Not A Goodbye

Goodbye will not be my word to say

Farewell could be my see-off day

Craziness Madness was my identity

Good Lord! Very soon I go as an entity

Joyful sounds had I ever with you

Wish it never stops, true but not possible

Quick were the days of fun in our mind

Long will the memories of them left behind

Wellness happiness goodness I wish to you all

Oh never give space to hates and ego so you may fall

My departure starts just as I am on this day

Though GOODBYE will not be the word for me to say.

Depart

Farer was I here from your sight

Pretending not to be on any side

From no man’s land, you dropped over by

Then turned my days to a sweety pie

 

Huge talks drove us very close to each

Now they do move though not out of reach

Silly where the moments when we juggled and knuckled

Ha ha so funny, the thought will always stay buckled.

 

All those times had come to a sweet clumsy end

Better will it be if we straighten this bend

Stay happy though parting is a sorrowful river

Cause you are well stuck in my memories forever and ever

My visit to Ritchi Slum

Chindhadripet was the spot where I had to go for my observation which is a part of field work. The area I entered into was called Ritche Street which is actually a biggest slum to my sight. Now I pen down the scene that is engraved in my mind and try my best to drive you to the spot through imagination.

The slum is located at the right side of the Railway station towards Velachery. When I stepped into the street, four little boys were playing Cricket with a flat wood and a plastic ball. The ball flew to me as if it is wishing to hug me and welcome me. The boys except the batsman came running to catch the ball and crossed me. There I saw the DMK office which was locked.

The lane was busy with people minding their own jobs. Some women were washing clothes on the road, some having their bath and one youngster brushing his teeth. I was surprised to see a two floored house in that area. Each floor had eight houses with two common toilet and bathroom. Tricycles and bikes were parked on the both side of the road. Thatch roofs were covered with plastic sheets in order to be protected from rain. Some bikes were passing us and I was looked strange in that area by the local.

As I walked down the street, I saw two parallel lanes by my right side. I wander whether they were lanes or just a gap. I was urged to go through that way to see how it is. To my surprise, that lane had around twenty houses both sides and people did not grumble about its status. They wash their vessels, 2 women were preparing their breakfast by lighting their cerosine stove on the road side. Idly was getting ready with good smelling sambar. I wanted to taste it but my health did not allow me to. Two small petti shops were there with chips packets and other necessary items. The sizes of the houses were so pathetic. Some people had two separate rooms, where they had their cupboard and other things kept in one room and the other room was for them to sleep. If I lay down in that room, my head and leg would touch the walls of the room. Every house had a television set and the government TV was rarely found there. That one single lane serves as a Bathing room for men, play ground for kids and toddlers, at the same time a place to relax for elders and young boys.

I really don’t mind calling it a noisy atmosphere. Every house had their TV in on with same or different channels, some had songs playing out. Along with these noises, there was a temple in the corner of the lane where it had its loud speaker play the devotional songs. In that very small lane, I happen to see a very small namas place for muslim. It should be 3 X 3 in size. There were two terrace houses in this area which had Air condition unit fixed outside on the wall. One was the house of an Advocate where I came to know this through the board that he has hung at his door step. When I neared that temple, I saw women offering their prayers and a girl had a small stall exactly at the entrance of the temple where she was giving vada and Cesari in a small plate for them who come to the temple and to them who asked for it. I was amazed to see a woman wearing pardha get it from her and eat it.

The corner drove me to right and moved that way. I saw a little fellow sitting naked on the road beside his mother and was playing with that small plate which had sweet in it. He ate that sweet with that same dirty hand right in front of his mother who never bothered to say “No”. She was enjoying her food along with another lady, whose son was running about in the street half naked. They enjoy their freedom in this hot sun and that made me zealous.

As I passed that place, I saw library by name “Gostche Library” which looks like it is locked for many days. People were sitting in front of it and were enjoying their meals. My heart throbbed to see the library standing out by losing its fame and value. I took the other parallel lane which would lead me to the starting point. That lane had a government building which actually which is suppose to serve the sick people. The place which has to be hygienic was decorated with garbage of that area. Many other houses were also in the same state. But people had no worries about it and they continued with their regular jobs. Some had pet dog in that lane; I wonder how they manage to maintain it.

After coming out of that area, we came to the starting point which is actually Chindhadripet water corporation office. Many auto-rickshaws were parked in by the sides as many of them there were auto drivers. A small boy around 10 years old hiding behind an auto and was trying to escape from his mothers sight cause she was searching for him to send him to the shop. Unlucky boy got caught in his mother’s sight.

