As 2013 comes to an end

The year started and just whizzed by, not even giving me a few moments to pause and ponder. What did I do new this year? Nothing remarkable…. started several things and left them midway…

Lost one of my best friends to cancer and there is nothing and no one to fill that void. Miss you so much, Old Man, and I am sure I am not the only one. Atul, you meant much more to me than I ever admitted.

It is still difficult for me to believe that Atul is no longer going to be a comforting online presence; even as I struggle to accept that he is not there, another friend, who was just getting close  after several years of not being in communication had a fatal fall. You were a beautiful person, Kavita I wish we had more time to know you closely. I will always miss that friendship that never blossomed completely.

Just after Christmas, I got one more blow.  A man who was larger than life itself passed away. A well wisher, and an extremely talented actor, Farouque Saheb was one of the most down to earth person I have ever interacted with. I will miss his occasional phone calls and messages…

Life has its own ways… and while I am alive, I  must live my life to its fullest and on my own terms. People who are gone would not wish any less, I am sure, because each one of them lived their life on their own terms.

2013 also saw Aasim turn 16, an important milestone in his life; he gave his IGCSE this year and is growing up to become a fine man. I feel proud to be his mother. Next year he will be away from home, staying in a hostel for continuation of his education. Though as parents we feel we have equipped him to be on his own, somewhere there is a string that tugs… I guess that will always be there. It’s an emotional bond and I wish it stays that way.

Things changed a bit on work front, we  have a talented and much stronger team and a few products to be proud of. SANIsoft is embarking on new growth path and we are determined to take it to new heights.

I don’t know what 2014 will bring, as I write this I remember a very old and beloved friend who loved to say and sing Que Sera Sera… whatever will be will be, the future’s not ours to see.

 

Farooque Shaikh : As I knew him.

Some people are larger than life. Farooque Saheb was one of them. This morning I woke up to the news of his passing away and for a few minutes, it just did not sink in… It was not as if we talked or messaged on daily basis a phone call once in a year, a … Continue reading Farooque Shaikh : As I knew him.

Aasim’s farewell address

Aasim finished his IGCSE exams yesterday and is looking forward to the long break (during which he has planned many activities). He gave an impromptu farewell speech as the class valedictorian. A speech that makes me very proud.  

क्या कहिये मुझे क्या याद आया

मजरूह की यह नज़म मुझे बेहद पसंद है। एक मीठा सा भोलापन और भीनी-भीनी खुशबू है इसमें जो मेरे अंदर बस गयी है इसे पढ़ने के बाद। मग़रिब में वो तारा एक चमका, फिर शाम का परचम लहराया शबनम सा वो मोती इक टपका, फ़ितरत ने आँचल फैलाया नज़रें बहकी, दिल बहला, क्या कहिये मुझे … Continue reading क्या कहिये मुझे क्या याद आया

Happy 16th Aasim

It was a busy day for Aasim on his 16th birthday. He had two IGCSE exams (Maths and French), so I took this cake to his school with some snacks for Aasim and his friends.

Life, again.

Old footsteps get washed awayand new appearon the ocean shoreThe mighty waveswash them all awaywith one sweepViolently, andsometimes gently,they hit the shorebringing alongits tiny, beautifuland colorful life.

Don’t say goodbye

My friend, today you are in a better place where pain does not exist, and I see you happy. Your body has left us but your love, the bond we shared lives within me and within everyone you loved so dearly. When I look at the rainbow I reach you as you watch the sun rise … Continue reading Don’t say goodbye

वीरानी

अब न रहा वो साज़ जो सात सुर बजायेगा टूट के निकलते हैं अल्फाज़ जुबाँ से मीठी बातों से अब ये दिल न बहल पायेगा पुराने किस्सों की मत करो बातें मुझसे दर्द जो छिपा रक्खा था, फिर उभर आयेगा मत दोहराओ चाँद के, तारों का किस्से जख्म अभी सूखा नहीं है; छेड़ोगे तो तड़प … Continue reading वीरानी

अब तो कोई आयेगा

घर की देवढी पर बैठी मैं कजरारे नैनों से ताकूं सारे रस्ते सगरी बस्ती सब सोते हैं, बस मैं जागूँ भोर भये मैं देखूँ सूरज शाम ढले मैं तारे बांचूँ क्या आओगे आप सवेरे या शाम चंदा के संग आँचल थामे ये बाट निहारूँ सूने आँगन धूप खिली फिर फूल सजे बगिया में मेरी छत … Continue reading अब तो कोई आयेगा

Dad’s fall and the hospital he was admitted to.

it was a regular Monday morning chaos till the time I received a call from Mom saying that Dad has fallen down the stairs and is not responding. Thing went from crazy chaos to urgency suddenly and we rushed, 10kms away, where they live. As we were driving, Tarique called Dr. Anup Marar, Director, Orange City … Continue reading Dad’s fall and the hospital he was admitted to.