Future

(Image Source: http://www.kewlwallpapers.com)

twinkling little star

will you descend tomorrow

with a new story

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Future.

Change

(Image Source: http://www.musicandmommies.com)

play the game of fate

if the clock runs backwards

what would you change

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - Change.

The Shoes That Fit, Perfectly

Agriculture is considered to be the major occupation in rural India. In terms of farm output, India currently ranks second in the world. The agricultural sector in India accounts for almost 16 percent of GDP and 10 percent of export earnings. The importance of agriculture and farming in this country can thus never be undermined.

However, the irony lies in the fact that the welfare of the farmers, who play the most important role in this occupation, are often neglected and ignored. The poor farmers cannot afford advanced technologies and thus depend on rainfall and other sources of nature to grow their crops. At times the farms fail to produce the desired yield, perhaps due to scanty rainfall or lack of proper planning, leading to poverty and deprivation. The farmers then have to borrow money from the money lenders at high rates of interest to survive and to sustain their families, with hope that they can repay the loan with a prosperous yield in the next season. However, when fate deserts them, they find themselves standing at the cross-roads of failure and hopelessness, under the burden of heavy debts. The poor miserable farmers then resort to their last option, suicide.

Kota Neelima’s 'Shoes Of The Dead' highlights the agony of farmers and their families in this political fiction based on the backdrop of debt-driven farmer suicide. The story starts with the suicide of Sudhakar  Bhadra who fails to bear the huge burden of debt. However, the district committee of Mityala, comprising of powerful individuals, dismisses the suicide and refuses compensation to the widow. Sudhakar’s brother, Gangiri, makes it the mission of his life to bring justice to the dead by influencing the committee to validate similar cases of farmer suicides.

Gangiri faces severe hurdles on the way, from politicians and other prominent members of the district committee. However, it is his firm determination that leads him on. He is supported by Nazar, a well known journalist, who publishes his story of struggle and resoluteness, thus shaking the very foundation of power in the state. Keyur Kashinath of the Democratic Party, and first time member of Parliament from Mityala, feels the heat and tries several ways to gain control of his first major crisis. Keyur is the son of Vaishnav Kashinath, the party’s General Secretary, and is all set to inherit his father’s power in Delhi politics.

The book is slow to start with. However, that is justified since characterization plays a key role in this story, and the first few chapters lead to the setting of the plot and introduce the primary characters to the readers. Gangiri is caring, loyal, hard-working, and devoted to his goals, and he gradually creates a place in your heart. You smile when he rises, and feel sorry when he falls, but you never leave his side even for a single moment in the story. Keyur is another memorable character in the story who brings out the true shades of a normal human being, the inability to distinguish between good and bad, and fails to strike the perfect balance in his actions and deeds. Other characters like Lambodar, Vadrangi, Nazar, Gul and Videhi keep the story alive, as the line between fiction and reality blurs eventually.

Kota Neelima meticulously deals with the problems surrounding farmer suicides, and tries to come out with a solution or two. She manages to transport us in the world where peasants and farmers feed on their tears and survive with an everlasting fear of loss and defeat. She is a political editor with The Sunday Guardian which clearly showcases her prowess with the subject. She is also a Research Fellow for South Asia Studies at The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC. Her previously published work includes the novels Riverstones and Death of a Moneylender.

Somewhere in the story, the conversation between two main characters is as follows:

 “You must be a fool to forgive so easily.”

 “Or a farmer.”

Strange but true – it’s tough being a farmer in the land of farming. This 'Shoes Of The Dead' fits perfectly in the heart, mind, and soul of its readers.

Title: Shoes Of The Dead

Author: Kota Neelima

Publisher: Rupa Publications

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Hardcover

Number of Pages: 288

Genre: Literary Fiction

My Rating: 4/5

Thank You Blog Adda for providing me with the wonderful opportunity to review this book.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

Canvas of Nothingness

Ponytail by Last Exit 

Hello

Yes dear

Oh, here, there

I follow you now

as you paint patterns

in the canvas of nothingness

void, depleted colors

strokes of brushes

fine, gentle, mild

you dissolve

sinking

This is my first attempt in writing a "pattern poem". I am really inspired by my friend Cat who writes beautiful poems which have a pattern of their own. Do check her blog here.

This Poem is shared with Magpie Tales.

The Sun (XIX) Tarot

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl/)

oh divine sun

will you grant light to those

blinded by fate

~ o ~

a new dawn

embraces the globe

with love and hope

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - The Sun (XIX) Tarot.

