on the beach is almost complete, as i dust the sand off my feet,
I stop in my steps, to listen once more,
to hear the sound of the ocean on the shore.

Aarti @ 21/7/05

When we were...

2005-07-21T18:31:00.000-11:00

When we were young,
the world was so innocent.
when we were young,
the world was one big playground.
when we were young,
we thought we knew everything.
when we were young
it was OK to cry.

then something happened,
we grew up.
life was no longer about games and toys.
It was filled with school and everyday choices
Not to forget!!the quest -
finding that special person to spend your days with.

when we grow old,
the world becomes ugly,
when we grow old,
there is no more innocence.
when we grow old,
we come to realize we know nothing.

i still long for those days
when nothing mattered,
I dint have a care in the world

We were kings and
queens of the world then.
now what are we?

Just some thots that have been running thru my head as to how when we were kids,life seemed so easy and as we grow, we are weighed down by choices,decisions and every day seems too important!!

Aarti@21/7/05

A day in the life of the .............

2005-07-19T18:32:00.000-11:00

Every morning, that damned ritual begins
Struggling for life,for a piece of bread.Oh! what a plight?
Is this the price i pay, for committing those invisible sins!
As i head towards the tunnel, where there is no light
Staring at the blank walls,paint peeling off as if they were my skins
Alone and desolate,how many more battles do i got to fight?
Silence and loneliness, resounding from these bins,
Shooed away,as if i had the blight,
Strumming the strings of these broken violins
I Wait for Life,to clear my sight!!!

Aarti(c) 19/7/05

Marriage!!~

2005-07-14T23:43:00.000-11:00

This is what i came up with on the topic Marriage!!!

Make the down payment for the house
Buy a car
Furnish the house
Fill the cupboards
Is this what marriage is all about?

Waking up early
Slaving over the hot stove
Shopping and chores,keeping you on your toes
Is this what marriage is all about?

Always smiling and ready to please
Sleeping after bidding stars Good Night
Making sure ends meet
Is this what marriage is all about?

Two souls coming together
Wanting to spend their lifetime together
Loving and caring,putting up with ups and downs
Isnt this what marriage is all about?

Aarti @ 10/7/05

A woman's day is never done!!! :)

2005-07-11T00:02:00.001-11:00

A Woman’s day is never done…

Woman: Hello God! Yet another day has dawned and here I am once again in front of you.
Please make sure Gan gets to school on time
Please help Sol find his tie and not yell “Mel” asking for it
Oh and let there be power all day for I have soaked rice to make dough for
dosai, you know how Gail wont eat anything else for breakfast

God: Good Morning ,My dear!
Is there anything else you would like?

Woman: Yes Yes!! Good that you reminded me.
Just one more small favor.
Don’t let Mrs Naz call me ,she just wont hang up
And my maid, may she turn up for work and not complain about her drunk Husband
Also keep the saree wala away during my nap time
Oh! And make sure the postman doest not visit our flat till 5pm,for he will ring
the bell incessantly till I open the door to ha4nd me the junk mail

God: Oh!Ok Let me see what I can do?

Woman: Thank you, God!
By the way, could you also check and let me know if my husband has got the
raise he was expecting, ‘cos there is this beautiful maroon salwar set that I have
been eyeing at Shoppers Stop.
Also stay with Gan when he writes his computer exam and help him with all
those dots and dashes he is always struggling with
“Sniff! Sniff!”
Oh My God!I think my daal is on fire. What am I to do now? Anyways, just
make sure Sol doesn’t detect the burnt smell when he eats lunch

“Clock chimes Eleven!!”
Oh No! Its 11:00 clock, I had better run now, or I will never get lunch done and
packed by 11.45
Please God,just this one more favour,I promise it is my last. Can you make the
dabbawala come a few minutes late,say about 30mins..

“Tring! Tring! The phone rings”
Uff!! God, dint I ask you to make sure Mrs Naz doesn’t call, now I will have to
answer the call and she will go on and on for about half an hour. Tell me, how
am I to cook and get lunch done on time if she wont hangs up?
Better yet, burn her vegetables or go to Mrs Sun’s house and convince her to
call Mrs Naz, that way she will hang up fast.

God: Why don’t you just tell her your busy?

Woman: What!I cant do that! Then,she will know I don’t have a cook and will go around
gossiping about how we cant afford a help.
Anyways, can’t chit-chat any longer
I have to get back to the kitchen
And don’t You forget my prayers!

