Happy New Year - 2015

This Poem is shared with

• Get Listed - Final for 2014,
• Bits of Inspiration - Happy New Year.

New Year

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

as the new year dawns

they embrace promise of love

together, always

This Haiku is shared with

• Christmas Special of Poetic Forms : HAIKU,
• Theme Thursday - Togetherness.

The Award

There are lies, that you speak to avoid falling into a mess, and then there are LIES, that, after the initial escape, lunges forward and grasps your conscience so hard that you are entrapped in a feeling of guilt and repentance. The courage to speak the truth can take us through all situations, even though there might be initial hurdles. Persistence with lie, however small that might seem, brings us to a cross road where dilemma and sense of regret flood our shores.

I was in the eight standard, a phase where we embrace our teenage years, and gain understanding of the good, bad and ugly. You know how competitive school life is. Pressure to study, pressure to excel, and pressure to be ahead in the race. It’s this constant pressure that’s exhausting, but then, when you live up to this expectation, the feeling is exhilarating. Exhilaration, yes, was what I experienced when I scored a perfect hundred in my Mathematics paper, thus making me eligible for one of the Subject Topper Awards. The teacher praised me, the entire classroom clapped for me, and the jealousy in the face of my competitors made me soar in pride.

I was thrilled, I was glad. And, then came the ugliest feeling of all – guilt.

The answer sheets were handed over to each student so that they could evaluate their mistakes, and know where they went wrong. When I went through mine, I noted that there were two questions that I had solved incorrectly, but the teacher had mistakenly marked them as correct. Had she been more careful, I would have scored 90, not 100, and definitely not the highest in class. The accolades and cheers would then all go in vain, and the Topper’s medal too wouldn’t land in my hand. It would surely be a losing situation if I informed the teacher and made her revise my marks. I kept quiet.

However, the voice in my head didn’t stay silent. It shouted and screamed, urging me to do what is right, inform the teacher, so that the student who rightly deserves the Topper Award receives it. I tried to shut the voice in my head. After all it was the first time that I was receiving any award. I would by no means lose this chance.

Next day our Principal came into the classroom to congratulate me, and also a few other subject toppers who were from my section. I smiled at her, even though the guilt was weighing heavily on my mind. I thought she would leave after the customary greetings, but she stayed on. What was even more surprising was the announcement that came next.

The Principal, in her authoritative tone, announced, “Every year, we have the Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony in June. However, since our school will be hosting the All India Sports Competition that time, we will be awarding the winners in tomorrow’s morning assembly.”

If there is a moment when the heart really skips a beat, this was it. I looked around. Students were clapping, the teacher was smiling, and the guy who had the second highest marks in Mathematics, with a score of 98, had a dejected look on his face, even though he tried to look happy and bright. In that moment I knew how it felt to be on the wrong side of justice. If I accepted the prize tomorrow, he would be upset, but then, he would double his efforts to grab the trophy next year. What about me? Would I be happy? Would I jump in joy? Would I be able to proudly showcase the trophy in front of my parents?

Would I be able to beam in excitement when others refer to me as the Topper in Mathematics?

In that single moment, I got my answers. I stood up, and with a choked voice, and tears streaming down my face, said, “Ma’am, I am sorry, but I do not deserve this award.”

The entire class looked in shock. The room that was laughing and cheering just a few seconds ago, had suddenly turned silent. It was as if Gods from heavens had turned on the mute button on their remote. A pin fell somewhere, and I understood what pin drop silent really meant. This was it.

I narrated the tale of the mark that I had mistakenly received, and handed over my answer script for correction. The teacher and the Principal stared at me in utter disbelief. The two of them, then went out of the class. I looked back at the guy who had scored 98. He shrugged his shoulder, asking me why. I smiled back. Atleast, I could smile peacefully now, with no weight on my heart.

Five minutes later, the Principal and the teacher re-entered the room, and the former announced, “We are sorry for the error in marking. As correctly pointed out by Amrit, his paper was wrongly checked, and instead of hundred, his score stands at 90. The Maths topper for this year is Gaurav with 98 marks.”

The class cheered for Gaurav now. I too clapped at him.