Health

(Image Source: http://www.123rf.com)

hands folded

she prays for his good health

temple bells ring

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - Health.

Reflection

(Image Source: http://ermiliablog.wordpress.com)

A slight twirl of her fingers across the edges of the white paper motioned the page to turn, and it silently obeyed. The fragrances of new books have always appealed to her senses, as she closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet aroma that sang melodiously of purity and honesty.

However, the attachment didn't stop there today.

Her eyes rolled over the intricately carved words, and she identified, in a unique concoction of surprise, horror, and raw dismay, an uncanny resemblance of her life events with the progression of the chief character, Maria. She re-read the lines, often slowing down her pace not to miss even the minutest of syllables, and yet there was no denying the fact that she had tumbled upon her own story, her life and death, love and hatred, success and failure fictionalized with swift motions of an author's pen.

She paused for a second, and thought, "Am I floating on my own reflection?"

This Micro-Fiction is shared with Picture It And Write.

A Cricket - Dinner Party

It’s that time of the year again when the country bathes in vibrant colors and different chants of team-support rock the stadiums all over the nation. Yes, I am talking of IPL – VI and the craziness surrounding it. Cricket pundits have always debated on the authenticity of such a tournament where players are auctioned for money and celebrities who rule the silver screen own the franchisees. A few dirty fish have also threatened to poison the pond, owing to the recent charges of spot fixing. However, you can never deny the fact that IPL does provide you with that delightful dose of excitement, thrill and entertainment.

I, along with the residents of my apartment complex, decided to come together for an evening of food and fun on May 26, the day of IPL Finals. At the time of writing this, Chennai Super Kings had already qualified to the Finals, while the 2^nd team’s spot was still in contention with Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals passionately aspiring to lay their hands on it.

Location

The spacious Conference Hall in our Apartment Complex, adorned with a 52 inch LED TV, and comfortable sitting arrangements, will serve as the perfect location for the entertaining evening.

Entertainment

A dinner party based on cricket, why not start it with cricket itself? Prior to the commencement of the real game, a few 5-overs a side cricket matches will be played in indoor premises among the residents of the building. The rules would range from underhand bowling to one drop catches. No serious business, just a fun way to start off the proceedings.

Ambience

A spring in their steps and a smile of camaraderie, can you beat that? The residents will be sporting head gears of the team they support on the big day. Banners have also been prepared, and while we won’t be able to view the match live from the stadium, we will leave no stone unturned in producing the same ambience in our Conference Hall.

I am quite sure that our Conference Hall would be way louder than the Eden this Sunday.

Food

We would start serving the starters during the cricket games between the residents, along with a variety of soft drinks, based on preferences. Dinner will follow suit, with lip-smacking delicacies, prepared with the high quality gourmet products of Kitchens of India.

Starters –

Chicken Kebab

Vegetable Pakora

Aloo papri chat

Jalebi

Main Dishes –

Lachha Paratha

Masala Kulcha

Peas Pulao

Side Dishes –

Chicken Darbari (A Ready To Dine Dish from Kitchens Of India)

Prawn Malai Curry

Dal Bukhara (A Ready To Dine Dish from Kitchens Of India)
Mughlai Paneer (A Ready To Dine Dish from Kitchens Of India)

Chutney –

Tomato Chilli Chutney (Kitchens Of India)

Shredded Mango Chutney (Kitchens Of India)

Desserts –

Jodhpuri Moong Dal Halwa (Kitchens Of India)

Kesar Falooda Kulfi

Gulab jamun

A get-together with family, friends and neighbors, on the grand finale of one of the most star-studded sporting tournament around the globe, with the taste buds savoring the delicious food on offer, can a Sunday evening get any better? Truly, a feast for the senses.


This is my official entry to the My Gourmet Party contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Kitchens Of India.

The House Of Gold

(Image Source: http://magpietales.blogspot.in/)

you see that house of gold

right around the corner

as you turn east

into the horizontal landscape

notice how the dandelions crane their neck

to have a closer look

at what lies beyond

the brownish shades

a few hours later

these dandelions bloom

orbs of power

fertilized with gold dusts

they rise into the horizon

kissing the eastern skies

This Poem is shared with Magpie Tales - Mag 169.

