दिल की उलझन...

 

कभी सोचती हूँ, कि तुम्हें शब्दों में बाँध के कागज़ पे लिखूँ 

या लिखी हुई कविता को बस दिल में ही छुपा लूँ

या तुम्हें सुरों में पिरोके, गीतों की माला बनाऊँ? 

या तुम्हारे नाम के गीत अपने होठों पे सजाऊँ?

या कैद कर लूँ तुम्हें हमेशा के लिए दिल में मेरे? 

या आज़ाद पंछी की तरह उड़ने दूँ?

तो गर दूर जाने की बात करो तुम, तो कसम देके रोक लूँ? 

या वादा करूँ इंतज़ार का, और आँसुओं को भी छुपा लूँ?

पर क्या है ना… दिल जानता है, ना कैद कर सकते हैं तुम्हें, 

ना छोड़ सकते हैं अब ना रोक सकते हैं तुम्हें, ना तो बुला सकते हैं अब

पर मेरी हर नज़्म और हर गीत में, हम यूँ ही मिलते रहेंगे,

तुम बनके स्याही मेरे कागज़ पे, उम्र भर खिलते रहोगे।

The Un-noticed

You’re building up your world, brick by heavy brick,

While I count the seconds by the clock’s dull tick.

I’ve made a house of whispers, a sanctuary of blue,

A quiet room of longing, meant for only you.

 

And so, I wait, like the weary, silver moon,

Waiting for the clouds to break and end the afternoon.

I listen for your footsteps—the song my ears crave most,

But find I’m only dancing with a memory or a ghost.

 

I see the lightning in your eyes when you chase a dream,

The summer in your smile, like a golden, rushing beam.

I know the tiny lines that mark your forehead when you think,

I’ve memorized your spirit in every shade and ink.

 

I wish you’d look at me, for a second, maybe two,

Just to know you still remember that I’m standing here with you.

I’m a book upon the shelf that you always meant to read,

A garden that you planted, then forgot to pull the weed.

 

I know you love me deeply, in your own distracted way,

But you let the "us" get lost in the bustle of the day.

My heart is full to breaking, a vessel strained and thin,

I’m terrified of losing all the love I’ve kept within.

 

I hope you turn around before the light has quite withdrawn,

Before the final page is turned... and I am truly gone.

With peace and love,

Snehal

My First Valentine's Day

Chapter 1 - The Train & The Secret

Celebrating February 14th always feels a bit special when you’re with your person.

I remember it like it was yesterday—exactly XX years ago, Valentine’s Day 20XX on a Saturday. My "special friend" (read: boyfriend) called to tell me a friend of his was traveling from Pune and was carrying a gift for me given by HIM. I had to head to Pune Railway Station to collect it. Just to remind the Gen-Z crowd: back then, there was no Zepto, no Dunzo, and online shopping was basically a myth!

Chapter 2 - The Mission: Impossible

He SMS-ed me the train and coach number (remember when an STD call cost ₹3.50 per minute and smartphones didn't exist?). Since we were long-distance and I was technically "free," I’d already agreed to a 12 PM movie with my single friends. I figured I’d pull off a secret mission: intercept the gift at 8:15 AM, exchange my gift for his, and make it to the theatre without anyone knowing.

I zoomed to the station on my scooty pep, running late as usual. I sprinted toward Platform #1, but as I reached, my heart sank. The train was already pulling out. I felt like Kajol in DDLJ, ready to chase the carriage, but I couldn't even tell which coach was which. There was no Shahrukh Khan hanging out of the door with an outstretched hand. Just..me standing there totally blank.

Chapter 3 - The Cinematic Plot Twist

Devastated and teary-eyed, I called my "secret friend." "I missed the gift," I sniffled. "What do I do now?" He calmly replied, "Don't worry, I’ll come to collect it myself." "When?" I asked, confused. "How about right now?" I thought he was just being "filmy" until he said, "Turn around" / "Palat"

And there he was. Time stopped, the station noise faded, and I ran to my real-life SRK! My first Valentine’s Day ended with a surprise visit and a very "sick" phone call to my office friends. I’m still not sure if they sold my movie ticket in the black market, but I was too happy to care!

---

XX Years Later: Same Platform, but A New Chapter

Today, February 14, 2026, is another Saturday. I’m standing on that very same Platform #1, watching the years flash by. The love hasn't just stayed fresh; it has matured.

