PoojaVerma

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE AARAV !!

2008-03-01T09:13:00.001-08:00

You came as a true blessing,
A year ago, on this beautiful day,
Oceans across, my heart leapt
with a joy so deep & unbounded

A new branch on our family tree,
sprouted with a charm immense
A miracle from heaven above, to
bestow sheer bliss in our lives

Seeing your first few pictures,
was a revelry & joy immeasurable
Twinkling eyes and rosy cheeks, a
reflection of an angel you seemed

Endowed with a billion dollar smile,
You are already winning hearts
Mischievous grin, so endearing,
A sparkle of delight you truly are

Your affable attributes make you,
oh-so-popular with one & all
Little one, even at this early age,
No one escapes your charisma

Time has flown so very swiftly,
With just a blink of an eyelid,
Our families sweet little wonder,
Turns a year old on this very day

You are loved from the deepest
corners of my heart, my lil Nephew
And I send my wishes for a happy
joyous, healthy and beautiful life

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR PRECIOUS AARAV. MAY YOU CONTINUE TO SHINE AND SMILE LIKE THIS FOR YEARS TO COME AND MAY YOU MAKE YOUR PARENTS AND FAMILY PROUD AT EVERY STEP YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE.

WITH LOTS OF LOVE,
NANU, NANI, MAASI & MASAR

A WALK IN THE RAIN !!

2007-07-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Exhausted after an arduous day at work, I wind up, grab my bags & head out the door. Jumping into the elevator, I go down 12 flights only to see people cocooned in the corridor. “Is something the matter ?”. “What could it be ?”. One quick glance outside answers all my questions. Reason for the corridor clutter is the torrential rains hitting the ground with a deafening uproar. While some (without umbrella’s presumably) stand with their eyes glued to the glass door, waiting for the rain to reduce it’s fury, some others proudly fish out the umbrellas from their bags, open it in one quick motion and are gone.

With the mercury soaring in New York and the temperatures touching the 95 degree mark, the city had been boiling in the sweltering heat. I had been thinking of the rains lately and lo it was here. Such a welcome surprise. Not for all though, it seemed. Through the door I see people scurrying to the stores to buy umbrellas. Many stand sheltered under the buildings. Their frowning faces mentally chalking out a way to work around the imminent traffic delays, I suppose. In a city which never sleeps, people don’t have a minute to waste & anything which interferes with their set routines is met with distaste.

A thought flashes my mind "Should I run back to my office to grab my umbrella, I have a 15 minutes walk to the bus stop". Thankfully, an impulse curbs me from doing the predictable. The child in me takes charge and guides me out in the pouring rain. My fingers excitedly zip up the bags making sure no water seeps in to tarnish my priced possessions.

I forget that today my feet walk in the new shoes I purchased over the weekend and my business trousers are bound to get messy and will need an audience with the drycleaner. With the pearly droplets falling all over me, I look up to the sky and let the raindrops caress my face. I stand there, still, my eyes closed enjoying the divine touch. It's deja vu. Within a jiffy I am transported back to the myriad rendezvous with the rains I have had growing up. Each one memorable in it’s own sweet way.

My thoughts on a jet set flight now, make a brief hiatus to one of my most memorable rally with the rains during our stay in the heart of Thar desert (Jaisalmer). On arrival, the arid landscape had come as a surprising revelation. It hadn’t rained in years and the parched earth ached for rains. The sagars (small ponds) had dried up revealing a concave area where water once resided. Year after year, the locals had prayed, with offerings, but in vain. The rain gods showed no mercy for the next two years also. Scorching heat was melting us. Then one fine muggy day, it came, from nowhere, as a God's blessing. It rained cats & dogs and for hours together, flooding the streets and the low lying bungalows . With water seeping inside and the children running outside, our Air Force campus was a sight to behold. Nobody stayed indoors, first came the children and then the elders followed suit, they poured out of their homes as cheerily as the rain poured from the skies. The rain revelry caught on and soon the whole camp was out in the rains, dancing, singing, clapping and rejoicing. Station Commanders bungalow saw the grand finale with everyone gathering in the sprawling lawns which now resembled a mini lake. Waiters served Teas and snacks in knee deep water. Music flowed through the air and people danced in joy till eternity. Rains had never felt so precious.

Back home in India, onset of rains is a celebration much awaited. The dark clouds eclipsing the sky act as messengers from heaven, announcing the arrival. Accompanied by deafening thunder, lightning streaks the skies. Trees sway in the bracing breeze and people wait with baited breath for the first droplets to fall. And when they come, the ravenous soil embraces them to emanate the most intoxicating smell on the face of this planet. Wish there was a way to capture this smell. Wouldn’t it be delightful to rekindle the earthy moments, sitting thousand of miles away.

I am awakened from my thoughts by a passerby bumping into me. I see him running hurriedly to the nearest subway. I am back to the pouring NY streets. With the earthy smell & the sweet memories from the past still lingering on, I walk ahead, into the present. A song, long forgotten escapes my lips. Words I had thought I did not remember come gushing back to me. The world around me evaporates, all I can hear is the pitter patter of the rain and my own voice humming, all I can see is the lashing rains washing the concrete jungle around me.