God: But…..But………………………

Aarti @ 8/7/05

Honey,you broke my leg!!!

2005-07-07T19:07:00.000-11:00

For a spot exercise we did at a poetry circle meet
... the sentence i got was " we went dancing last evening and i broke your leg"

A lil jive,a lil tango
grooving with the crowd

a day out,such a rare pleasure
no kids,no dog
a hassle free evening it sure was

a glass of red wine
a gentle kiss on the lips

what more could i ask for?

on this lovely saturday nite
lose myself,simply let go

till a moan resounded in my ears
Ouch!you cried
Honey!!You broke my leg

Aarti @ 6/7/05

the crow

2005-07-07T19:01:00.000-11:00

THE CROW by Aarti

Black and beautiful
dark and mysterious

Caw caw,he goes
waiting for some leftovers

Sitting on live wires
perched on window sills
shouts of cry when another is hurt
screams of joy when food is served

Call him a raven or a Crow
He is always gonna be just a Crow!!

Aarti

My Favourite Things!!

2005-07-03T20:40:00.000-11:00

My Favourite Things!!
Long lazy afternoons,over warm cup of tea
Girls night out and a Tom cruise movie,
Smell of new leather, feel of black silk saree,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Freshly baked donuts with hot chocolate sauce
Walking the dog,playing in the rain
Bike rides with wind beating on my face
These are a few of my favorite things.

Singing along with Bryan Adams
Train ride over Niligiri hills
Bunjee Jumping in New Zealand into gushing river down below
These are a few of my favorite things

Enjoying a long conversation,smiling into the phone
Day dreaming of walks in the beach and sand on my feet
Sleeping in late,or waking up to a good morning sms
These are a few of my favorite things

When the sun shines
When my soul soars
When i'm feeling high
I simply remember my favorite things
And then i just smile.........

Aarti @ 3/7/05

Free at last!!

2005-07-03T19:01:00.000-11:00

Free at last!!

Shia marched into her room, slammed the door shut and fell on the bed tossing the unfinished novel and her mobile on one side. She let her hair loose and threw the hair clip into the bowl that held her knick-knacks. The ceiling fan was on and she could see the blades going round and round in full speed, as if it were a reel of her life flashing before her.

"Oh God! Why am i feeling so low when i should be out painting the town red and partying non stop?"She groaned as she turned over grabbing the pillow by her side.

Her friend had called and invited her over to a beach party, but she had turned her down feigning a headache. Mia was surprised but let her be, although she did ask, "Are you ok,Shia?Do you want me to come over and stay with you?"

"No, I will be alright, just need some rest, guess last night was a bit too much","I'll see you tomorrow Mia" Shia had replied and hung up praying that Mia was bought that story.

Her thoughts began to wander to the day before, a terrible Saturday - The argument she had had with her Boss minutes after entering office, over a new project that Shia had felt was not feasible, and yet her boss wanted to take the risk; her car running out of petrol just as she had left her office, forcing her to walk it down to the nearest petrol bunk to buy some fuel and get back to the car; the sudden downpour that had drenched her to the skin, making the bright pink in her salwar suit run making her look like a sugar candy...It was almost like somebody had jinxed her.

The only bright thing about the day being she had managed to have a good time in the evening with her friends, with no mishaps. They had left in Mia's Qualis to The Coffee Shop to order some take away, and then driven down to the Multiplex for Bowling and watched Tom Cruise fight the aliens in War of the worlds. They had planned a sleep over party at Mia's posh apartment, a night filled with girl talk, lots of laughter and a couple of bottles of Beer.

There was a slight change in plans, thanks to "that" phone call that turned her world upside down. The call she had been looking for, the past two weeks. Even though she was overjoyed, she felt sad looking at her friends faces turn from excited to somber.

"Why did i answer the phone?” Why couldn’t my battery have run out of charge or something?” Shia tossed and turned on the bed.
"I would have enjoyed my last sleep over much more"," the others wouldn’t have suddenly become quiet and somber", She sighed.

Raising the Pillow over her head, she threw it high in the air and gave out a Whoop of Joy! She had got admitted into UCLA for her Masters, and her dreams were all coming true. Shia was looking forward to bidding adieu to her Job, and her Boss and flying out of here to create a life of her own. Free at last!!!