Barren Survival Cracks

(Image Source: http://stockfresh.com/)

dark clouds

laugh at pleading eyes

no rain today

no rain today

dark clouds march ahead

barren survival cracks

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - Betrayal.

The Devil (XV) Tarot

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl)

beware

the devil plants weeds

of hate and doubt

~ o ~

the lone devil

seeks love and trust

redemption

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - The Devil (XV) Tarot.

Temperance (XIV)

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl/)

she smiles her tears

balance of day and night

spins the world

the old sage

absorbs joy and grief

he knows no desire

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Temperance (XIV).

Flow

(Image Source: http://www.wallsave.com)

"flow"

they said

"move on with time"

and yet I couldn't

as tears bloated the sleeves

of my crease-less shirt

flow I did

with the gulls that hovered

across those lakes

where we plundered the waves once

remember, darling?

flow I did

to the mesmerizing rhythm

of rain drops brushing

tickling our love

we hid beneath the clouds

in silent ecstasy

flow I did

holding the shells that carried

the sound of the seas

beyond which we dreamt

a life, now forgotten

but do you remember, sweetheart?

I fail to flow today

the burden weighs heavily

on my frail shoulders

I sink deep

into the abyss

of twinkling nothingness

This Poem is shared with One Single Impression- Flow.

Accident

(Image Source: http://hdwpapers.com)

As the little heart pumped inside my soul, I knew things would be all right now, between me and him.

The doctor's voice reverberated against my eardrums, forcing me to smile each and every time I remembered his exact words, "Congratulations, you are expecting."

The doorbell rang and my anticipation touched the skies; he would surely propose marriage once I gave him the news, and then, we would start our own sweet little family, in my valley of dreams.

I hugged him excitedly and whispered "You are going to be Dad, Honey."

He shrugged, freed himself from my embrace, and chuckled, "Don't be crazy darling; this is just a damn accident."


This Five Sentence Micro - Fiction is shared with Five Sentence Fiction - Accident.

Touching Lives Through Haiku

‘Health is wealth’ – a well known adage that most of us would agree too; very true indeed, ‘cause without taking proper care of your health and well-being, you won’t be able to relish the other wonders that life has to offer.

What’s the use of a high paying job if your unfit body disobeys the operations of the strenuous work environment, or can we enjoy an outstation vacation if our bodies do not stand up to the long distance traveling? You might be earning loads of cash, but you really need to stay fit in order to enjoy the pleasantries.

And that’s exactly where modern healthcare is touching lives today. You never know when you can fall sick. Life is unpredictable, with questions that do not always find answers. Precautions are needed, but they don’t guarantee fitness all the time. A proper medical treatment is essential when one falls sick.

Apollo Hospitals are among those centers that have really carved a niche in healthcare. The hi-tech equipments, along with caring staff members, and well designed laboratories have helped this group of hospitals in its growth all along. Apollo Hospitals have proved to the best place to be to when you need proper treatment.

Apollo Hospitals specialize in varied types of medical care. Now, I am no doctor, and neither am I a great student of medicine. Hence, to cut a long story short, I have highlighted some of the key medical treatments provided by this hospital, well, in the form of haiku (A haiku is a Japanese form of three lines poetry with a syllable count pattern of 5-7-5).

Radio Surgery - Novalis TX

Hope against cancer

High energy radiation

Tumors treatable

Cyber knife Robotic Radio Surgery

Treat tumors with smile

Sub-milli accuracy

Turns you fit and fine

Liver Transplant

Sensitivity

Bloodless liver surgery

A marvel of science

Bone Marrow Transplant

Transplanting stem cells

Forming blood cells and platelets

Ingredients for life

Hand & Micro Surgery

Hold hands tight with love

Promises everlasting

Through thorns and roses

Infertility Care

Those tiny fingers

Curl around your silken smiles

A cry of new life

Cosmetic Surgery

Your identity

Adorning a new color

Beauty of the soul

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Past deformities

Paving way for perfection

Cyst and tumors cured

Birmingham HipResurfacing

Run, jump, race and win

Hip replacement when in need

March ahead my friend

Stem Cell Transplant

Graft vs Disease

Planting cells of brighter life

Fight against illness

Emergency & Trauma Care

One – Zero – Six – Six

Helpline, or health-line, you say

Dial when in need

Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Surgery

Matters of the heart

Should be dealt with utmost care

And that’s what they do

Obesity And Bariatric Surgery

A growing health hazard

Obesity, as they say

Cure before it’s late

MRI-HIFU - Non-Surgical treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Non-surgical, yes

A non-invasive treatment

Quick and effective

Robotic Surgery

Trustworthy machines

Achieving high precision

Comfort guaranteed

The Renaissance Robotic Surgical System

Surgery of spine

Using high – end procedures

A relief for sure

PET-MR Suite

Body, a puzzle

Complexities of humans

Addressed perfectly

G scan

Standing MRI

A revolution indeed

Healthcare comes of age

As a blogger who loves writing haiku poems, this was my take on Modern Healthcare. I am glad to be living in a generation with such hi-tech medical facilities, that reduces my health worries to a great extent.