At the traffic light, cars zoom past but I don't step back to avoid the splash. Though, my wet soaking feet are having trouble staying idle, they start to tap to the music in my mind. It's a rain dance of sorts. With everyone around me rushing, I carry on at a slow pace. It’s a hot humid day, a perfect day to be out in the rains. Ever since I came to the U.S, it has either been too cold or I have been holed up in my office when it rained. With my heart leading the way, a smile on my face & a song on my lips, I walk on, my soul drenched in my love for the rains.

Bus ride back home with the AC full blast : Gave me a Sore throat
Withered Leather shoes : Will call for a replacement soon
Soiled trousers : A trip to the drycleaners
Sheer delight of getting drenched : Priceless

SWEET SISTER !!

2007-06-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Sunshine and laughter,
Sweetness and Smiles,
Our growing up years,
Were all this & more.

Magical memories of,
those childhood days,
as fresh as dew drops,
a huge treasure trove.

A bond so deep,
Only love can define,
A friendship so fine,
Is a blessing we reap.

A confidante I trust,
Guarding sweet secrets,
A soul mate for life,
Sharing our dreams,

Though two years apart,
You seem like a twin,
A striking resemblance,
A connection mystical.

Through my voice,
You can see my soul,
Through your eyes,
I can read your heart.

Words of wisdom,
Flow easily from you,
When I need them,
I just turn to you.

A heart so virtuous,
A mind so beautiful,
With your eyes, You
Can light up a room.

Your courage & honesty,
An inspiration to me,
Each moment with you,
Is such a blissful delight.

With similarities abounding,
I am You and You are Me,
Love unaltered by distance,
Intensifies, I see no zenith.

A precious gift you are,
O little sister of mine,
And I love you more than,
Words can ever say.......

Anuja, from the little girl of yesteryears, you have grown up to be a beautiful young lady. A dedicated & loving Daughter, Sister, Wife & Mother you are now……we are extremely proud of you and your achievements. Papa, Mama & I wish you a lifetime of bliss.

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU (JUNE 30^TH) AND WISHES FOR MANY MORE TO COME !!

THOSE WONDER YEARS.......

2007-04-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl,
Was my parents precious pearl,

Secure in their warm embraces,

I was the glow on their faces.

On a blessed June day, my sister came along,

Warmed our souls, in our hearts was a song,

We were the sparkle of their eyes,

A foursome sharing deep ties.

Counting snowflakes in early January,

Our home was our sanctuary,

Chasing butterflies in the summers,

Our world was brimming with colours.

Sitting by the river stream in the spring,

sailing our boats all day we would sing,

Gazing at the sky on autumn nights,

making a wish seeing falling stars so bright.

A world of innocence we dwelled in,
Basking in a time which knew no sin,
A world devoid of hatred and rage,

It was the magic of that angelic age.

Nurturing dreams of reaching the sky,

Profound yearnings to be able to fly,

Aspirations knew no peripheries,
Thoughts were bereft of all worries.

Sheltered in love, laughter all around,

In togetherness we were blissfully bound,

Soaring spirits, minds at leisure,

those lovely days, how much we treasure.

Melody of life is all we could hear,

A joyous smile we would wear,
Carefree days knew no fear,

Those were our wonder years.

(This is dedicated to my Parents and Sister (who live in India) for giving me the best years of my life – those cherished childhood years).

FOR THE FIRST TIME

2007-01-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

Your voice is the first I heard. As soothing as a symphony, as sweet as honey. Singing lullabies then, imparting words of wisdom now.

Your face is the first I looked at. My tiny eyes twinkling, looking at the one I first got acquainted to. A face of familiarity then, a face of an Angel now.

Your touch is the first I felt. As gentle and tender as can be. Assuring me then, touching my soul now.

Your love was the first I was blessed with. Deep like an ocean, as precious as a blessing. Unconditional then, unconditional now.

Your eyes are the first I looked into. Building that connection, that deep bond which lasts a lifetime. Brown and soft then, enchanting and angelic now.

Your smile is the first I experienced. Heart warming and genuine. Had the power to wash away my fears then, has the power to inscribe bliss in me now.

Your arms were the first to hold me. Swaying me with love and care. Securing me in a warm embrace then, welcoming me on homecoming now.

Your words are the first I heard. Sounds of glee and gaiety. Sweet and comforting when I was little, profound and meaningful now.

Your heart is the first I loved. As pure as gold. As colourful as the rainbow hues. Pampering me then, treasuring me now.

Mom, right from the time we were little girls, we have adulated you. The values you ingrained in us were a result of your scrupulous efforts over the years. You touch the lives of everyone around you. Your compassion for the deprived and underprivileged, your efforts in going out of your way to help them, truly make you an extraordinary person.

Being the perfect wife & perfect mother required a lot & you triumphed all the way. You are an epitome of love and benevolence.

Hearty wishes to you from your family on your very special 60th Birthday. You make Jan 5th a wondrous and delightful day.

