For the rest of the Life...

On a bruised soul, a scar that'll remain,
even when you forgive, the pain stays. 
Wiser, smarter or alert, you may become; 
the agony, like shadow simply follows. 

At times, happy that the nightmare is over

and then, sometimes shrivel at the lack of apathy. 

What did I do wrong? He kept asking himself.

Undervalued, challenged and never accepted. 

Together yet separate, expectations stemming out of comparisons. 

"You ain't passionate, don't dress well, nor have a car that matches a style."

"Stifled for space", she argued. "You keep checking if I have reached the venue. 

don't you trust me, I can take care of myself, " she yelled and scorned. 

He was in love, albeit blind

just concerned, she had a ride, cause its 2AM, 

lil did he know, she was in happier arms, 

that gave her the warmth and a ride back home. 

He chanced upon some text and e-mails, 

that professed love, happiness and the life together, 

He knew, it was the end of his love and care for her. 

betrayed, battered and bruised, he confronted her and asked her to let it all loose. 

Her 5 years love story, left him heartbroken and shattered. 

scarred him for the rest of his life, yet it didn't matter. 

He asked her to go and live her life, but she said, she'd stay with him for the rest of the life. 

Mixed feelings he experienced in that time, didn't know if he should thank, cry or feel remorsefully lost. 

He took it in his stride, let bygones dusted out of his life. 

yet a human he was, with a bruised soul, a scar that'll remain,

even when he forgave, the pain stayed.

Life and Love are 2 different things,

One is to live and the other is to feel

Wiser, smarter or alert, he may have become; 
the agony stays and the scar reminds him 

Stay Strong!

 Stay Strong! 

2020, a year that will be dreaded and remembered for generations to come. The pandemic crept in surreptitiously, got a few to cough and sneeze and then made a cacophonous announcement of its arrival. 

Helpless and overpowered was the most intelligent race, until the forgotten scientists and doctors rose up to save mankind. Unparalleled support by the tirelessly endeavouring health care workers, administration, good samaritans and FMCG networks. 

While all the heroics and bravery were celebrated, there were many a households that lost a member. Condolences and obituaries pouring in with the clichéd and insignificant “stay strong” messages. While passing away of a dear one is always painful, but the sudden and untimely ones, leaves one shuddering to find ground amidst the seemingly ubiquitous vacuum - sucking you into a oblivious non responsive shock. 

Stay Strong fails to even kiss past the deafened ears. To a robotised human, who is on a mechanical mode, acting on one process to another, from a ritual to a ceremony. 

Stay Strong is a reiteration and reminder that one is breaking down. It reverberates the loss and disallows one to be vulnerable. 

Prayers and hope, the world doesn’t encounter another all vanquishing waves of pandemics nor does any one lose their loved ones untimely and hear a “Stay Strong” advice.

The world needs empathy, emotional Intelligence and more importantly a support that says nothing, yet stands by you, till you feel you are alright. Stay tight and close, show strength!

Hold on!

Life is a mystery
And loved ones mysterious.

Sharing all the laughter and using the shoulder to cry.

Some are like a breath of fresh air,
Smiling and spreading warmth.

Some, humorous; making you laugh at every word that they utter.

These are people, who make you who you are;
Working symbiotically, pushing one another to reach their stars.

And then, so mysterious they are, just vanish like the shooting star. You see them, but they are gone.

And so they say, to hold on to ones you love, close to you.

Cause even with your hands clasped, they will slip away like sand, when it’s time.

A lesson for all, who care and would like to be cared for.
The clock for each is different and we’d never know who’s running out of time.
Till then; love, care, spread some cheer and smiles

Some Stories Never End

They went their own ways,
Carrying memories and love.

Years went by, they built their homes and painted their lives.

Etched in their hearts; memory & love.
 A color missing, that’d make their rainbow.

Far, yet close. Concerned and happy for one another.
Keeping an eye, cause the love never died.

Finding excuses to reignite,
Music one time and gossip some other day.
But a pretext, to check, “you are there”.

Funny yet charming, they stayed apart but never drifted.
Some stories, never end. Do they!

“Social Media - A Battlefield”

My View Vs Yours

The sultry air is resonating the cries of, “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and that of “Chowkidar Chor Hain” and in air conditioned office spaces the People, who have taken a firm and perhaps a fanatical side to their likings or/and hatred, are making their fingers toil hard on their keypads and keyboards to deliver their opinion, albeit with vitriolic conviction.

The Source & Fake News

Egregious Opinions based on affinity and more often than not, out of half baked yet appealing information feeding mechanism have become the fuel for social media wars . So convinced are these warriors, they are blind to the obvious and shut themselves to the belief, that their political leaning is that of rationale, logic and for the "nations better". 

