Secret jokes.

There is something uniquely beautiful about sharing a joke with a friend; knowing that the two of you are the only people in the world who understand it. These jokes will never seem funny when explained; they are not meant to be explained. In fact, the explanation destroys and disrespects the humour. These jokes are simply meant to be cherished. Cherished by those who create them. They are simply meant to be remembered. Remembered as fond memories, that can be recalled once in a while. Because when recalled, they have the ability to make you laugh till you cry. They have the ability to inspire you, remind you of wonderful times and help you realise how easy it is to be happy.

Inspired by the rain.

An ordinary Thursday morning in the midst of the monsoon found me seated in a quiet cafe; my empty notebook and a hot cup of coffee being all the company I had. I had chosen my favourite seat next to the small window in the corner. I'm not sure why I liked that particular seat so much. Probably because the people outside gave me the illusion I was not alone without disrespecting my privacy.

Outside, I could see children wrapped in colourful raincoats, getting drenched in the monsoon showers, splashing around in puddles, ignoring their mothers' concerns about catching a cold, teaching me a thing or two about a worriless existence. Nature too seemed to have given herself a makeover and was now dressed in a layer of lush green.

A young couple was walking down the road sharing a single umbrella, whispering and laughing, sometimes pretending to be annoyed by the rain as they evidently enjoyed every bit of it. I smiled as I wondered whether they were genuinely oblivious or whether they were choosing to ignore that second umbrella lying unused in the girl’s bag.

The roadside tea seller, normally intimidated by his corporate competitors was wearing a big, broad grin as customers kept lining up, faster than his hands could work. For he knew he could not offer them the fancy décor and the comfortable couches and the trendy music. Or even cups and saucers which matched for that matter! But who needed those luxuries when they could be seated in natures lap, relishing the greying skies pelting drops of rain with some tangy local savouries washed down with hot, sweet chai.

The entire city seemed doused in its capricious monsoon mood. The rains had arrived and brought with them hope and enery and life defining spirit.

Here and Now

Being awoken every morning
By the chirping of the birds
And the sunlight pouring through my window
I stop and remind myself
Of the beauty of this moment

Sitting in a quiet seaside café
Breathing the aroma of fresh coffee
Reading a book
Listening to the song my father used to sing to me
I smile
I stop and remind myself
Of the beauty of this moment

Hugging a friend
Saying ‘see you later’ and not ‘goodbye’
Telling her she has made my life more beautiful
My lips start curving into a smile
At the same time that my eyes well up with tears
I stop and remind myself
Of the beauty of this moment

Writing a poem
Watching my pain manifest into words
Being broken
Being inspired
I stop and remind myself
Of the beauty of this moment.


It often seems to me
That life is nothing but an appreciation
Of beauty
Of simplicity
Of the present.
Life is nothing
But the here and the now.