Later my sight was fixed to a drunken man who was trying to walk steady. But he measured the road with his mouth playing the filthy words. He then went into a small gap. I was eager to know where that gap leads to and after few minutes I took that gap and was really shocked to know it was another lane like the others. Houses were there; also there was a temple floored with tiles and painted bright. As I moved down the lane I came across a tea shop there; next to it was a petti shop which was also selling some vegetables. The Tea shop was visible only when I went close to it. I went till the end and wished to take a walk second time in that same lane and come back to the place where I started. To my surprise, one house had white tiles, sofa set, Fridge, TV and was well maintained. That area was clean when compared to all other lanes. The man who was sitting outside that house had the flag of DMK tattooed in his chest. This gave made me understand the possibility. The most hurting part is that the whole area has only one common public toilet.

People though were seemed to be happy about what they are and what they have. But in reality, does this show that India has developed or has it got a long way to move on?  Or is this is hypothetical? People walk bare footed there and it seem like they don’t understand the importance of healthy life. The life they live really hurts me and it is so pathetic to see them in that condition. Is there a solution for them? I wish I could help them in some way. I left the place with these questions prevailing in my mind.

Living love

Robert, who was a young adorable boy, lived down the valley near the brooks where the water just moved with the tunes of joy. Kate lived around the other side of the valley where the brook cuts and splits. Robert and Kate knew each other from their childhood and were so close to each other. As they grew together, they were bonded more and more with love that is unconditional. Every day they share their conversations through phone calls and messages. When they were together, not even a single sad thought could cross their mind. They forget the present world and move in to the dreamland, where they fly like the birds and sing the melodies of sweet and ever refreshing memories. They had the great times ever.

After few days Robert stopped calling her. He even stopped messaging her or attending her call. This weird behavior of him started worrying Kate a lot. Days became weeks and weeks became months. She kept sending him messages and tried calling him. “Darling, what is wrong with you? Why are you avoiding me? Had I done anything that I should not? Please don’t kill me this way. I cannot be without your company. Please respond to my call”. Still there was no response. The girl started crying everyday and failed to have proper food and sleep. Her heart was burdened. She saw darkness for the first time in her life. She smelt the sorrow and tasted the bitterness of her life.

One morning when she was sleeping without knowing that she’s sitting on the cot, she was awakened by her cell phone ringing. She was surprised to see Robert’s name displayed. She immediately grabbed the phone and answered it. “Hey honey, where were you all these days? Why did you do like this to me? I cannot be without you anymore! I’m glad that you called me now.” “Hey darling, I . . . . . .  I was busy with my job.” His voice made her understand that something is wrong with him. But she did not dare to ask him. “Kate, listen carefully to me without interrupting. I think we should end our relationship here after. I’m not the right person for you. You have to find a new life.” “WHAT!!!!!!!!!” silence on both the ends. Sounds of cry arose. With tears flowing down her cheeks… “Robert! Is this you who are saying all these? But why! Why do you have to . . . . .” “sorry Kate I got to go! This would be our last call! Bye forever.” “Robert hold o. . .” the line was disconnected.

All her dreams crashed as she fell on her bed; tears blocked her eyes.  She couldn’t imagine what she heard on the phone. She was stuck without a clue. She was screaming inside her. She did not know what to do. After two days, she sent him a message. “Robert, before we could stop talking, I’d like to tell you something. So please attend my call.” After half an hour, she called him.

“What is it that you want to tell me Kate?” “Robert, please listen to me.” “Yeah make it fast!” “Robert, you know how much I love you. You made me realize how important you are to me in my life! I cannot live my life without you; I want you back in. . .“ The line got disconnected “Robert! Robert!” she tried again. But there was no answer. Her heart pounded and wanted to jump out! She felt the trees that they circled fell down to the ground. Her love disappeared. She hated herself and was trying to clear her head. But she could not. She left a note in her room and out of her house.

After six hours, Robert’s landline rang. He picked it “hello” “Robert, this is Kate’s Mom. Kate was hit by a car and now admitted in the hospital. She’s longing to see you. Could you please come over and save my daughter” she spoke with tears. Robert was shocked to the core. “I. . . I’ll be there aunty”. He immediately made his way to the hospital. As he was driving his SUV, he remembered the days she sat beside him in the car, under the tree and on the park benches. He recollected the days where they were together.