“However,” the Principal continued, “it’s not easy to speak the truth, specially in today’s cut throat competitive environment. All of us want to win, by hook or by crook. We sacrifice our morals and values in the race to the top. But this young man here today, Amrit, has opened our eyes. Studies don’t just teach you to excel in studies, it should also teach you to excel in humanity, to be a better person, a better civilian of the society. It should teach you to adopt the path of truth, courage and honesty, and shun everything that’s wrong. Moreover, studies should teach every girl, every boy, every man and every woman, to be like this boy, who sacrificed the award and chose the path for righteousness. We are proud of you, yes, very very proud, and for your unselfish and truthful act, I announce a new category of awards this year – Honesty award. This goes to you Amrit.”

This was a moment of celebration, when I could proudly showcase my achievement to the world. True, I didn’t score high in Mathematics, but I did score excellently in honesty. Can there be any better award than that? After all, Kitna chain hota hai na sachchai mein.

This is my official entry to Kinley Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Kinley.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.coca-colaindia.com/products/kinley_water.html

You And Me

Shooting Star

(Image Source: http://thedeparturelounge.co)

when a shooting star

glides across the horizon

they smile, wish and kiss

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Stars.

A Story Ends, A Tale Begins

(Image Source: http://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2014/12/23/photo-prompt-40-december-23-2014/)

how does it feel

to cover miles

in lonesome tracks

where real meets reel

how does it feel

a couple of miles

the sign board reads

a hazy path

where tracks would lead

a couple of miles

a bliss, a freedom

a light so divine

we, mere mortals

humbled by the shine

a bliss, a freedom

a story ends, a tale begins

the cycle runs

forever it seems

of life before, and thereafter

a story ends, a tale begins

This Poem is shared with

• Mindlovemisery's Menagerie - Photo Prompt #40,
• Imaginary Garden - Open Link Monday.

Little Kitty Sleeps

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

under yellow stars

and colourful Christmas tree

little kitty sleeps

This Haiku is shared with

• Carpe Diem - Christmas Decorations,
• Haiku my Heart.

A Man Was Trying To Appease

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

A man was trying to appease
his wife, when he burnt the cheese.
The dish gone awry
Her rage, he was wary.
Hence, said he "Let's go out for lunch, please?"


This Limerick is shared with

• Limerick-Off Monday - Appeasement,
• dVerse Open Link Night,
• Poets United - Poetry Pantry.

Glimmer

(Image Source: http://earthsky.org/)

"Sir, can we travel to the stars?"

"They are meant to be watched, watched from a distance."

"Err ... from this wheelchair that life has gifted me?"

There was no pain in his voice; instead, a glimmer of hope, and a refreshing passion adorned his eyes.

"Sir, I may not walk ever again, but I will definitely sprout wings and fly, someday."


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

Straw And Needle

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

amidst stacks of straws

needle was finally found

a sigh of relief

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Straw.

Lost Forever

(Image Source: http://grandmas-goulash.info/)

"It's urgent. We leave now."

She nodded. A moment later, two dark silhouettes trudged along the darkness.

"What time is it?" he asked.

"A quarter past ten."

"Ah. The cold breeze burns my skin. Are we there yet?"

Holding hands, they walked towards the Railway Station, their faint footsteps echoing in the moonlit silence.

"She should be arriving by the eleven o' clock express. And would you believe it? We just married last month, but have spent only a couple of days together, till our work commitments came in the way," his voice emanated with nervous excitement.

"Who are you, by the way?" he suddenly turned towards her, and the familiar sense of grief tugged her heart.

Alzheimer's disease had trapped him in the past, while she, his wife for fourteen long years, was lost forever, in this daily routine.


This 140-words Micro Fiction is shared with Succinctly Yours Week 195.

Six Days To Christmas

(Image Source: http://funmozar.com/)

the little child dreams

of Santa and his reindeers

six days to Christmas

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Christmas Stockings.

Mirage

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

amidst sand pebbles

he stumbled on a ruby

alas, a mirage

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Horizons - Ruby.

Love Petals

(Image Source: https://ermiliablog.wordpress.com/2014/12/14/picture-it-write-48/)

This Poem is shared with Picture It And Write.

Silence

This Poem is shared with Poetry Jam - Quiet.

Winners - Review

To read the full review, click HERE.

Title: Winners
Author: Danielle Steel
Publisher: Transworld
Publication Year: 2014
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary Women
No. of Pages: 512
Price: Rs 399
My Rating: 4/5

Last Winter

still the last winter

brings back memories to her

his words lost in snow

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem Ghost Writer #37, Georgia on Frost and Carpe Diem Special #121, Richard Wright's 2nd haiku "in the falling snow".

