A Poetic Voyage

She spotted a similar car,

Even though it was considerably far,

She just knew it & couldn’t stop from having a glance,

Holding onto that single chance,

She smiled widely looking at the car has it pass by,

Instead she ended up crossing the road like all other passer-by,

She started to wonder in which part,

Of the country he has to report,

Like all four tyres in the car,

He might be in any place except for the bar,

North, south, east, west just name it,

Despite the distance she believed he will be able to feel it,

Feel the love and care that is multiplying,

She prayed for his safe journey when it’s raining,

While the windshield wiper does its job,

She prayed for his exhaustion to be wiped away as well instead of making him drop,

When he opens the car door and places his foot,

She prayed he’ll remember the moment where she splashed rainwater on his face making him rooted,

To the ground with a playful smile,

When the wind blows his hair,

She prayed he’ll remember the way they jumped of the chair,

And stood below the tree allowing the yellow flowers to fall,

Laughed until he missed a friend’s call,

When his driving for long hours,

She prayed it’ll be an enjoyable tour,

And with that she walked into her workplace,

Allowing her duties to interlace.

Both of them met for the first time,

It felt as though committing a crime,

Since the heart was running a race,

Where the mind could not keep up with the pace,

At first there was only silence,

After the silence had made some sense,

They reverted to the old talking mood,

Where without realizing they removed their hood,

That kept them under low profile,

They explored each tile,

Finding the differences very much appealing,

Feeling happy that the truth is revealing,

The trust they hold for each other,

Unique is a trade which gave them comfort,

To be themselves with less effort,

Eyes met without regret & it settled,

The heart with warmth that created,

A little turmoil of the hormones,

Yet it felt ok since it’s better than being alone,

The companionship was just for a few hours,

But it gave a fulfillment of an eternity where emotions poured,

All the irrelevant subjects and it felt correct,

Without being worried of the oncoming effect,

It’s going to be a long time till the next one,

Since there are still so many duties to be done,

So till the next meet up thoughts will assure,

That there’ll always be a world where it’s just the two of them; there’s never a closure.

She walked into the train,

There he was waiting in vain,

In the seat next to her favourite spot,

He smiled seeing what she got,

A double chocolate chip muffin,

Happily he gobbled it in,

Not forgetting to give her share,

Out of love and care,

She animatedly talked about her days,

At work for the month of May,

While he shared his dilemmas,

Without placing a single comma,

She listened intently to each word,

And saw that his working hard to move forward,

She took his hand in her small ones,

Letting the warmth seep through with a promise that his never alone,

“All will be fine”, she said,

“And that’s your favourite line”, he said,

They just smiled looking at the sunset,

Thanking that the train journey was not a regret,

The train stopped at her station,

She jolted awake from her dream with a beautiful realization,

The memories are still alive,

And that will keep her heart content in this life,

Right before leaving the train,

She just couldn’t refrain,

Herself from looking at the empty spot beside her favourite seat,

Till the next dream brings her to him; she will just hold on to her heartbeat.

STOP! Cool, just PAUSE.

RING……………

“Ok class…. You may go back now. Don’t forget your homework.”

A girl with two long braids carried her worn out school bag out of the class like all other kids though right before she was about to leave she heard her name being called.

“Nikkita”

“Yes, mam.”, she acknowledged keeping her head low.

“Don’t forget to finish your homework and this time no more buts or else I’m sending you to the special class with the rest.”

“Ok, mam.”, was all she could say.

Nikkita was used to being in the “special class” or which is commonly known as detention, till all those last benchers became her friends. She actually realized that they are at times far more polite and better than those who achieve outstanding marks out there.

Nikkita comes from a poor family and her parents were unable to hire a tutor to coach her. She always wondered why the school ever placed her in the first class. The principal of the school was the one person who was persistent of her being placed in there despite all the other teachers “NO’s”.

So, today the teacher gave all of them a picture to describe. It can be more of a story or just writing one or two paragraphs describing it. Right when she was thinking about it and walking towards her home her friend Preeti ran towards her.

“Hi, Nikkita. Did miss scold you?”

“No, Preeti but as usual she warned me to finish my homework.”

“Do you have any ideas on how to do it?”

“Seriously I don’t. I’m actually quite fed up of writing what I know and the teacher reprimanding me for that inaccuracy I’m achieving especially in this so-called English class.”

“Nikkita, I know it’s hard but if you give up now then you’ll never be able to measure your level of ability. It’s not about being perfect but it’s more on learning, believing on the journey and completing it. I know that you’re used to being in detention but why not change the trend for once? Just give your very best and let’s see how it turns out this time. Feeling better?”