Perhaps, a wee bit petulant too in advocating their affiliation. 



The Wrong of the Rights

Rights are being abused and duties seem to be in a slumber. The politically charged social media warriors; post, re-post, forward selectively managed, camouflaged as an altruistic gesture to educate their “friends” by thrusting their opinions.



Seeing what you seek

Technology today shows you, what you want to see. Maybe, it is a reflection of our state of mind. To all the Hate, Negativity, I know it all and strongly opinionated posts, one can only think of offering their commiserations.
Be responsible and mindful. 

Your opinion is valuable; offer when requested.

Open Up!

Inside the suit, lies a truce
With the life you made, to keep all the folks at home cool.

Dreams buried, wishes rocketed away
Deep within the thoughts on a rave sway.

To undo most that you did for your dudes,
You wanna break free and do what you feel.

Want to hold hands of the chic you had a crush in school,
Who you Stealthily looked at brushing her strand behind her ear.

Wanna pack your bags to the destiny unknown,
Explore the rebel thats awaiting to be unleashed.

Ink yourself to remind you of you
Lay on the sand and gaze at the stars
Tripping on excitement on the mountain top.

Dreams buried, waiting for the push
Opening the arms to life that you always looked for.

Unleash the rebel that's right in you
Go. Go. Go. Open it up...one life waiting for you

The Story of My Life!

I picked up the pen, to write the story of my life.
So much in despair, fright and plight.
Thought my life was never ever right.

Looked out of the window on the street across, 
Saw the urchin, help a one legged cross.
Smiles illuminated the dull lit street, 
A gesture that was simply sweet.

On the wheelchair, a teen bound
Speech impaired but joy abound.
Smiling at the children running around,
Cheering every soul, with a vibrant smile.

Sans Loved ones, drove on the tar,
Sped past a hand clasped greyed couple, staring into the beauty of the stars in the sky.

Braked at a waterhole, to drown into peace.
Walked in a learned man, asking "why ain't you at ease?"
I sang my despair, fright and plight.
With a glowing smile, he looked into my eyes.

The urchin, the teen and the couple smiled,
Cause they found happiness, in others eyes.
You have been looking into a mirror, reflecting woes,
Set your mind free, beyond your foes.

Little gestures, a helping hand and a smile on their face is all you want.
I picked up the pen, to write the story of my life.

So much enlightened, encouraged and enticed
Thought my life was never ever so energised.

Mother

Mother! A creation or a blessing?

The Iron lady or Warmth overflowing.

The backbone of the family that never bends.

Plays a vital role in the upbringing of every soul

A relation thats gifted to you, irrespective of what you become

Through the nine months she bears you with all the pain and yet loving you.

Not knowing who you are and what will you be.

Your mischief,  your angst, your individuality she takes with a pinch of salt.

The house a home she makes.

Lets go with a smile your every mistake

Sacrifices galore for you she makes

All that she wants is you making time for her sake

You represent her labour,  her sacrifices and her love

Strive to keep up to all that she has done all your life.

Wishing the best to all the selfless women blessed with the godly title "Mother"

Happy Mothers Day!

Father's Day

Here's a man, that every child dreads.

A strict disciplinarian,  you better be home before the sunsets.

Every mothers pet peeve, you need to ask him if you want to achieve.

A lone warrior who fights all odds,

Despite the pressure, gives what the child wants.

All the love and affection is showered through his better half,

A glance over the newspaper,  keeping a watch on his ward.

No inkling of what he goes through to give every child the comfort of a home

He fights every battle with a new ray of hope

All the love and caring buried deep within;

See him shatter, when his daughters leaving him.

Caring for you, through you mother.

Making it appear, he doesn't bother.

Here's the superman who's life revolves around you.

All that you need to say is "I love you" and for all that you have done a Big "Thank You"

Don't Quit Yet

Chaotic voices from within you hear
The circumstances make you dread and fear

The unknown keeps hounding your life
You want to say quit and that's all I live.

Before giving up, you close your eyes
And your heart takes you on a memory ride.

You can't miss the love of your family
And the mesmerising innocuous smile of your child. 

What wrong have they done to miss you,
Why cry on your body and kiss you.

And then shall realisation dawn,
With hope fighting hope on a tight rope
And striving to do all thats in your scope.

You are here for a reason and shall exit only with the almightys permission.

Entrepreneurial Bugs

Wow! So I am a B-School Grad, with some experience working for corporates and now it is time to take a plunge into the family business?

The English speaking 2nd Gen entrepreneur is all set to ascend the awaiting stage designed specifically for him/her.

We all want to grow big and quick. Our success rates in the past and hey! I have done that before attitude fails to caution us from committing some entrepreneurial sins.