Aarti @ 3/7/05

India tomorrow!!!

2005-07-03T18:58:00.000-11:00

Caste and religious differences,a thing of the past
Schools and colleges, free from capitation and donation
Hands that once begged typing away on computers
Luscious greenery filling fresh air into lungs
War and terrorism all melted away with love
Cancer and AIDS,a disease unheard of
Tears of joy spreading as fast as the plague
No rich no poor, all on par
Borders broken,bring you and me closer
Now,that the country i wanna be in!!!

Aarti @ 29/6/05

Silence

2005-06-23T22:47:00.000-11:00

Loneliness
defeaning me
Thoughts left unshared
keeping me awake
as i lay on my bed
wondering,
where are you?
staring at the night sky
wishing upon every star
for the happiness
i know no more
pain and anguish,
all i feel,
hot tears
all i have left
to remind me
of You

Aarti@ 24/6/05

Will i ever??

2005-06-21T05:39:00.000-11:00

Are you hidden inside?
my mind,it wonders
Am i ever going to meet you?
my heart it races

Travelled from mountains afar
I make my way everyday
Hoping that "Today" will be the day
My search,it will soon come to an end.

How i wish i could make the sun
stay up longer.
How i wish i could muster
the courage to walk to your doorstep.

Collapse in a heap on the dried grass
Tears lay frozen on my cheeks
Blood oozing from the blisters on my feet
Tired and worn out, dejection setting in
..........
.......

Will i see you tomorrow?
Will you know i wait for you?
When will i see you?
Will i ever??

Aarti @ 22/6/05
Wrote this with Christina's world painting in my mind!!!

Slow down....

2005-06-20T04:51:00.000-11:00

dont stare at the clock
dont worry about tomorrow
let time stand still
till your vision is clear.

halt right there
catch your breath
and look around
see what your missing.

why are we always running?
is the destination slipping away?
worrying for nothing,we waste our time
slow down, you will see much more...

wanna be here,wanna be there
mind,it ceases to see
focus, you start to lose
reality,its lost to you.....

Aarti @ 20/6/05
Had a feeling that we were all racing against time and in the process missing out the simple nuances of life ..

what more could i ask for?

2005-06-19T23:58:00.000-11:00

Free as a bird
i wanna fly and roam the world
whisper to the stars filling in the night sky
say hello to the sun during the day
what more could i ask for?

Free as the wind
i wanna swish past the trees
brushing against the leaves in the trees
caressing the cheeks of the lone girl sitting on the park bench
what more could i ask for?

Free as the heart
i wanna beat day and night
pumping new life into the person holding me
evoking new emotions when another comes to meet me
what more could i ask for?

Free as the mind
i wanna wander the body
thinking and speaking what i feel
looking beyond the horizon far far away
what more could i ask for?

Aarti @ 20/6/05

Will i-Part II

2005-06-16T21:33:00.000-11:00

Will i
ever be the same person
i was,
Before i met you?

Will i
ever go back to how
i was,
Before you came into my life?

Will i
ever remember how my
life was,
Before i met you?

Will i
ever be so loving and caring
as i am
With you in my life?

Will i
ever be this strong,
as i have
Become with you around?

Will i
ever want or ache for more
as i would
If you were to leave me?

Will i ???
Will i ever??

Aarti @ 17/6/05

LOVE WORDS

2005-06-15T21:34:00.000-11:00

It's only ideas that I
remember,that
hound me,
day and night,
threatening
that they come to me only once,
And if not put on paper, will leave
and take with them
those lovely unused words.

I want to enjoy words like
they were a lovely
song,
but all i see are straining letters
filling up the pages
as i hope and
pray
that they end up like
a beautiful pearl necklace.

Would i be able to
summon those
evading words,
if i imagine
an audience such as thee...

Aarti @ 14/6/05

At times....

2005-06-15T21:32:00.000-11:00

At Times . . .

At times I want to say so many things..
At times I want to tell him how special he is..
At times I want to tell him I love him..
At times I want to kiss him, hug, caress him..
At times I want to show all my love on him..
At times I want to tell him how important he is..
At times I want to tell him I loved him as I never loved anyone before..
At times I want to say it out but I never had those guts to say him..
There was a fear of losing him, a fear what if he said no to me, a fear of ending the bound we share..
I wish I have said him all this because my silence took him away from me
At times I still wish I have said him all this
At times . . .