Lost

This Poem is shared with Imaginary Garden - Open Link Monday.

Love Is Winter

(Image Source: https://wallpaperscraft.com)

They say love is divine. I say love is winter.

You were the snow flake that knocked at my window on that freezing morn. Through the haziness of the frost, and the dilemma of the mist, I welcomed you inside, opening the doors and unlocking the caskets that had accumulated dust over the years. I served you stories, and you promised completion, a happy ending for each one of them.

Outside, the mercury dipped. Inside, it felt so warm.

In this uncertain cold, I experienced bliss and pain and joy and fear, not realizing that summer had quietly crept in.

The snow flake vanished, just like that, leaving behind a smiling trail of the days gone by. Yet, I knew, that it was only a matter of time when it would reappear, knocking at my window on another freezing morn.

They say love is divine. I say love is winter.

Bubbles

(Image: Bond of Union, 1956, by M. C. Escher)

you and me are the bubbles

that bask in moments anew

destined by fate, bonded in rhyme

we collide in feelings so true

I promise you promises

in syllables we always knew

you and me are the bubbles

blessed in love's glittering hue

This Poem is shared with Magpie Tales - Mag 248.

A Hunger - Free Classroom

We were lucky we could go to school and complete our formal education. We made good use of our education, and the knowledge acquired, and have woven dreams for a better future. I wouldn't be wrong to say that we belong to the privileged section of the society who have the luxury to take their education for granted, adopting it into our daily routine and going with the flow.

However, often we forget that there is another segment of the society that dwells in deprivation. Go to a roadside eatery or dhaba, and there is a high chance of your meal being served by small children barely in their teens. In fact, you can even find kids aged ten or younger, doing the dishes, cleaning the tables and carrying the food around.

You can't blame the children. They are poor, and education isn't their primary necessity. Food is. One simply cannot study with hunger creeping across the souls like a deadly virus.

Though several initiatives have been launched by the Government regarding free schools for underprivileged along with meals, lack of dedicated resources plays spoilsport. However, we can not rest the entire blame on the Government. We, as noble citizens, should take up the responsibility of spreading education among poor children. Sure, we all are busy in our day to day activities. We do have work, family and other priorities, but a couple of hours a week isn't too much to ask for.

For example, we, along with our neighbors, can start up a basic schooling system for these kids. We can divide our time, and via a rotational policy of teaching, can impart education in an easy and effective manner. The results will be encouraging if the children are provided food along with their studies, and in this way, we can motivate the rest of the population to take up this cause and work towards it.

Every problem has a solution, and it's upon us to find it. Classroom hunger is a big nuisance, but it can be eliminated if we all unite and work hard towards it. Children are, after all, the future of tomorrow. If we can share the gift of education among each and every children, it will only guarantee a promising tomorrow.

And not only the kids, but we too would have earned a great satisfaction. We can wake up every morning, and smile in the mirror with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing fully well that we are playing our part in making India a hunger free, education rich nation, a perfect recipe for development.

I am going to #BlogToFeedAChild with Akshaya Patra and BlogAdda.

Love Stu(m)bble

This incident dates back to a few years, when I, with a few of my friends, decided to shoot a short movie. No, do not have any grand idea. Neither was I stepping into Bollywood nor was I planning to showcase my work in the Short Films Category in the Oscars. We were just a bunch of youngsters with similar interests in films, and thus on a sudden whim wanted to try making something of our own.

Now, I was the chief planner. You can say I was in - charge of the direction, story and script. Hence, I penned down the meatiest role for me, that of a hero who could fight the baddies aka Salman Khan as well as romance his leading lady aka Shahrukh Khan. Yeah, the image of people whistling whenever I hogged the screen space was dancing in my mind.

However, we still had to find a producer, and with God's grace, we were successful. Mr. Rampal, the jewellery merchant and my neighbour, promised to don that hat.

As the D-Day approached, my excitement knew no bound. To tell you the truth, Rhea, the girl who would be playing the character of the heroine, was my childhood crush, and I had planned to propose her once the shooting was over. So you see, I had made a full proof scheme of winning her heart, to be her hero both on and off the screen.

I went to the shoot on the designated day, and found my other friends and co-actors engrossed in the script. I quickly changed into my costume. The first scene was an action sequence where I had to beat up three goons.