Because I know, Modern Healthcare has indeed managed to touch lives, in a really big way.

This is my official entry to the Apollo Hospitals - Touching Lives contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Apollo Hospitals.

One Last Time

this night of spring

whistles past my window

one last time

one last time

I dance to the rhythm

of musical spring

alas, one last time

I wish you would return

your smile blooms my life

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Kyoshi Takahama's 'the night of Spring'.

Justice (XI) Tarot

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl/)

justice denied

can never mend

broken shards

we await justice

verdict whispered aloud

true and divine

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Justice (XI) Tarot.

The Wheel of Fortune (X) Tarot

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl/)

fate unknown

who turns this wheel

neither you nor I

waiting for our turn

guided by divine soul

we create magic

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - The Wheel of Fortune (X) Tarot.

Bridge

(Image Source: http://wallpaperdownloadfreezone.blogspot.in)

sun and moon

playing hide and seek

under the bridge

lone traveler

walks along the bridge

seeking true light

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - Bridge.

Strength (VIII) Tarot

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl)

divine strength

orders the world to move

earth obeys and spins

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Strength (VIII) Tarot.

The Magical We

(Image Source: http://www.123rf.com/)

do dried petals rekindle

those memoirs inscribed

in closeted pages

as fingers brushed

amid stolen smiles

eyelids drooping

to musical chimes

they knew it

and felt it

they kissed it

and loved it

time stood still, but not too long

day turned to night, and change of song

good luck and good bye

may the Gods be always on your side

'cause I have failed you in ways more than one

I know no destination, but I run and run

the hourglass mimics my pace

as I race with the turtles

I tried, I tried, more and less

and yet couldn't cross the final hurdles

those pages drowned with tears

now scream out loud at me

will dried petals rekindle

and bloom once again

to weave the perfect dream
yes, you and me
The Magical We

This Poem is shared with One Single Impression - Rekindle.

A Heartwarming Tale On The Tracks Of Mumbai

A love story, a superhero account, or the tale of struggle of a man who finds it difficult to adjust to the society? Call it whatever you wish to, because Rishi Vohra’s debut fiction ‘Once Upon The Tracks Of Mumbai’ does full justice to each of these descriptions.

Rishi Vohra had a successful career in the Indian entertainment industry. He completed a Green MBA from San Francisco State University and a Masters Diploma in Environmental Law. He recently relocated to Mumbai. He has written guest columns for many Indian newspapers. Interestingly, he is also a Certified Specialist of Wine and currently writes for delWine.

‘Once Upon The Tracks Of Mumbai’ starts with the narration of Balwant Srivastav, or Babloo, as he is called by others. The first few pages serve as an introduction to the protagonist’s character as Babloo plainly states how he is described as autistic, schizophrenic and psychotic by the doctors, his family and his friends. He lives with his parents and Raghu, his younger brother, in the railway colony located next to the Bandra station in Mumbai. However, he is often neglected by his family, resulting in a gaping loneliness that has grown in magnitude over the years. Babloo converses with his own self at times, who he believes to be his only true friend, and tries to figure out the answers to queries that are too difficult for him to comprehend.

The only person who understands Babloo and likes to spend time with him is Vandana, a resident of the same colony. Babloo secretly admires her and is in love with her. He dreams of a beautiful future with Vandana in a house by the sea. However, he finds it difficult to emote and is clueless regarding expressing his feelings towards her. This is when Sikander, the bad guy, enters the scene. He falsely promises Babloo that he would convey his message to Vandana, and in the process, devises plans to get closer to her.

Babloo, frustrated by his own lack of identity, and eager to make Vandana proud of her and win her heart, dons the character of Rail Man, a superhero-type guy who patrols the railway tracks in order to find and save people who might be in trouble. In the process, he beats up the trouble-maker and rescues several victims from danger. However, unfortunately, he is perceived by the politicians and the police as a danger to the society and they do not hesitate in referring to him as a criminal who has taken the law on his own hands.