“Ya, a little better Preeti. Thanks a lot for your encouragement. I’ll see you tomorrow ya.”, she said waving her friend goodbye.

At times, Nikkita does wonder how on earth Preeti befriended her despite her braided oily hair and big bindi. Everyone will cast that look, which speaks that she never belongs in the so-called civilized class where tradition is disregarded and the focus is more towards competing in the next beauty pageant. Who cares, the best beauty she knows is just being herself and she felt blessed for Preeti accepting her for who she was.

“Amma, I’m home!”, announced Nikkita while closing the door behind her.

Her mom came, smiling like the morning’s sunshine.

“Amma did you ate your medicine? Appa said you were under the weather.”, said Nikkita while placing her hand on her mother’s forehead. It felt slightly hot. She reached for the medicine in the top shelf.

Right before she has even handed to her mother, her mom started to shake her head.

“Ma.. I won’t take no for an answer. I know you don’t like medicine but it’s better for you if you take it.”

Still, her mom remained stiff. Slowly, she reached out for her hand and took the medicine.

“Now, isn’t that better? Now, you take some rest. Will call you when appa is back.”, said Nikkita and her mother nodded with a smile.

After a few hours, she heard the front door being unlocked. She knew it was her father.

“Pa, I’m in the kitchen.”

“You prepared dinner?”

“Why pa? Can’t I? “

“You usually do that when you are stressed.”

“Oh, I’m busted.”, she sighed.

“I can never cheat you pa.”, she added.

“So, what’s up?”

“My English teacher who seems to be a perfectionist gave me this picture.”

“So, what’s your task?”

“To write a paragraph describing it or maybe a story and it’s going to be like hell.”

Her father just smiled and left to call her mom. Meantime, Nikkita took the chappati and last night’s leftover curry to the table. Her parents entered the room and sat at the table. All the while they were chatting she just admired her father’s patience.

Then her father turned to speak to her.

“You know your mother is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. She was crossing the road with a basket of flowers. She was then selling some flowers to a young couple and when I approached and ask her name, there was no reply and I started to get angry thinking she’s being rude. But right then she took my pen and wrote her name on a piece of paper and walked away with a smile. We shared the mutual feelings so here we are today. It’s actually pretty cool to use sign language and I enjoy communicating with her using it. I got to learn an extra language but more than that I believed life didn’t just stop there when I saw her true identity instead I just paused for a minute let it digest and fell in love more. Life is beautiful.”, with that, all of them started eating.

After dinner, Nikkita wished her parents a good night and went to her room to work on her homework. She started writing with determination and after nearly 2 hours she went to bed. Next day, she submitted the homework and got an astonished look from her teacher.

Miss Sandhya was shocked and at the same time, she was interested to know what Nikkita has written. Right after class, she went straight to her room with a cup of coffee and started reading what Nikkita has written.

STOP! Cool, just PAUSE.

A full stop and comma are known as punctuation marks and it’s looked up as an important note in grammar but maybe when we look deep into it, it holds a lot more meaning than that. My parents are married for 15 years and I never saw a moment my father failed to pause instead of just stopping it right there saying it’s the end. Her inability to speak and hear never felt like a weakness instead it’s embraced not only by my mom but by my father too making him fall in love with her more and more every day. Each of us put a stop right there when we meet the end of the road turning ourselves miserable instead of just pausing for a moment and think of another possible way out. When there’s a comma a word can be placed behind it and there will be a continuation but when there’s a full stop the sentence comes to an end. Every beginning has an end but it does not have to come immediately. Pause for a minute and look around. You’ll see so many different things and you can learn as well. It may start from a simple matter such as accepting a person for who there are till allowing yourself to be alive after going through a whole lot of hardship. Even yin and yang is made up of two commas to make it a whole as a symbol of balance. So, life is beautiful when you learn to pause for a minute before thinking to just stop.

Miss Sandhya became speechless seeing the 12-year old’s work. She gave her an A+ and knew that she has another job to do.

The next day Nikkita entered the class feeling nervous about the outcome of the homework she has submitted. Miss Sandhya entered the class and called everyone’s name except for hers. She was holding her book and it made Nikkita’s palm sweat.

“Class, I want all of you to listen to Nikkita's work.”

After Miss Sandhya has read it there was a huge round of applause. Right at that time, the principal who was on her rounds paused for a minute near the classroom door and dropped a smile to her. Nikkita felt happy that at least out of everyone in this school the principal believed in her and had paused for a moment to notice her presence and potential. Later that day, Miss Sandhya apologized for her behavior all this while and also her friends in the class took the effort to stick a line at the classroom door.

“STOP! Cool, Just PAUSE.”

