Author - Jui Purohit.

 She tied a knot with Neil, in an arranged marriage. Well-to-do, joint family, settled business of generations, an educated groom, servants at home, all in all, there was no reason to find faults with this prospect for affinity. Neetu was happy and elders in family said, "Diya leke doondhnese bhi nahi milta aisa rishta, khud chalke aye hai, aur kya chahiye?". After their marriage, they went on a honeymoon for a week. Once they were back, Neil got busy with his business. Neetu got busy with settling down in her new environment. She learned their style of cooking, she helped her MIL (Mother-in-law) with the household chores. Neetu was a graduate herself but "Sab kuch to hai tumhare paas, job karne ki kya jarurat?", such advices from her elders made her disregard the thought of working. Everyday she would assure herself that she's fortunate to be daughter-in-law of such prestigious family. She assured herself that she is contented. But at the end of the day she fel...

  "Tere liye sapnoki jhalar bunu,  kaliyonsa gajare mei bandhe firu, dhoop lage jaha tujhe chaya banu, Aaja sajana....." Sapna was listening to her favorite songs on Caravan......weaving her dreams of having her happy family with Prateek. Prateek and Sapna were madly in love with each other. They had met in first year of college and were still together, even after 7 years. Sapna was waiting for Prateek that evening. She wanted to surprise him with a good news....news that they are going to be a family soon. Sapna was pregnant, "So what if we are not married yet? Our love is pure and I know after knowing about the baby, Prateek will soon tie a knot!", she assured herself. She wanted to hold what was hers tightly and the not let the clench set loose. Prateek's parents were against this love. "She's an orphan. God knows who and how her parents were? We are a reputed family, we can't accept a girl who's background is vague", Prateek's paren...

 It was Shagun's Mehendi function. She was getting married to her childhood sweetheart Karan. She had always dreamt of a elaborate wedding - doli, baraat, mehendi, sangeet. They had 'played house' tons of times, when they were kids. But now, was the real, bona fide event. "Baccha, kitni pyaari lag rahi hai, kala tika lagati hu aaja", said Shagun's mom. Shagun was wearing an orange ghagra choli with bright pink borders. Carefully lifting her ghagra, she sat on a beautifully decorated platform. It was Monsoon theme, with colorful umbrellas hanging, the white and gold flower decorations, perfectly matched the theme. Champa had come to apply the bridal mehendi, to the bride and other family members. "Champa, badhki ki shaadi ke baad aaj dikhi hai, kaha thi?", asked Shagun's taiji. "Bas yahi hu taiji, pati bimar tha, usi mei thi", Champa replied. "Aab sab thik hai na?", taiji inquired. "Ji, thik to hai, par woh chal nahi sakta...

 I was named according to my birth time and horoscope. Since my mom gave birth to a girl child, many of her acquaintances said she should take another chance for a boy. It's a different story that she always wanted daughters! I was taught my mother tongue first and later, at school I learnt English, along with 2 other languages. It was fun going to school wearing uniforms. Uptil grade 5, we were allowed to sit together, from grade 6, teachers arranged different rows, for boys and girls.  We all were expected to be great at academics, especially Math. Sports was played as an option. We were given history lessons on how our country got Independence, it was an eminent struggle, in that era, and thanks to them, we are enjoying the freedom to the fullest now! Our democracy gives us varied rights to ensure our freedom. As a child, I used to love wearing shorts and t-shirts....just like my cousin brothers...but some had objections over this. Girls have to be dressed in a certain way,...

 Just because I said so?, said her baba, tears rolled down his eyes. Her maa patted his back, sharing his sorrow, her eyes drenched in tears too. Suhana had visited them after 4 years. Her son was 2 years old. She had met Adi while attending a sketching class. Adi was assisting a curator at an exhibition centre. He was a painter himself. His inclination towards art was so vivid, that he had decided to learn every detail, from painting the picture to exhibiting his talent, the entire process. Suhana was studying commerce and wanted to carry on her passion of sketching. So to brush up her skills and make it more professional, she had joined the class. The curator had sent Adi to the sketch teacher to know about the exhibit entries for their upcoming event.  The teacher asked Adi for a favour. He requested Adi to be the muse for the day, as the person responsible didn't turn up. The students were waiting to start their sketching class. Adi agreed and went inside the classroom. Su...

 We, our family of four, had so much fun on our trip to Dalhousie. The uphill trek to Dainkund Peak, the picturesque mountain, the beautiful scenery! The trekking trails of Kalatop Khajjar Sanctuary, relaxing in the path of Ravi river, surrounded by coniferous and oak forests. The walk on the Garam Sadak, the amazing street to walk down on while watching the beauty of Dalhousie.  And we were back after a lot of walking and trekking, somewhat exhausted but with fresh minds.  As always, after every trip, I had announced, Chalo, abb jo bhi situation ayega, am ready to face!  We reached home, opened the door of our house, carried our luggage inside. As my ritual goes, I go to the kitchen first (even before going to the washroom), to check things. My younger son followed me, "Mumma, give me some water". I handed him the glass and while drinking he screamed loudly. They were there....the uninvited guests, waiting for me. "Cockroaches! Mumma cockroaches!", my son started j...

  Pussy cat pussy cat...where had you been? I had been to London to see the Queen!..... My younger son was watching YouTube and this rhyme played in the ad. He gloomily said We haven't been anywhere Mumma!  His droopy face and sad eyes said it all... Due to the pandemic, we haven't been anywhere. Previously, we all loved travelling. Exploring different places, scenery and enjoying the stays at hotels. Now, the scene is changing, sending our kids, even to play at the playground or a park has become difficult. We are hesitating and avoiding crowds, as yet. We as adults may be finding solace in staying at home. But kids are losing their childhood, the interactions at this stage are very important to them. Going to school, studying, exploring new topics, and getting punished by the teachers for doing masti, all this and much more, is part of growing up. The uniforms hanging in the cupboards are catching dust. My sonny opens the cupboard and watches his sports uniform and wishes to...