There are several subplots in the novel, and the author should be credited for giving proper attention to each one of them. The Raghu – Vandana, Sikander – Vandana and Sonal – Sikander stories flow seamlessly in the backdrop, gradually assisting the progression as Babloo narrates his own tale of his search and longing for care, love and respect. Rishi does his best to go deep into the character of Babloo and successfully portrays the pent up anguish that dwells in the protagonist’s heart.

‘Once Upon The Tracks Of Mumbai’ is a heartwarming tale that helps you relate to the protagonist Babloo in more ways than one. We, as human, do face moments of depression and that sudden motion of aloofness at times, and that’s when we identify the Babloo hidden deep within us. Rishi Vohra’s emotional page turner is a truly satisfying read. Hope we see more such inspiring and unconventional storylines as debuts by aspiring authors in the literary world in near future.

Name: Once Upon The Tracks Of Mumbai

Author: Rishi Vohra

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2012

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Number of Pages: 272

My Rating: 4/5

Do checkout http://www.rishivohra.com for more details on the author and the novel.

Story

smiling away

she whispers stories

fun gossips

~ o ~ o ~

lost stories

stacked mercilessly

aloof

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - Story.

Daredevil

(Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org)

those silent eyes

that reside in darkness

knows no fear

Daredevil is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, Matt Murdock is blinded by a radioactive substance that falls from an oncoming vehicle. While he no longer can see, the radioactive exposure heightens his remaining senses beyond normal human ability. His father, a boxer named Jack Murdock, supports him as he grows up, though Jack is later killed by gangsters after refusing to throw a fight. After donning a yellow and black, and later a dark red, costume, Matt seeks out revenge against his father's killers as the superhero Daredevil, fighting against his many enemies including Bullseye and the Kingpin.Daredevil's nickname is "the Man Without Fear".


This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - Daredevil.

The Sun That Sinks

(Image Source: http://www.popularscreensavers.com)

the sun that sinks

in the blue dissolving skies

like sugar in a teapot

or salt, if you prefer

silently bloating bubbles

that blow hot and cold

as the frozen rays pave the way

to the sands of time

oblivion to fate.

This Prelude Poem is shared with

• Imaginary Garden With Real Toads - The Prelude,
• dVerse - Open Link Night.

Paint Me With Colors That Know Not My Name

Young Woman Picking the Fruit of Knowledge, 1892 by Mary Cassatt

paint me with colors

that know not my name

sprinkle me with dust

of knowledge and fame

'cause I will live today

and tomorrow too

dark clouds flow away

smiling at the rainbow new

I grow young with simmering stars

and play with the shadowy moon

my dreams show me the path

destination by noon

paint me with colors

that resonate with verses

of poetic freedom

love and bliss

paint me today

as I close my eyes

and to the gift of life, I pray

This Poem is shared with 

• Mag 167,
• Imaginary Garden With Real Toads - Open Link Monday.

The Empress (III) Tarot

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl)

she nurtures magic

creation obeys her tune

sun, moon, and earth

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - The Empress (III) Tarot.

Weary Chrysanthemum Blooms

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl/)

devoid of answers

weary chrysanthemum blooms

one last time

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Kyoshi Takahama's 'dead chrysanthemum'.

The Highpriestess (II) Tarot

mortal souls bow

in quest of love and blessing

her divine power

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - The Highpriestess (II) Tarot.

Thanks TRESemmé, I Love You

It was 3 in the night, or morning, whatever you prefer to call it (yeah, dawn will be appropriate too), and I got a call from her.

“Hey, guess what? I am selected for the fashion show in my college,” she screamed in delight.

“Wow, congrats,” I tried to sound excited, but my sleepy tone resulted in a failed act.

“What? Why are you like this? Isn’t it great?” She was probably able to see me from the other side of the phone, don’t know how!

“No … I mean, yes, I am pretty excited … this is super cool … wow, trendy,” I tried to find some fashion jargons but trust me, when you are woken up in such a hurry, your mind hardly registers anything.

“Yes, I can see that,” she replied, her sarcasm clearly visible. “Anyways, can you do me a favor?”

“Hmm,” that was the only answer I was supposed to give.

“Tell me what hairstyle I should sport?” she dropped the million dollar question.