May all your dreams come true and may you continue to warm our hearts with your very special ways. Papa, Anuja and I thank you for the magic you have weaved and still do in our lives.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL !!

2005-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

I hear, I am not welcome by some
Shunned by a few even before I come
I sense, he is preferred over me
Reasons for which I cannot see

I can come into this world so bright
Only if she is treated right
Respected for carrying me
Treasured for nourishing me

She is the epitome of virtue, I hear
Has the patience of a saint, I'm told
She is the bearer of life, I know
Has an ocean of love, I feel

She procreates, love & nurtures
Is a binding force so immense
She is strong, smart & sagacious
Is a guiding light so gracious

Tomorrow I will grow up to be her
Spreading love n warmth all around
Making contributions at every step I take
Rejoicing at the progress we make

Oh, then why do they abuse her & severe our ties
Don’t they see her warm doting eyes
Her body growing with this life of mine
Her soul emanating a warmth so divine

Inside her womb, I ponder
Will I get to see the world of wonder
On this beautiful land will I ever meander
Wish, to their whims she doesn’t surrender

I long to open my eyes in the sunshine
To cherish this blessed life of mine
I long for the winds to caress my cheeks
A warm welcome is all I seek

Before she can have me she is slain
Such brutality, nothing can they gain
My troubled heart cries in pain
Will all these pleas go in vain

Give me a chance, let me live
Bliss to you, I will give
Save me from any intentions wild
I am the voice of the unborn girl child

This poem was inspired by a recent article in TOI about a 25 year old woman who was killed by her in-laws for conceiving a girl child. It is heart wrenching to know that the practice of female infanticide is still widely prevalent in our society. A recent UNICEF report suggests that in most countries across the world, there are approximately 105 female births for every 100 males but in India, there are less than 93 women for every 100 men in the population.

INDIA.......YOU BECKON ME !!

2005-08-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

A country where I was born,
where I took my first tiny steps,
A country which taught me it's language of love,
where I blossomed counting it's innumerable blessings.
India, you beckon me.

A country which shaped my future,
where I learnt to respect and pray,
A country which solidified my ideologies,
where I lived a contented soul.
India, you beckon me.

Your mountains I trekked,
Your rivers I rafted,
Your valleys I traversed,
Your people I loved.
India, you beckon me.

Your simplicity, the greatest virtue,
Your diversity, the greatest vigor,
Your vastness, the greatest quest,
Your beauty, the greatest solace.
India, you beckon me.

Now, thousands of miles away,
I am lost, I am forlorn,
I hear my soul say,
I long to be home, take me there.
India, you beckon me.

Living my life away from her,
A new realization dawns,
A place my own, a place so pure,
Needs me back, needs me home.
India, you beckon me.

Diverse is the land of saints,
Proud of it's heritage are we,
It's purity we shall not taint,
Pleased with it's evolution are we.
India, you beckon me.

With my roots in you,
I left my heart behind,
I wish to be back to find myself,
To give you what you gave me.
India, you beckon me.

It’s You and Me she gestures,
“Open your eyes, come back to me,
You have a work undone, a dream unrealized…
Come and see me thrive”.
India, you beckon me.

Foursome Fiesta !!

2005-07-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

A n N, we too had an absolutely brilliant time with you guys and are really glad that you njoyed your vacation. It was a dream come true for me.......thanks for planning it and taking time off to visit us. We sure have made some unforgettable memories to cherish. Who can forget the great TL in Washington DC which claimed to have been awarded the "Best hotel in DC" title. Hehe.............And the voices from our neighbours in the great TL which had kept us awake that night.......................the amazing Luray Cavern caves in Virginia.................late night with friends on Times Square.................the oh-so-long manhattan cruise..................dervish & late night on times square...............the zip zap zoom aerosmith roller coaster - our reactions caught up in the picture..................soaring......................the fast car ride..............mission space..............the tower of terror (lift).....................the disney discounts..................missed golf game due to thunderstorm............the caterpillar ride from the car parking to the theme parks...................losing our car in the gigantic parking lot and the triumph in finding it...................the Pepper market in Coronado springs...................Bongo's the cuban place & mohito's..........................sushi & sake at harrouh's.................prada store..................empire state observatory..........exciting yankees game, with P all charged up...............A venturing far to get snacks for us and we getting all worried about her..............................staying up late that night we talking and you packing.................N's addiction to starbucks coffee.....................gambling in Vegas................trying our luck in every casino...................A n Me debating who will keep the BMW even before we started to play on the slot machine in Venetian, A saying it would be mine and I saying it would be her's if we won.............................the Giant wheel....................theatre at Bally's..........................the lovely Paris casino and hotel........................visit to the awesome Grand Canyon..............long walks in the Central park.............M cutting the birthday cakes for us...................yummy roti chanai at penang......................chaotic packing on the 27th.............parantha, egg bhurji and chai our favourite breakfast..................And before I put a stop to my chain of thoughts, does anyone have an appetite for Dingers ????????? After having an overdose of them at ESPN zone, I don't think I have any. Haha....... Yes, summers in NYC sounds very exciting. We can catch up on things we missed out this time. Thanks a million for such gorgeous gifts you brought for us.