He rushed into the hospital and was pricking to see her lay on the bed with the tubes all over and fully band aided. Tears rolled down his cheeks without his knowledge. He saw her turning towards him and calls him close to her. His eyes, fixed to her. “Rob, at last you have come to see me off”. “No Kate. You will be alright, you’re not going to go anywhere Kate. I am here with you.” Smiling with her eyes, “I can feel my heart stop Rob, before I die, please tell me why did you do this to me” with tears in his eyes Robert begin by holding her arms and placing his arm on her head by sitting close to her, keeping his face a thread away from hers.

“Kate, I did not mean to do this to you. I was recently diagnosed and told that I have a problem in my heart valve and would die at any moment. I love you so much that I don’t want you to waste your life with me. I wanted you to have a better life and live longer. I want to see you live happily Kate.” His tears rolled down to her cheeks.

With much difficulty, Kate tried to give a smile and said “Robert, I love you more than you love me. I cannot live without you” as she was saying this, her tone faded. Her eye lids slowly closed. Her fingers which were clinging on to this arm were loosening. Robert felt her breath stop.

“KATE! KATE. . . . . . . “He screamed to the top of his voice and realized she had gone before him. He locked his palm with her. His other arm drew her close to him. He put his head down on to her face and the remained silent. After few seconds, they found Robert dead in that same manner. The volume of sorrow increased. Their spirits, joining hands, moved happily away from the body feeling that they were united in the death. True love never died! It still lived in another form.

My little cousin

Ten months was your struggle to see the world

you made it happen good without a word

happy was the gift you brought along

grow up strong for ever among.

Lovely were you in the arms of your mom

ha ha!! you were wrapped and stayed warm

bring out what you got in you without fear

that would make you to stand out very dear

Great will be the life for you to live

ever make your mind that you should give

never turn aside where you see the dark

bloom the bright fire when you get the spark.

Final Good bye

Many times may not be my word to say,

Many days may not be my thoughts to think-

Though the times and days were short

The remembrance of you is miles long.

You never showed up like you are big;

Neither did you turn to be a boss

You proved yourself as a friend indeed,

But I failed to make you live till the end.

Fate is not what should be said

Rather it’s the fact that has paid-

Cursed am I to see you down

Wish you never had I known

Rivers of tears can never say

Of the past that made your day

All that you left behind as a gain

Is the burden of hearts with pain

Word don’t declare what it is to feel,

But words are there to make the final peel

All that it can say to your soul that has cease,

MAY YOUR SOUL, REST IN PEACE

He who sang while their hearts sink

John Prabhakaran

John Prabhakaran, the musician and a social worker who touched the hearts of many passed away on Monday, 21^st of September 2048 at his home town; in Chennai, India. He was 60.

Mr. John encountered a serious cardiac arrest when he was having a regular interaction with people at the Abaya Khendra which is a center for palliative care run by him. He was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital but could not save his life. It is indeed an irony that there was no one to sing; for him who sang for many in their death beds.

Mr. John Prabhakar was born on 5^th December 1988 as the son of Ms. Juliet Ebziba Shekaran and Mr. Rajasekaran to middle class family at Chennai. He was married to Ms. Allen on 1st of April 2017 and has two children, Jinsy and Jared.

Mr. John started his carrier as a journalist, graduated from the acclaimed University of Madras. He worked as senior editor in many of the leading News papers in India. As a student he was involved in lots of social activities and his interest to serve the lower strata’s grew with him. As a journalist he brought out lots of articles and information about the less privileged of the society and their problems. He received various awards for the same. At the age of 35 he completely withdrew himself from media and set out to reach his goal of crafting a new form of Palliative care through his music. Music was his passion from a very early age. He with his keyboard as the only companion set out to the villages of Tamil Nadu and reached out to those who really needed his care.

His music was a medicine for hundreds of men who suffered from incurable diseases, psychological and financial disturbance, lifestyle diseases and a whole slew. At the age of 40, after a continuous struggle he established his center for palliative care- Abhya Khendra at Vadapalani in Chennai, the only establishment which uses music as a form of consolation and treatment. This now is a fully fledged center with branches at different parts of India. The establishment has many case studies which have been treated only through music and has been proved to be successful. Abhya Khendra has drawed attention all over the world.

Two years later in 2030 Mr. John also started an institution, ‘Isai’ to teach tribal and rural children from villages of India the elements of western music. By the end of 2035 Isai opened its branches in all most all rural areas in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala and was extended to northern states also. He aimed at teaching the students at ‘Isai’ about how to carry on the noble cause of palliative music and he had a good number of followers. “He was a wonderful, charismatic person with a rare sense of kindness.” – His followers recall.