Hairstyle? Did she wake me up at 3 am just to talk about this? Oh God!

“Sleep now dear … We can discuss tomorrow morning,” I said, trying to be as understanding as possible.

“You think I have time? The show is tomorrow. You boys are all the same, you have changed Akash. You have changed a lot,” saying so, she disconnected the call, and also my sleep.

What was I supposed to do then? Simple, comply with her wishes. I had to make her smile (see, I am quite a responsible boyfriend). However, I didn’t know where to start from, what to find, and how to go about it.

But as they say, if you wish for something from your heart, you get it. I logged on to my PC, and after trying my luck with a few searches, I got what I wanted.

My hard work paid off and I was directed to TRESemméIndia Youtube channel. I made myself a quick cup of hot tea and browsed through the videos one by one. A lot of hair styles to choose from – and I started visualizing Sapna sporting them. Finally, I came up with the hairstyle that I felt would suit her perfectly. I took my car keys and ran out of my house.

“Sorry love, I was rude,” I called up and apologized (as always).

“It’s ok, you go to sleep,” she said slowly. I could sense the sadness in her voice.

“Can’t sleep on the road, you see. If you are not awake, come out,” I smiled.

I loved the shock on her face as she peered out of her window. She motioned me to stay where I was and quickly rushed down. God, how can someone look so cute all the time?

“What’s this? What are you up to now? It’s 3:30 am,” she said.

“I know dear, but do we have time? Isn’t the show tomorrow?” I replied.

She hugged me, and I said “Sorry” again. I told her to enter the car, and we quickly raced towards the 24X7 Supermarket Store that had newly opened in our area.

The store didn’t have much customers at this hour and we rushed to the section of Hair Products. We bought bottles of TRESemmé Climate Control Shampoo and TRESemmé Climate Control Conditioner.

“Do you know how to use them?” I asked.

“Like people normally do, right?” she asked inquisitively.

“Sapna, your hair is special. Treat it the special way,” I smiled, and continued, “Take a small amount of TRESemmé Climate Control Shampoo and apply it on wet hair. Gently massage and work into a lather. Rinse thoroughly. You can repeat it one more time if you feel so. Next, you have to squeeze all the excess water out of your hair and apply an adequate amount of TRESemmé Climate Control Conditioner, from the middle to the end, till the hair feels smooth. Use a white toothed comb and comb starting from the end. Slowly move up and untangle the hair. After 2-3 minutes, rinse thoroughly,” I took a deep breath (Phew, had I memorized so much in my school days, I would have surely scored hundreds in all my papers).

“How do you know so much?” Today was surely a day of innumerable surprises for her.

“Well, love teaches you everything,” I said and saw her cheeks turn red. I was loving it. “What about the Messy Updo style?”

“What about that?” she asked.

“Sport it tomorrow. It would suit you.”

Needless to say, she emerged as the star of the show the next day.

“Thanks Akash, you saved me. I love you,” she whispered as she hugged me after the contest.

“Thanks TRESemmé, you saved me. I love you,” my mind raced with joy.

This is my official entry to the TRESemmé Ramp Ready Hair contests organized by Indiblogger in association with TRESemmé India Youtube channel.

The Magician (Tarot)

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl/)

magician's wand

guide us through infinity

cleansing our souls

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Heights - The Magician (Tarot) (I).

The Fool (Tarot)

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl)

fool walks in vain

the world laughs at him

and then follows suit

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - The Fool (Tarot).

Tarot

(Image Source: http://chevrefeuillescarpediem.blogspot.nl)

she shuffles the cards

once, twice and thrice

fate remains same

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Tarot (regular).

Fallen Leaf

(Image Source: http://wallpaperswide.com)

believe

in deception

'cause that's what you will face

if not today, then tomorrow

uncover those smiles

rugged morphed wails

shrouding the dawn

but

the sun would rise

heart penitent

restoration

of sanity and wisdom

purity comes to light

holding hands with evil

and what do you make of it?

B-A-L-A-N-C-E

a six letter word

encompassing universal truth

as good hugs the bad

and you smile tears at the moon

don't waste away that trust

accumulated over sands of memories

you searched for them in myriad grains, remember?

relish the bloom before it's too late

a tribute to life

to joy and grief

'cause you never know

tomorrow you might be just another fallen leaf

This Poem is shared with 

• Three Word Wednesday,
• Woven Dreams - Trust,
• Imaginary Garden With Real Toads - Open Link Monday.