"Hey, you wore the wrong costume," Mr. Rampal said when I emerged out of the makeshift dressing room.

"What! The hero is supposed to wear this," I retorted.

"Yes, that's what I am saying," he replied impatiently.

"But ... but I am the hero, right?" I was surprised by his behavior.

He stared at me for a minute, and I knew the silence spelled doom. "Well, there has been a slight change this morning," he confessed.

"What change?" I was aghast. A change on the first day of the shoot, and I thought as the director I should be calling the shots.

"Manoj will be the hero for this movie. His clean shaved look is perfect, and thus I felt the role should go to him."

"And what about me?" I was enraged. I had sported the stubble intentionally to get a rough and tough edge, but now that proved disadvantageous to me.

"Well," Mr. Rampal scratched his head, and said, "Why don't you wear the costumes of one of the goons that the hero is supposed to beat up in the first scene?"

Needless to say, it was one of the worst days of my life. However, it didn't stop there, as fate decided to play a wicked game on me.

Rhea and Manoj are a happily married couple today, while I still await the entry of a heroine in my life.

This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette.

This post is in response to the tag by Simran. I tag the following bloggers to take up the #WillYouShave Challenge further:

1. http://soumya-hintofme.blogspot.in
2. http://jyotsnabhatia.blogspot.in
3. http://myfriendshipsimran.blogspot.com
4. http://artofleo.com
5. godyears.net
6. http://hummingwords.blogspot.in
7. http://vaisakhimishra.blogspot.in

Kill That Love

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

smoking kills

and so does love

time for you

to nip that bud

laid on a platter

a home grown skull

me, am the Captain

commanding the hull

follow my orders

like a blood sucking leach

how to kill that love

is what I will teach

go out of your way

burn those hearts

they are freaking potholes

obstacles on your path

you need them no more

times have changed

betrayal is the key

honesty to be feigned

kill that love, yeah kill kill kill

be the stone that hardly feels

tears won't take you far

smiles are a life long scar

feed those emotions to the evil chill

kill the love, today, now

free your mind of bondage how

wired in dreams

unreal realms

get up hey, romance isn't wow

embrace the dark, let the light fade

someday my friends we will all be dead

what good would it do to be so true

heaven and hell - do we really have a clue

demon is your strength, get rid of the angel

drain all noble deeds, relish as the devil

savour the wickedness, join the club

and I would teach how to kill that love

This Poem is shared with Poetry Jam - How To.

The Slogan Of Awakening - #AbMontuBolega

Cleanliness is next to Godliness, they say. Who are this ‘they’ by the way? Leaders, thinkers, philosophers? Aah, do not make wild guesses. ‘They’ are us, you, me and everyone.

We all appreciate the beauty and power of cleanliness. We share Facebook posts and tweet about initiatives that have taken place in our country on behalf of Swach Bharat. We, trying to be a part of the noble cause, wake up early with a broom in our hand, and determination lit large on our face, sweeping the streets in our colony, beaming with pride when we upload those pictures on social networking sites, gaining likes and appreciations from our friends. But is that all? Is our duty towards a clean India confined to a few minutes of social work?

Cleanliness isn't just a physical aspect. Rather, it’s also about our mental and psychological well being. And along with keeping our neighbourhood and country clean, we should also try to rid our mind with all sorts of pollution and obstacles.

It’s time to raise our voice, show our concern, sweep the broom and clean every nuisance in our society.  Strepsil’s new campaign #AbMontuBolega is an awareness drive to raise our voice and make a difference. It’s about performing our duties as citizens of this country, as well as human beings, standing up for what is right and admonishing the wrong. Let us ignite the Montu within us, and voice our opinions to make our country better.

For instance, there have been numerous debates on Black Money stashed in foreign bank accounts, and several promises have been made by our leaders to bring the money back to India, for the betterment of the country. We get to hear about these almost on a daily basis. But is that what we have been reduced to now – a blind spectator, a mute audience? It’s time to exercise our power as citizens of one of the largest democracies. Most of us have honest means of livelihood, but when we see dishonesty and corruption ruling the roost, our blood boils. With a large fraction of the country below the poverty line, we demand a thorough and quick probe, and to make this nation corruption – free as soon as possible, because #AbMontuBolega.

