Happy Diwali

I saw a couple of kids painting a house. My first reaction was of pity. Child Labor is a rampant phenomenon in most of the markets I visit. But then when I looked at them closely, I realized my mistake. They were painting their own house. They were preparing for the festival celebrations.

Last Sunday, everyone at my home was also on a cleaning mission too. Next step would have been to prepare sweets. My mom did not tell me about it. Festivals are no big fun if the children are not back home. The conversation with mom clearly highlighted this feeling. I was still thinking what will I be doing during festival time. I can not go home. Not that I am forced to be here, but somehow I have to make this choice. A difficult choice indeed. It's been long since I have celebrated any festival at home. So it should not have been such a big deal. But somehow I am feeling that this one indeed is a big deal.

I have to make sure that I do something worth the harshness of the decision I have taken. Looking for suggestions. Anyone?

Fix You by Coldplay

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.

Just follow your heart

Continuing from Enter at your own risk

Dreamers and revolutionaries have one thing in common - they think from their heart. It gives wings to their aspirations. This is what defines them and differentiates their lives and existence from millions others who live on this planet. If heart rules their dreams, it also rules their actions. This aspect can be dangerous at times and has been the prime reason for fall of many. Emotions are those drugs which can make you do unimaginable tasks but can be harmful in a long run. It's the price we pay for the adrenaline rush that comes when swimming against the current.

He found himself in the same trap.

Continued...

Enter at your own risk

"Enter at your own risk," read the warning sign at the entrance of the hallway. It would have deterred others; but he was not like the others. For him the sight of the word 'risk' was an invitation. Kids like him generally do not stick to common sense. Some might think of them as arrogant youngsters who enjoy defying age old wisdom. Old is gold; and it is the age of silicon.

So he entered and was surprised to find that he was not alone. Of course, he was not to be alone. There were many like him. They all belonged to a generation that saw the light of life around Emergency time. They had grown up listening to Floyd, seeing Sachin making history, enjoying LOTR and Harry Potter on big screen and of-course facebooking and tweeting their heart out.

It was going to be exciting for sure. And he had company to share his thrill with. Existence of so many like him was a proof that he was not an outlier. He was not looking for any such approval though.

The Captain of the ship painted a rosy picture of things to come. They all had crossed the first hurdle and there was no need of any more warnings. He geared them up with all the possible ammunition and let the engine roar. The ship of their life was sailing now. Their fortunes and life attached to each other. They had imagined this moment many a times.

continued...