From 4-Minutes-Per-Day

a lot of

2005-06-15T21:31:00.000-11:00

A lot of pain
For
Something I have gained
Could I have gained without it?

A lot of hurt
For
A lifetime of joy
Is that what life is all about?

A lot of sorrow
For
Something I should not have done.
Will this give me what I’m looking for?

A lot of tears
For
something you did not deserve.
Is this the true meaning of love?

A lot of love, trust and honesty
For
A lifetime of togetherness
Now.. this is what I promise, this is ALL I want!!!!

Aarti @ 16/6/05

Speed

2005-06-15T21:30:00.000-11:00

Sounded like so much fun
Driving around in the sun.
So young and sweet
Always laughing and ready to greet.
Went off in her car
Not knowing death was not far.
Bid me farewell not so long ago
And now all i see is her blood flow.
Did not notice the truck ahead
Waving her hands she was instead.
Knew not today was her last day
May her soul rest,is all I Pray.

Gone in a moment from my life
Reality cutting through me like a knife.
No more will i see her
No more will i hear her.
Gone in a flash
Her life,it came to an end with a crash!!

Aarti @ 15/6/05

you mean so much to me

2005-06-14T21:33:00.000-11:00

You mean so much to me
And I just wanted you to know how much I care......
You have helped me to find a special outlook on life ,
And brought out the emotions i had been denied.
You have been there through good and bad times,
And helped me realise with you is where i belong.
You mean so much to me

I cant help but feel as though I owe you so much
I know i will need you for years to come.
And,
I will be there for you.
Where ever time may take us.
I want you to remember
How much you mean to me ..

Aarti@ 14/6/05

Auto ride in chennai

2005-06-10T09:28:00.000-11:00

Oh,talking about Auto's reminds me of what happened last nite(no,am not being self absorbed..heheheh) :):):):):):):):)

.. after i got into that auto outside of Anokhi,the driver instead of taking a right goes straight n suddenly decides he wants the turn that he missed ,so he braves a U turn and thud bang boom i hear a noise n crunching of tires.. only to notice a smart genteeelman has rammed his errrr ummm Bike into the auto's side butt...lol.. there is some haggling while my auto guy pushes the auto to park it bang outside The Park sheraton and goes offf.. leaving me wondering if maybe he wants me to get into the hotel and get him a beer or something else.. rapping my fingers against the auto rail i sit there and take in the wonderful scenery,all this within 2mins of saying bye to ANurag n Prads!!

Counted 2other autos parked outside, a car sitting near Amma nana store, a cop sipping gharama gharam chai at a tea stall and a lady in the car at the signal yakking away on the phone,hands flying in the air,wonder how she drives...must have been about 5mins or so and my man finally returns and says" madam,he was at fault, sorry abt this haan" and we get off from there and are riding down TTK road,nearing Lifestyle ka signal when he jus about manages to NOT bang into a nice shiny red Toyota innova,am busy oggling at the CAR(no cute guys in it tho,...tsk tsk..sad) n suddenly realise the car is about to fall on my lap ask the auto ka chauffer to slow down for which he says "nahin madam,onnum aagathu(nothing will happen),kavala pdatheenga(dont worry) and

Thats when i started praying ..realll hard!!! GOD,take me home in one piece.. for Anurag's auto narration was still fresh in my head.. zoooming along Nungambakkam high road,traffic at its peak as always,and our man decides to do some hi funda stuff by swerving between humara apna PTC bus and a couple of bikers(who are already swerving thru the traffic)... that was a funny sight i must say cos it looked like all the vehicles were going idhar udhar almos like they were creating a pattern that must have looked lovely from up above....if a plane was flying above ispahani that is!!! so we reach near Sangeetha n this guy is busy talking to the neibor autowala,like they were childhood friends not realising that madam is holding her life in her dear hands and jus abt hanging on to the auto....lol...

There is a lorry standing outside sangeetha and this guy says" these water lorries are such a pain,i zimply nod my head..only to notice that its a MILK van n not water lorry..." heave a sigh of relief cos i know we are on Chetpet bridge, near Sony world n home is not far off... trudging along in the bridge weaving thru the traffic with our man cursing this bridge for being narrow,cursing the car that he thot was going too slow,when it was him who was jus abt ready to kiss that car's butt all the time...