Potholes are often left uncovered, and there have been several accidents of kids and adults falling into them, losing their lives. Whom do we blame? The Government of course. This is something we need to change. We need to take responsibility at times. It’s easy to pass on the blame, but instead of doing that, we can spend a few minutes and cover those open potholes, thus saving lives on the way. Listen to your inner conscience, because #AbMontuBolega.

Talking of safety, how can we ignore the crime and violence against women? It’s sad how even in modern time and age, when girls and women have achieved such great heights, they still feel unsafe walking on the roads of our metropolitan cities. We can boast of developments in fields of technology and economic, but without ensuring our women a proper environment to live in, can we really feel proud of our society? Stricter laws must be implemented and harsher punishments should be meted out to culprits. Along with that, we also need to shift our mindset, respect women like we respect and pray the female deities and Goddesses, because #AbMontuBolega.

Swach Bharat isn't just a daily or a weekly or a monthly program, but an initiative that we should adopt in our heart, working for it effortlessly. Nothing is perfect, but everything can be made better. It’s time we clear our mind and get rid of all the clutter, focus our soul in the positive direction and raise our voice for the right causes.

We have been quiet for too long, and hence it’s time to speak up. Let’s unite and march ahead, and shout the slogan of awakening - #AbMontuBolega.

This is my official entry to '#AbMontuBolega' Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Strepsils.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.abmontubolega.com/

Like Strepsils India on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/StrepsilsIndia

Follow Strepsils India on Twitter:

@StrepsilsIndia

Blizzard

(Image Source: http://magpietales.blogspot.in/2014/11/mag-247.html)

in blistering blizzard

they seek warmth

by the fireplace

of memories

she, narrates stories

of frozen icicles

that melt with time

and promises

into dewdrops

his fingers encircle

the arc under her eyes

drawing lines

of velvet dreams

with colors seven

he carves rainbow

under the snow

in blistering blizzard

they hear love

knocking at the door

she hesitates

he hesitates

they hesitate

would it be wise

to be safe, and not squander

what's already in store

This Poem is shared with Magpie Tales - Mag 247.

Remember - Review

In the midst of tragedy, memories can bring the greatest healing. Ashley Baxter is trying to forget.

A Deep Regret - Though Ashley vowed to start a new life when she came back from Paris, the mistakes she made there continue to haunt her. She has locked up her heart, convinced that no one - including God - could forgive her. But four unlikely people - Alzheimer's patients - find the cracks in Ashley's heart and slowly help her heal.

An Unthinkable Tragedy, then comes the nightmare of September 11, which forever changes the lives of the Baxter family, causing them to remember what is important and leading them to make decisions that are both heartbreaking and hope-filled.

A Steadfast Love - Landon Blake has loved Ashley since he was a teenager, but the heartache of her past has convinced her she'll never be able to love again. Landon tries to dull the pain of her rejection by immersing himself in the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. Will a new opportunity in New York keep him apart from Ashley forever.

About the Authors

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's #1 inspirational novelist. She has written more than forty novels and there are over 15 million copies of her award - winning books in print. Visit her website at www.KarenKingsbury.com.

Gary Smalley, America's relationship doctor, is the cofounder of the Smalley Relationship Center and the author of more than forty bestselling, award - winning books, including The Blessing, The Language of Love, and The DNA of Relationships.

If I say that 'Remember' is the best novel that I have read this year, do not consider it to be an exaggeration. The feelings are true, and such has been the impact of this novel that I am still hung over its beauty.

Like the first book in the series ('Redemption'), 'Remember' charts the lives of the members of the Baxter family, through times thick and thin. While Kari was the protagonist in the series opener, the focus shifts towards her sister Ashley this time, unfolding her secrets and the events that had changed her life while she was in Paris. The shocking revelation is followed by the moment of realization, and then the subsequent healing. Her belief and faith undergoes a complete turnover, and we see the warm side of her personality.

But then again, that wouldn't have been possible if she wasn't blessed with a friend and companion like Landon.

Ashley and Landon’s relationship reminds us of Kari and Ryan, floating in a mist of passion and need, and the confusion that creates a distance between the couple. While the love in their hearts is true, and is eager to be shared, it’s the uncertainty of the situation that holds them back, leading to a sad beauty and poignancy that promises a lot, but takes time to fulfil those vows.

The story flows in a subtle timeliness, as the characters grow in experience over several events, both happy and sad. The chief turning point in the story is the terrorist attack of September 11 that shook not only the United States but created ripples of shock and disbelief all around the global. Can hope and prayer save the world from such attacks of evil, and does God have a plan for all our well being? The faith of Baxter’s family is questioned, and how they react to this catastrophe showcases their strength and bonding.