Nikkita just smiled and realized that she’s grateful to Preeti for pausing and talking to her the other day. She thanked Preeti again when they were walking out of the classroom and she believed that from this day onwards things will change for the better and if it doesn’t it’s not going to STOP her instead she’ll PAUSE for a moment and then continue her journey.

Picture: Google images

Following the light

With a blur look of the operation theatre lights, she closed her eyes.  The doctors started to remove their surgical gloves and masks and exited the operation theatre.

“I’m sorry Mr and Mrs.Smith, we tried our best but we couldn’t save her.”

Both of them cried away their sorrow of losing their only child and they we interrupted by the doctor once again.

“Laura is an organ donor. Do we have your consent on proceeding with the organ harvesting procedure?”

Both of them agreed without delay since they knew Laura would want it.

“The body will be sent in a day and while waiting you can start to prepare for the funeral. I’m sorry for your lost once again.”, said Dr.Simon with a heavy heart.

Laura was a bright student and Dr.Simon’s favorite due to her outstanding performance during houseman period. The cheerful Laura was gone when one day she fainted during her rounds. Immediately she was brought into observation and that’s when the shocking news was revealed; the "Big C" or which is commonly known as CANCER. Most of her time was spent for her chemo treatment and she looks exhausted all the time. The cancer was killing her gradually though she doesn’t fail to lift a kid’s spirit in the pediatric ward. She was a successful pediatrician and after 10 years of battle, she closed her eyes peacefully with a smile.

 Everyone mourned for her loss and many came to pay their last respect.

My soul left my body and I saw my parents crying so hard that even I started to cry. It’s then I realized that finally, my time has come to enter the afterworld. Many came to mourn my lost and I felt touched. But I still can roam in this world for a week before I leave to Heaven permanently. So, what should I do? Maybe I can go to the hospital and look around and see who has received my eyes.

My eyes.

Mom use to tell me that it shines whenever I’m happy and it shows all my hopes and dreams. I love to experiment as well where I’ll tie my eyes and follow the light and here the light is the faith I hold onto myself that I won’t fall.

“Sally, you’re now slowly gaining conscious. You may open your eyes...”

At first, she hesitated to open her eyes. Then she did and was in tears when she realized that she could finally see; especially see her sister. Both sisters embraced each other.

“Who’s eyes is this?”, was the first question she asked.

“The donor details are confidential Sally. But I would be glad to pass your gratitude and well wishes to the family.”, said Dr.Leo. Both sisters thanked Dr.Leo for his unconditional support and help throughout their ordeal.

Sally was discharged in two days and she was amazed at everything she saw and was blessed that after a rocky ride she has landed safely. Sally is a high school topper and she achieved so much with her willpower and her sister by her side. Both of them were orphans at the tender age of 6 (Sally) and 8 (her sister Linda) respectively. They battled a whole lot of challenges together and Linda was adamant to fulfill her sister’s ambition of becoming an optometrist since she wants to help those who are visually impaired like her. Sally almost gave up saying it’s hard to learn without her vision and in came a blessing in disguise, Dr.Leo. He usually does some charity work in the home and when he recognized Sally’s potential, he confronted Linda and unexpectedly in a short period a pair of eyes were waiting for Sally. 

Her name is Sally. I saw her asking the owner of the eyes to Dr.Leo. I saw the happiness in her eyes and her gratitude for being blessed. Her compassionate heart was also reflected in her eyes. She deserves the best and with that, I followed her back home to look at how things are. She seems to be a little dull and when I overheard the sisters’ conversation, she was being guilty for owning those eyes because someone’s death has caused this and she really wanted to thank the family on her own but I know that Dr.Leo won’t allow that. I really wanted to share a little bit of light. On the third, day she went to church.

Sally was not in peace and she thought of going to Church alone and throughout her journey in the bus she was mostly looking out admiring the beauty of nature while most of them plugged in their earphones allowing music to give them an escape. In the church, she lit a candle and said her prayer.

“Dear Lord, thank you for your mercy upon me. I’m lucky that I’m able to see and admire the world though deep down I want to thank the family. I’m unable to do it so I’m praying for her/his soul to rest in peace and may the family be blessed and be given the strength to overcome their tough period.”

“Thank you for your prayer. Now go and achieve your dreams..”

Sally opened her eyes and searched for the voice but there was nobody. All of a sudden she felt happiness seeping into her soul asking her to live her life. She got up and stood before the altar and then walked away after a while with a last look at the candle she lit. She finally realized it was time to light up her own life.

I saw the sincerity in her prayer and couldn’t stop myself from just saying thank you and it’s time to let go. So, mission number 1 has been completed. Yup, I have started a mission which is to shine some light on my loved ones before I leave earth for good. So, my next stop would be meeting Jason.