Only when i see my house in sight do i let go of the auto rail n grab my bags n make a dash out of the auto into the safe n secure gates...Phew!!! wat a ride.. and it took jus about 25mins...

One very shaken up and rattled A...ar......ti........
@ 15/6/05

Only for you!!

2005-06-08T22:38:00.000-11:00

You've allowed me to experience
something very hard to find
unconditional love that exists
in my body, soul, and mind.

"I have smiled in my life...
I have felt emotions in my life...
I have been enamoured in my life...
But what you have evoked in me...
is something I will treasure...
All my life... Thank You.... For being You...
You are exquisite!!"..... was all you said

I love the way you make me so Happy,
All i want is for you to be Happy
And the ways you show you care.
I just hope you know how much for you i care.

I love the way you say, "I Love You,"
And the way you're always there.

You are an amazing person
and without you I don't know where I'd be.
Just know this one thing,my love-
You hold a heart in your hands
Thats filled with love for you

Aarti 9/6/05

Lost Friend

2005-06-07T00:04:00.000-11:00

I see your smile
I hear your voice
I know your mind
For i am your friend

Sister, friend and colleague
Are roles i have dorned for you
Keeping you company
when you felt low and lost.

"My Best Friend",I called you
Time,it sure has taught me a lesson
The trust and faith I had in us
Shattered and broken in a few seconds

Do you know the pain you caused?
or Did you do it to not hurt me?
Was it an act of Selfishness?
or Was it because you care?

I see your smile, full of pretense
I hear your voice, filled with lies
I know your mind, filled with deceit
I still am your friend

No longer will i ever share
But, i will always care!!

Aarti @ 7/6/05

Sleepless nights

2005-06-07T00:02:00.000-11:00

Making its way into the sky
the moon it shines so bright
Stars aplenty, to keep it company
all through the long lonely night.

As i lay here on my bed
Wait and be patient,i have to learn
Thoughts of you surging through my head
Restless and sleepless ,i toss and turn.

These are the reasons I am so restless at night,
I think of ways I could show you I care,
Falling asleep,it has become such a fight
Into the darkness, i simply stare..

Aarti 7/6/05

Destiny

2005-05-30T19:04:00.001-11:00

The day you walked into my life,sleep walked out
The minute i fell in love with you, reality flew out the window
The moment i knew you were mine, life acquired a new meaning
The times when we fight, rationality takes a back seat

There are times when i know not what i say
Those are the times when i fear the future,but
There you are,the one i have been looking for!
This, i know is my Destiny!!

Aarti @ 31/5/05

what they are.

2005-05-30T19:04:00.000-11:00

Distance between us
Seemingly far
Mere numbers,
is what they are.

Towns and cities
keeping us apart
Mere names,
is what they are.

Work and commitments
Tying us down
Mere obligations,
is what they are.

Friends all around
Trying to make sense
Mere words,
is what they are.

What matters!
My heart,it knows
Not "mere feelings"
But true and honest revealings......

Aarti@31/5/05

What?Where?Who?When?Why?....

2005-05-30T18:57:00.000-11:00

What?Where?Who?When?Why?....

What is it that i am looking for?
Where do i search?
Who do i turn to?
When will this hunt end?
Why is it taking so long?

What have i accomplished in life?
Where did i go wrong?
Who holds the key to my heart?
When will the doors open?
Why must i wait?

What do i need to be happy?
Where do i go to find the magic?
Who has the answers?
When will i know?
Why does life seem so incomplete ?

What do "you" want from me?
Where must i go to learn the answers?
Who is going to be my guiding star?
When will i reach that pot of Gold?
Why!Oh Why!Do i have all these questions?

Aarti @ 31/5/05

Eternity

2005-05-24T17:44:00.000-11:00

I smile whenever I think
of all the special moments we share;
Sometimes, I think it is a dream --
The love you give me could not be;
But then,
when I hear your voice or feel your love,
there's no mistake in its purity.
My thoughts are always drawn to you
to a love much more than true.
Of all the people on this Earth,
how lucky can a person be;
having found you, my love,
to share eternity!

Aarti@ 24/5/05

Please stay!

2005-05-22T23:09:00.000-11:00

Blank pages
in a notebook
filled up
with words
so sweet yet painful.
You,who
walked into
my life,
opening the doors
of my "once" Empty heart,
filling it
to the brim with feelings
of joy and sorrow
i knew not...
Lips,
they quiver echoing fears
unknown, unheard of.
Please stay!