Another important segment that has been dealt with in 'Remember' is Alzheimer’s disease. Ashley joins a centre that takes care of patients suffering from this disease, and as you read their conversations, often repetitive, and yet, so full of life, you really need to keep your bag of tissues ready. Their words dab at your soul, and like Ashley, you, the reader, feel for them, and their pain. Moreover, these patients teach us a lot about life, how we dwell in self imposed negativity, complaining for things we don’t have, rather than feeling blessed for what God has gifted us.

'Remember' isn't just a figment of imagination, or a mere fiction. No! Rather, it’s one of those conversations that we have with our inner selves, trying to find who we are, what we want, exploring the questions that haunt our minds, forgetting that the answers take their own time to come, and we should just wait for the right moment. 'Remember' is real, the characters are rooted deep within us. There is an Ashley, a Ryan, a Landon, a Kari and a Luke in each one of us, often taking the forms of different moods and whims.

The cover of the book has this beautiful line – “In the midst of tragedy, memories can bring the greatest healing.” Once you read the book, the real meaning of it dawns on you, and a feeling of thankfulness and gratitude floods your heart.

This Thanksgiving Day, go and pick up this masterpiece, and enrich your life by savouring the beauty the world has to offer.

Title: Remember

Authors: Gary Smalley, Karen Kingsbury

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction

No. of Pages: 412

Price: Rs 299

My Rating: 5/5

Thank You O' Lord

(Image Source: http://hdwallpaperszon.in)

Thank you O' Lord

For the love you share

Teaching us to care

Moments of peace

We smile in bliss

Feeding our need

Sheltering our greed

Holding our hands

Taking righteous stands.

You show us the way

Whenever we lose

Our paths astray

Showering us with light

Gifting rays so bright

Divine your presence

In our heart, and mind

We thank you O' Lord

For being ever kind.

This Poem is shared with Poets United Midweek Motif - Gratitude.

Play And Share, Share And Win

Mobile gaming has taken up the country by storm. The advent of new games that are addictive and socially engaging have made a deep impact in our lives. Gone are the days when we had to think of ways by which we could avoid boredom. Now, with millions of games available for download at the tip of our fingers, we can engage ourselves in moments of fun and excitement.

Most of the games allow us to post our scores on social networking platforms and share them with our friends. What if I tell you that a new concept is being launched in India that provides the players not just the opportunity to share their scores but also with a chance to win real prizes? Surprised? Well, don't be, 'cause Fat Cat Gaming is arriving to turn this dream into reality with the launch of Lucky 6.

At some points in our lives we have all played games dealing with lottery, aiming for the jackpot and hoping to grab the big prizes. They were fun and relied a lot on your intuition, and if luck smiled on that particular day, you won. Lucky 6 follows the same concept. The player has to first download the game on his Android or iOS device, post which he needs to create an account so that he can start playing. The game asks the user to select 6 brands out of a long list of popular ones like Castrol, Wipro, Samsung, etc. Now, on the game day, that player wins whose 6 brands see the highest gain in stocks on that particular day. Isn't that simple?

The best part of this game is 'Sharing'. Suppose you don't win, but you had introduced a friend to this game, and he or she wins the jackpot, then you also receive a bonus. So the more number of friends you introduce into the game, and make them a part of your 'crowd', the higher is your chance of winning a reward. Sharing was never so fun, right?

The user interface is easy to navigate through, and even a new player wouldn't need help or a guiding document to start playing. We all trust our luck, and this game takes the belief farther, giving us the chance to win big. It promises to invite us to Eureka moments of sudden successes, surprising us and our friends with lucrative rewards.

Lucky 6 looks promising, and is here to stay. Since this game doesn't need much of your time, you can create your Brand list for the game day in a few minutes and then focus on your other tasks. The game is addictive in a harmless sort of a way, and each day brings with it the new excitement to win. You can enjoy it with friends, family and relatives, and together engage in a healthy competition to see who ends up with the jackpot. After all, their happiness is your happiness too, for as I said before, even if you don't win, but your folks do, you still get rewarded.

Don't miss this chance at any cost. Download the game, play, and win.

This is my official entry to '#Lucky6' Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Fat Cat Gaming.