He was deep in thoughts when his personal assistant Clara entered with documents.

“Clara, can you bring me my coffee and I want it strong please.”

“Jason, you know it’s not healthy to not eat and just depend on coffee.”, advised the 40-year-old woman.

“At least I didn’t become an alcoholic. I know she would be cursing me if she sees that version of me.”

“My boy, I know you since you were a child. I understand that Laura is too young to die. But its destiny and it can’t be changed. So, let it go.”, said Clara and walked out of the room to get Jason his coffee.

Jason thought about Laura every day not wanting the memories to fade away. She was his light whenever he felt like being swallowed by darkness. Both of them met in a very unusual way. Once his father was admitted for his failing heart, and he was in such a dilemma since his father confronted him saying that his time is nearing and after him, Jason must take over the company. At times his temper got on his way and as such once he shouted at his mom making her to turn to the ladies with tears. He slouched down in the nearby chair with a heave. That’s where Laura came.

“Hi, you seem to be a little stressed up.”

“Well, you doctors are used to swimming in stress that even understanding is not necessary.”, said Jason with disappointment.

“You know you might tend to underestimate a little on that part. Maybe your handsome face can use a smile. Care to come with me?”

“Where do you want to bring me?”

“You’ll see. If you believe me then take my hand.”

Without realizing his action, Jason took her hand and both of them walked towards the children’s ward. Everyone started screaming with joy when they saw Laura.

“Now, children this is Jason and he definitely needs a little cheer up. So what do you say we give him some?”

All the children clapped in excitement. One brought out a chair and asked Jason to sit. He sat and pulled Laura’s hand.

“How did you know my name?”

“Let’s say I had some small talk with your mom who was quite lonely when you were not around,” she said with a wink and all Jason could do was smile.

The children sang rhymes, had a tea party with him and even did a play without any guidance. He was amazed by their effort and talent. He was already feeling better and right before he left all the kids gave him a hug. He realized it was true that children do touch a soul and heal it.

“You know Jason, each of them is diagnosed with an illness. Some are terminal and even though they are not going to live longer they are willing to share happiness. Your father had been in your life for a long time and I think it’s about time you put a smile before it’s too late. Have some confidence in yourself too you know, even we dr’s especially me are still learning many new things and accept it as part of the profession. Same goes for you; you’ll be fine as the new CEO.”

Jason nodded with a smile and realized that they were standing in front his father’s room.

“It’s about time Jason and before that, I think consoling your mom would be a good idea.”, with that, Laura walked away.

It was the last time Jason raised his voice to his mom and after being discharged from the hospital for a week his father passed away. Laura was there during the funeral and that is where he heard his father’s voice.

“Go and get her son”.

And he did without a second thought. Gradually after his father’s demise, with his best friend Michael by his side he managed the company and during an early May he proposed to Laura right at the children’s ward with all of them clapping. He also had a ritual of spending time with the kids every once in a week. Despite his and Laura’s busy schedule, they found time to share their love and even though the diagnosis was hard Laura accepted it and her last wish was to create many happy memories as possible and they did. They went skydiving, scuba diving not leaving one extreme activity unturned. Laura’s condition didn’t keep her away from enjoying. Lastly, they went to Disneyland and even though it’s kind of childish they had the best time and in 2 weeks Laura passed away and Jason was right beside her for the entire two weeks.

“Jason, here’s your coffee.”, said Clara interrupting his thoughts.

Jason faced the window which shows a part of the busy city while sipping his coffee. The sun’s ray made its way into his room and he suddenly remembered Laura’s words when he was down.

“The sun still shines even if nothing is fine. So, don’t worry, all will be ok.”

He got off his seat after finishing his coffee and called his mom.

“Mom I’ll pick you up in an hour time.”

“Where are we going, son?”

“You’ll know mom.”, with that, he ended the call.

He canceled all his appointments for the next 2 hours and headed to the flower shop and purchased a bouquet of white lily. He then picked his mother and went to the graveyard.

                        Laura Smith                         

Beloved daughter

Presence: 20^th May 1988

Absence: 14^th February 2018

He placed the flowers and kneeled down while his mother was standing wiping her tears.

“Hi, Love. I miss you so much. It’s so hard to move on with all the dreams we built together. Bring me out of this darkness.” he finished with tears.

At that time the sun shined upon her grave and a beautiful rose fell. He picked it and wondered.

“Don’t you think it’s time to give a rose to someone?”

He knew he heard her voice but he dropped it knowing it’s an illusion. But he still picks the flower and tucked it in his breast pocket.