Stay with
me
is all i plead!!

Aarti @ 23/5/05

Real friend...

2005-05-22T05:30:00.000-11:00

A real friend is :-

Someone who knows what you need before you say it

Someone who knows when to laugh and when to cry

Someone who truly listens when you have something to say

Someone that's there for you during the good and bad times

Someone who is caring

Someone who loves you with all their heart and soul

Someone who is interested in reality and not as a fashion display

Someone who is honest

Someone who is open and responsive

Someone who is never critical and ill-tempered in respect to your needs.

Someone who knows when things have to be compromised in the relationship

Someone who understands listening is a key, but using what is heard is even more important

Someone who's there for you no matter what

Someone who is trustful

Someone who gives a shoulder to cry on

Someone with a great sense of humour

Someone who has things in common with you

Someone who takes time to listen and enjoy you for who you are and tries not to make you something else.

Someone with a constant open ear, open heart, and open mind to accept and love people for who the really are.

Someone who will always be there to support your ideas without argument and love you for everything that you are.

Someone that can get a point across without yelling

Someone that remembers all the cute stupid stuff you love

Someone that has a personality with qualities you don't have yourself, but admire greatly in them

Someone who realizes you're two separate people and appreciates the differences.

Someone who can sense a mood problem, and not take it personally.

Someone who understands the difference between PMS, and a real problem.

Someone who can make you happy when your sad

Someone who tells you the truth even if you don't want to hear it.

Someone who will not hurt you intentionally

Someone that you can laugh with.

Someone who you can feel comfortable with

Someone who will love you in spite of your little idiosyncrasies.

Someone that would do anything to show how much they care

Someone who allows you to be yourself around them.

Someone who will respect you

Someone who cherishes your hopes and is kind to your dreams.

Someone who knows you're not perfect, but treats you as though you are.

Someone who listens with their heart and is your source of inspiration

Got this on mail or found it somewhere on the net.. but i thought it was beautiful.... :)

Love Letter

2005-05-21T16:50:00.000-11:00

Dear Sweet One~!

Wish i could write you a letter
Wish i could make your day better
Will i be able to express?
Feelings of mine,i wanna confess.

Where do i begin?
What do i write?
Wishes,see them cascade
but
Words,they seem to evade.

I have you all to myself
and yet at times i feel lost....
i see you through your words
and yet i long for your eyes
i feel you right beside me
and yet i long for your touch
i have you all to myself
and yet at times i feel lost.....

Hear my heart beat
For,you make me complete!!

Your Love!!

90/10 Secret

2005-05-20T18:12:00.000-11:00

It Will Change Your Life

The 90/10 secret is incredible! Very few know and apply this secret. The result? Millions of people are suffering undeserved stress, trials, problems, and heartache. They never seem to be a success in life or enjoy life.

Bad days follow bad days. Terrible things seem to be
constantly happening. There is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time, anger breaks friendships, and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the fullest.

Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged! You can be different!. Understand and apply the 90/10 secret. It will change your life! What is this secret?

10% of life is made up of what happens to you.
90% of life is decided by how you react to the 10%

What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane may be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. You get the picture. We have no control over this 10%.

The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%! How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you, YOU can control how you react! Let's use an example.

You're eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. (By the way, this could have been avoided if you had used the "Power of 90 Seconds" as described in a free article at www.magic-people-skills.com)You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react.

You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the coffee cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize them for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt.

Back downstairs you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school.

Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15 minute delay and throwing $60 away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs to the building without saying good-bye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase.

Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to going home.
When you arrive home you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? Because
of how you reacted in the morning.

Why did you have a bad day? ___
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the Policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is D. You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say "It's OK honey, you just need to be more careful next time." Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves.

You and your spouse kiss before you both go to work. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff.
Your boss comments on how good of day you are having.

Notice the difference? Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different. Why? Because of
how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% is determined by your reaction. Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 secret.

If someone says something negative about you, do not be sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You
do have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction
could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out, etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you loose your temper? Pound the steering wheel? (A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off!) WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the blue car ruin your drive. Remember the 90-10 principle, and do not worry about it!

You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep or get irritated? It will work out. Use your "worrying" energy
and time into finding another job.

Have a great day!!!