"Get into the game if you have the passion. Make the right moves, with perseverance and if you want to play the entrepreneurial game , you bloody well have some guts and patience". - PVR

1) Consultants - Beware of the trap!

So here's Mr.Know it all and I can fix everything for you with an invisible magic wand. Either recommended by a fellow entrepreneur, friend or a relative. 50% of his job is done by the one's who have recommended the consultant to you. The rest of course is done by him by throwing around a few big names he knows or he has worked with. These guys would prefer working on a retainer, see you once a week/month and "advice" you on how to grow and expand. Success ratio? Err..not guaranteed.  

Consultants are not bad and as an entrepreneur try and engage one on performance/incentive basis and not on retainer. That way, he doesn't keep billing you every month and concentrates on showing positive results to "earn" his share. "Every person has a limitation and there is always someone better than you and its only prudent to acknowledge that and seek guidance."

2) The Big Heart - Let me help this poor soul and maybe also expand my territory. 

A team comprising of Architects, BD Managers, Marketing, Execution experts from a renowned architecture company and today jobless and families to take care of was introduced to a company by a consultant who was highly recommended and hired on retainership. Apart from pitying them, the company was sold the idea of expanding my business, they were suggested a forward integration mechanism; add interiors as an addition to construction. Wow! Sounds absolutely interesting. They quickly did a back of the envelope math, understood from them the kind of business they could get and the ROIs and with a blink of an eyelid they were all hired. Now, Till they could get any business, they were cost and a huge one. In the bargain, the existing stakeholders suffered. Cash flows weakened and thud! Cash woes began.

3) Biting off more than one can chew

"Orders orders everywhere and opportunity knocks only once". So lets grab it is the mentality. But the big question is, are we ready for it? Do we have enough resources? What if it tanks? As a business its very important to keep questioning "what if" both, to feel good and to be aware. The sales turnover game and we will somehow make it happen bug keeps pushing us to take the big leap and we realize, that we are in a mess, when the only way out is honoring the order and completing it.

4) Unsecured Debts - When you need more than you deserve.

With the cash flows taking a hit,  thanks to the market conditions, incorrect moves or maybe it's just not time yet and your bankers have given you the desired working capital for the financial year and can give you no more, one is left with no choice but family, friends & NBFC'.

The first two choices are still bearable,  one can and should inform the financial conditions and the repayment schedule accordingly. However, NBFC will 1) Run a credit check on you 2) ask for repayments in EMI right from the 1st month 3) give a tough and embarrassing time, incase the payment is not made per schedule.

Always bear in mind, unsecured debts from NBFC should be the last option and is better avoided, especially when the businesses collections are not guaranteed. 

5) Liabilities - When payables become a matter of concern.

Argh! How much ever you try, your receivables just aint coming through.
The incessant calls and gatecrashing of creditors into your office makes life miserable and daunting.  That's when one realises, that liabilities should have been kept in check. The Golden Rule is to ensure you be honest to your clients on your inability to perform or execute work without money. Inform your clients, that in order for you to be successful the client needs to pay you on time.

6) Unavailability: Can't face it!

The inability to pay your creditors and repay your banks, leaves you with no option but hide. Now, that's the worst mistake you can ever make. You have no option but Face it. Buy time...but dont abscond. Non availability will only make things worse.

7) Frenemies: When it ain't right for you, its excellent for your competitors.

Your friendly competitors are waiting for an opportunity to get your share of business too. Your failure in certain areas, only fuels your competitors hopes. They either come to "help" you by taking up your projects or sympathetically informing your suppliers on your current financial state, creating fear amongst your suppliers. All that one needs to do, is to handle this situation with care.

8) Employees - Your stakeholders....Your assets.

In our bid to excel or in our efforts to make good the mess we are into, employees become the scape goats. We forget the numero uno fact that these are the assets that drive the organisation.  Very important to appreciate every effort your stakeholder is putting in. It is important to assure them that their efforts are delivering positive results.

9) Investors - it's all bout money, honey!

When you are ready for an investor, more than the business plan, it is important to check how ready are you to on board an investor. This is a temporary marriage of convenience. Even in this small relationship, the binding force threads on truth. Its all about honesty and transparency. Any slack in that and the investor may just want to call it quits.

10) Fear of Failure - "Fear that thou can fail; only to be thrifty and touch the face of success."

Entrepreneurship is all bout the risks you take. You reap most, while a few turn rotten. "Take risks to the extent you can fall, get up, dust yourself up and start all over again. Don't get bruised all over" . It is important to calculate your path to your goals and even more important analyse your hurdles. But, Hey! dont let fear grip you. And all that you need to do is "Dare to dream, dare to build your dream, dare to gather your shattered dream, dare to rebuild your dream, dare to live your dream" 

When I am gone!