Check out the official page below:
http://fatcatgaming.com/

That Rhyme And That Story

Way before I started relishing the science fiction stories of H.G. Wells, or the well crafted Hollywood films that quench our thirst regarding knowledge of the outer space, I was drawn to the night skies, and the stars that floated on it, beautifully, silently. As a small child, my interest in space and astronomical objects were fueled by one nursery rhyme - "Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars," and the thirst hasn't waned since then. What the rhyme did to me was ignite a curiosity, to seek answers beyond the obvious. Are there lives in planets that revolve around those stars? Will they ever come to meet us? Even today, when I walk in solitude, words playing on my mind, I often travel back in my time to my childhood, reciting the rhyme with my other class mates, animatedly, weaving a hundred dreams in constellations and galaxies. This rhyme was certainly one of my favorites, flooding the inquisitive bend in my mind with the thirst to know more and more.

So often in this fast paced competitive world, we are bogged down by failures. We sit and rue and curse our fate. However, we ignore the fact that the key to get out of tough times lies on us. In moments like these, the story of "The Clever Crow" inspires me to move on. Just like the bird found the answer to his thirst by putting pebbles one after the other in a jar of water that was half full, so can we too solve all our problems by working hard, and thinking of innovative ideas that might help. Life is a risk, and if we never fail, can we ever enjoy the taste of success? Hard work definitely pays, and with patience and perseverance, we can open the door to new opportunities and favorable circumstances. After all, every problem has an answer, and only by our willingness to solve the puzzle can we find the right solution, and unearth new happiness.

This post is a part of Kids Hut activity at BlogAdda.com.

A Ball Of Fur

(Image Source: http://sickhorses.com)

a ball of fur

purrs

nonchalant

on the kitchen window

as I stir

hot milk on the stove

my eyes

fixated on her

a ball of fur

disobeys

shoo, go away, I command

yet it stays

greedily

eager to leap

merrily

wickedly

a ball of fur

spilled madness on the floor

and waste

but today, am not in haste

if she can wait, so will I

play this patient game

the winner shall have it all

and loser will die of shame

This Poem is shared with dVerse - Defamiliarization.

Beyond School by Chitra Anand

Title:  Beyond School
Author: Chitra Anand
Category: Fiction
Publisher: Leadstart Publishing
Date: 2014
Price: Rs 124
Pages: 201
ISBN -10: 9383562404
ISBN-13: 978-9383562404

About The Book:

Beyond School centres upon the weeks leading up to 17-year-old Shail s final board exams, as his world becomes a pressure-cooker and the weight of preparing for the exams sends him fleeing rebelliously in the other direction. Along with Shail s journey from boyhood to manhood, Beyond School vividly weaves between the narratives of four main characters, seamlessly uniting the past and present of Shail, his parents-Urmila and Sushil and his mentor-Gladys, in a story that is honest, funny, heartbreaking and ultimately, incredibly human.

About the Author:

Chitra Anand was born in Mumbai. She is a postgraduate in Physics and holds an Education degree. Beyond School is her first novel inspired by her journey as an educator.

Copies Available at all online stores:

1. Flipkart: http://www.flipkart.com/beyond-school/p/itmdtatf8zzznnj6?pid=9789383562404&otracker=from-search&srno=t_2&query=beyond+school&ref=f8d39981-787b-40fd-bff0-79ef448c52d2
2. Amazon:  http://www.amazon.in/Beyond-School-Novel-Chitra-Anand/dp/9383562404/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415559658&sr=8-1&keywords=beyond+school+by+chitra+anand

Know More Inside Stories, Connect with The Author:
Twitter: @chtranand

Read the book? Write a review on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22597940-beyond-school

Dusk

sitting on park bench

he bids goodbye to the sun

and welcomes the moon

This Haiku is shared with Carpe Diem - Dusk.

Collegedunia.com - Review

The most dreaded question in the mind of every student after passing Class XII is - "What next?" Confusion, confusion!

While school provides us with basic education, it's in college that we hone our skills and pursue the course that would shape our future. Thus, every student, parent and guardian, should make the right choice when it comes to the selection of course and college.

With so many educational institutes around us, we are definitely spoilt with choices. However, we should know how to differentiate one from the other, so that we can measure the scope and feasibility of each institute and match them with our aptitude accordingly.

Wouldn't it be better if we could access all college related information from one place?