“I guess you’re right Laura. I’ll always love you. Goodbye, my love.” with that Jason walked away with his mom smiling. The sun’s ray was making him shine below the trees which surrounded the graveyard and he knew Laura will always have a special place in his heart.

He walked with a smile. It’s been so long since I last saw him do that. It’s definitely hard for him and me as well. But I know I’ll always live through his memories and as for me who now is walking “DEAD”, it’s better to step down and give way to someone who loves Jason for the better and worst. Goodbye, my cuddly bear.

Now my last stop, HOME SWEET HOME.

“Smith, where should this trophy go?”, shouted Cynthia, Laura’s mom.

“Place it beside the bookshelf dear.”

On my 5th day, I entered my home through the backyard since it’s a secret way to scare my mom. Her lavender perfume pulled me in and there she was standing and questioning my dad where to place a trophy. Wait what are they doing with my high school trophies? I arranged it neatly in my room. I went up and that is where I realized they are bringing down all my trophies and cert achievements down. I was curious what they were up to. 

“I think it is a good idea to arrange it down.”, said Mrs.Cynthia.

“Ya, It’ll always be our proud moments and I think it’s time to make her achievements shine instead of replacing it with her loss.” , said Mr.Smith with tears and hugged his wife.

My parents are so thoughtful. They wanted everyone to remember me in a good way instead of sharing condolences or grieve for my lost. I was happy that they are gradually lifting each other up after what as happen. I went up to my room and peaked in slowly and there he was on my bed with his head on my pillow, Benji my trusty little brother.

“Benji lunchtime!”, called Mrs.Cynthia.

Benji jumped down of the bed and before turning to go down he stopped at the entrance of Laura’s room when his nose started to pick up a familiar smell.

“Little brother…. Haha. I missed you too..”

Immediately Benji came first licking my feet and when I pat his head kneeling down he started to lick all over my face. I guess it’s true that they say a dog will be able to see the afterlife. He barked all of a sudden and I shushed him before my mom come up hearing all the commotion.

“Little brother, take care of mom and dad ok. Keep them happy and I’ll love you always. Good at keeping a secret?”

Benji gave his paw as a sign of promise.

“Well, I’ll stay here till tomorrow and don’t give away my presence to mom and dad. You understand right boy?”

He licked me as an agreement since I told him not to bark. For, 2 nights Benji was sleeping with me. When my parents, went to church or grocery shopping we would go to the backyard and have fun ensuring no one spots Benji having fun since they would assume his crazy. Lastly, it’s the 7th day; my last day on earth.

The morning sunshine came in my room, and I slowly got up from my bed and headed to the kitchen to see my mom making my favorite pancake with tears. I was astonished and quickly went up to find dad. I was heartbroken to see him sitting at the edge of the bed crying. They were suffering so much that just by one incident I concluded that they’re moving forward better than I thought. It’s time for my last mission.

“Dear Laura, I hope you were here to eat this with us.”

“Mom, I’m always in your heart. The roses in our garden seem to be gloomy give them some shine.”

Mrs.Cynthia turned to the direction of the voice but there was no one. She left the pancakes on the table and went out to check on her rose beds and realized that they really needed some attention and care. She grabbed her spade and gardening gloves despite the sun shining high above. Instead of closing her eyes and blocking it away, she looked above with a smile and muttered a thank you and “I love you”.

“I love you too mom always and forever.”

It’s time to head upstairs and at that time there was a soft breeze and I let a dry leaf fly in. It landed exactly at my dad’s feet.

A dried leaf landed on Mr.Smith’s feet and he picked it up recalling the fond memories where during autumn he would pile up the dry leaves and in comes Benji and Laura for their cannonball jump. At that moment, Benji walked in.

“Hey boy, don’t you think it’s time for a cannonball jump?”

Benji barked with joy.

“Come on boy, let’s go.”

Before heading down Mr.Smith stopped by at Laura’s room and saw the sun shining upon her picture.

“Thank you my princess. I’ll always love you.”, he said with a smile before heading to the backyard to check on his wife.

“I love you too dad.”

“BOO”

“What on earth, Smith! You better get here!”, Mrs.Smith chased after her husband.

“Try to get me!”, said Mr.Smith laughing, knowing that his wife is a little slow.

It was good to see my parents having fun and my mission is completed. I’ve spread the light of faith to my loved ones and it’s time to go to Heaven. The doors are open and before I ascended the stairs Benji came running towards me for a final goodbye. I kissed his forehead and climbed the stairs. With me witnessing all three of them having fun, my body slowly disappeared from the surface of the earth following the light towards heaven.

THE END.

Picture: Google images