When I am gone, don't shed a tear nor you cry.
With the angels, the salsa and jive I shall try.

Walk in the clouds and sail on the moon,
Make them laugh and be a cartoon. 

Vacation on Mars, Venus and Jupiter
With a bottle of scotch and the sky  my theatre. 

Regale them with bollywood mixes,
Break into a jig, till the sun shows up and say's, that's it!

Tell them why a warrior never goes,
Like the Phoenix, The Lion too rises from its ashes and roars.

Stand Tall

With the leaves all withering away,

The tree stands tall with the roots firm in the ground

Withstanding the onslaught and waiting for a better day

Let's the birds perch and builds its nest

Smiling,  having still to give back,

Even after it has shed all it had

Hope and belief, keeps it strong

Awaiting the sun and rain, to sing its back to life song.

There ain't no right and there is no wrong

There's just a phase that each has to face

A full circle, life repeats several times,

Till life decides, its done enough of its rounds.

The Sea

Out of the sea, all drenched
Staring at the emptiness of the vastness sitting on the bench.

The colossus, that's seen many a shores,
Amidst the eerie silence,  all I could hear was her roar

Thru the world she flows, embracing every river
And all the crap thru the sewer

Yet, another beautiful world she holds in her belly,
With fishes in the deep and crabs at the shore making merry

Astounding is she with her gracious strides,
Kisses the feet and recedes to its mark.

All the dump, the waste and the atrocity, she takes it with a pinch of salt and gives back immensely without any animosity

Like her, may the human race grow,
Despite all the bad, may the faces glow.

The heart as vast as her and a smile that touches many a shores. 
Embrace the world with open arms
And as graciously as she,
May your benevolence flow.

Closed my eyes

I closed my eyes and then I saw your eyes
The sparkle and love that mesmerised

The moments of togetherness and the smiles
And the world stood still for a while.

The hugs like the early morning sun
Laughter and our never ending fun

The house we'd make a home
And our vacation to Rome

A journey we embarked,
To live till the last.

Our little bubble that we floated on
Caring it'd never burst along

Living a life free of perils
Dreaming of our own lil devils. 

What a journey! What a life!
I closed my eyes and then I saw your eyes

Rise Up

Moist eyes, but the lips smile
There's pain, not gone vain

With every fall, stand tall
Sky is the limit and its free for all.

There's a bend to every road,
And an end to every goal,

No journey ceases till you don't breathe,
No joy in accomplishments, till you have bruised a knee.

In the run, there has to be a sojourn, 
Lest you perish just fighting for the bun

Live a life on your long walk
Let your lips smile and eyes talk

I bruised a knee,  when I ran
I am living a life, the way I can

I aint giving up on myself thru the run
I pick up so much and there's the fun.

Birdie March

The insouciant birds on the early morning flight
Focused on nothing but food for their life
Perched on the cables, like the kings with all the might
Looking into the sky, oh thats my world and I ain't stopping to try.
Like an assembly, lead by a learned one
Marching like an army, the limit is the sky.

Partner!

Like a breath of fresh air,
Like the early morning dew
Women like her are so very few

From an impossible me to a naughty child,
She handles with care and never gets wild.

She mesmerises me, with her beauty and her smile.
With our hands clasped we can walk miles

Been my strongest support, never pulled back
She is like a whirl wind, that puts everything back on track.

Through the highs and the lows,
Stood like a rock, and if I need to vent, she's there to talk.

She's been my buddy, my pal I must say
Life without her..I would say, no way!

One Life

No rhymes no sequence,the heart aint beating in rhythm.
Theres a life that one fathoms
And it seems quite far fetched.
Wretched situations,
Lifes demands
Thoughts obscure..but heart wants to fight
Life and its funny ways
No trail thats left to follow anyway
U make ur own path
Right..wrong..none knws..what comes along
But then..u ought to live
And u have to fight
Cause..u have one life..

Adieu 2013

Adieu to the year, that's been a teacher.
A lot weird and quite a teaser.

Drove to the brink of doom,
Stress and pain, filled the room.

There were bodies that backstabbed,
And there were souls, that brought love.

Haphazard and topsy-turvy, the world seemed.
But love and warmth got us moving.

Strength to strength walked every step,
Pressure and Patience, was the test.

The support and "I am with you" the big boosts.
They were our fuel to run through.

2013, appreciate the lessons,
Thanks for making us wiser and richer with patience and decisions.

While its good to see your back,
Hoping 2014 gets us back on the track.

Adieu to you year for being a wonderful teacher
2014..hope you make things easier and better.