Collegedunia.com serves as the perfect guide for students seeking admission to colleges and universities to pursue their graduation and post graduation. The website has a simple user friendly layout. For example, clicking on 'Management' on the top bar, and then selecting Delhi as location, will open a list of M.B.A. colleges in Delhi.

If you click on any college, you get a wide array of information about that institute such as fees, rating, contact details, placement, facilities, courses on offer, faculty, etc.

Collegedunia.com also offers regular updates about entrance exams, so that the students can be aware and apply for the same.

A good characteristic of Collegedunia.com is that it doesn't focus on one particular stream of study. Rather, it aims to cater to the needs of students from different interests and backgrounds and thus showcases a wide range of fields that one can pursue. Students can gain information on institutes that provide courses in Management, Engineering, Medical, Arts, Science, Commerce and Law. Also, one can make use of the 'Search' bar and filter the searches to get a streamlined result.

Collegedunia.com serves as a one - stop destination for students. With a large number of colleges, it certainly presents a lot of options. However, the website should aim to continuously enhance their data, adding more colleges and universities to their list, so that it can provide a wider scope to the students. All in all, this is a good initiative that is pacing towards the right path, focusing to build the career and a strong future for tomorrow.

Bring Back The Touch

Projects, deadlines, rewards and opportunities to roam around the world, life was definitely in full flow. Lucrative incentives and exciting bonuses surely ensured a healthy growth in my current organization, and I could only bless God for that.

I was in the midst of an important meeting with prospective cclientèleswhen her number flashed on my mobile screen – “Sapna Calling.” I clicked the red button on my cell and disconnected the call. However, it beeped again after a few minutes. I excused myself and received.

“I am in a meeting. What happened now?” I was somewhat agitated.

“Akash, I’m sorry. It’s … it’s just that we had planned to go out for dinner tonight, and its already 8pm …” she said.

I took a deep breath, and tried to keep my tone as calm as possible, “It’s ok. We can go tomorrow, or day after. No big deal, right?”

“Right,” she was quiet for a few minutes, and then said softly, as if measuring her words, “but tomorrow, or day after, isn’t our marriage anniversary. It is today, Akash.”

I sighed, “Yes. Ok. I will be home in an hour.”

We went to a Chinese restaurant, as per Sapna’s wish. I gifted her diamond necklace, and she smiled. We placed our orders, and waited. Meanwhile, I received a few mails from my associates regarding the meeting and its future course of action, and I started replying to them one by one on my smartphone.

“Akash,” my thoughts were suddenly interrupted by her voice.

“Yes,” I answered without looking up from my mobile screen.

“You know,” she said, “I have always felt so lucky having married to someone like you. You are such a nice person, doing good with your life, and have provided me with everything that I couldn’t ever dream of. But today, there is one luxury I miss the most.”

I looked at her. Across the table, was the girl whom I had fallen in love with, had proposed in only our second date, and together we had celebrated five years of togetherness. However, there was something amiss in that beautiful face of hers today. Something was not right.

And then I noticed. Her eyes, dabbed in forced smile, exuded a feeling of pain so humble that I hadn’t cared to notice it ever.

“Akash,” she continued, “the one luxury I have been missing today, and since the last few months, is you.” She wiped her eyes with the tissue paper.

I didn’t know what to answer. My voice choked, and my heart broke too. I placed my right palm over her left hand on the table, gently squeezing the tips of her fingers, circling her ring finger where the divine symbol of our union shone bright in golden hues.

“I am sorry Sapna,” I said, still holding her hand, caressing her, gently, warmly, “In all these work commitment I had completely forgotten about one commitment that I should have held the closest to my heart. I am really sorry, but trust me, I will make amends for this. I will never let you cry again. I promise.”

Out thumbs mingled, our fingers kissed each other, deeply entwined in a feeling of serenity, and I made a decision. I opened the Email application on my smartphone, and mailed my associates – “I will be on leave for the next seven days, and will not respond to emails or business calls.Thank You.”

Our dinner arrived, and we ate, looking into each others eyes, finally having found the missing touch in our relationship.

“What about another honeymoon, to rekindle our passion?” I winked.

Her eyes sparkled, “Wow. Where?”

“You tell.”

“Mauritius.”

“So be it Madam.”

We flew to Mauritius the next day, to #BringBackTheTouch into our love life, to relive the dreams all over again.

This is my official entry to '#BringBackTheTouch' Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Parachute Advansed Body Lotion.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.pblskin.com/