Today, I’m not chasing a train; I’m waving goodbye to my husband and mother-in-law as they head to the hometown for some family marriage. As he stands at the carriage door, I realize my "secret friend" is now my partner in everything.

What Love Looks Like Now

To me, love isn't a long Facebook post or a filtered selfie. It’s in the quiet, daily rhythms:

• My love is cooking new dish and waiting for his verdict. Still feels like a child if he likes it.
• His love is ensuring my bag is packed with fruits, curd, and nuts so I eat healthy.
• It’s the long evening walks where he guides my career and we discuss life.
• It’s him ordering things I need before I even realize I need them.
• It’s him taking me shopping even when it’s his birthday!

It’s about moving through life’s responsibilities without keeping score.

---

यापेक्षा प्रेमाची वेगळी व्याख्या तरी काय असावी...

कधी मनमोकळ्या गप्पा, तर कधी गोड रुसवे-फुगवे; पण एकमेकांचा हात घट्ट धरून, संसाराचा हा गाडा आनंदाने ओढणं, हेच खरं प्रेम नाही का?

वर्षं बदलली, काळ बदलला... पण आमच्या जोडीतली तीच ओढ आणि प्रेमातली तीच गोडी आजही कायम आहे, आणि कायम राहील!

Note - I have purposely put XX for you to guess the Years. Do drop me your guesses and your comments!!

The Dream that woke me up…

 

Ananya was glowing and her smiley eyes were expressive enough. Finally, she was going to tie a knot in 2 days. Karthik was the perfect companion any girl would ever imagine. He was a Techie - tall, dark, good looking. He accepted her the way she was, with her flaws, different caste and most importantly…with her Past.

The house was full of relatives and cousins. Giggles and laughter have filled every corner of the house. Ananya walked to her room in the hope to get some rest…Her room is decorated with lots of flowers and light. The fragrance filled in the entire room.  The balcony was fully covered with glittering lights and flowers too.

This has always been her favorite place in the house, The Balcony. She spent hours here, sometimes working, reading, listening to music or simply talking to friends. Little did anyone know that the real reason of she is being found here was HIM…Hours n hours used to pass by just waiting to see each other in the opposite balcony.

It’s only when Mihira called her out she was back from the train of thoughts.

“Di, mama is asking you to take some rest…tomorrow is going to be a busy day and you need to look fresh”.  Mihira kissed on her cheeks and said teasing her…“sleep well tonight Di”. Ananya said instantly “chooti maar khaegi” …and Mihira ran away as Ananya tries to catch her.

It was Ananya’s last day in that house. She was going through a lot of emotions of Sadness, Happiness, excitement, a little fear to enter the new family all at the same time.  Then she thought about Karthik and smiled. He has been the most caring and supportive friend who is going to be her husband. She knew that he will always be there for her.

One last time she played her favorite music on as she tries to grab the good night sleep cuddling the pillow.

The balcony lights were shadowing the blinks in her room and soon the music too gone feeble as she closed her eyes. 

 

A sudden knock on the door woke her up.

It was Mihira and with her - Abhi. Ananya is astounded to see him at the 12^th hour midnight.  “Di Abhi just requested to meet you once, sorry but this was only chance, so I agreed without asking you” Mihira blabbered hesitantly.

“Abhi, what’s the urgency, why have you come here and what if anyone in family finds out you here” Ananya had lots of questions in her mind…

Abhi said helplessly, “Ananya pls sit here, pls listen to me one last time, If I don’t say this now, I won’t be able to say it forever”

“Ok tell me and you shall leave ASAP.” Ananya said avoiding eye contact and sat on the bed.

 “I will stay outside the room to keep a check, Abhi come out fast” said Mihira and closed the door.

For the next 2 minutes there was an awkward silence. As if they were trying to talk in silence. Abhi was looking at her face, she was looking even more beautiful, her beautiful eyes, her soft hair. He thought of holding her tight in his arms 100 times. There were sitting just close, she looked at him finally. And the next moment, they both were in tears. He held her face, her teary eyes were closed. They were letting the pain out finally.  

“Anya...” he whispered her name and they both hugged tightly, tears refused to stop. “Anya, pls don’t leave me, I will die without you, I will convince my parents. If they don’t agree I will take you elsewhere. Please don’t break me in pieces like this” Abhi said it in one breath.

“Why Abhi, why now …It’s too late, I waited for days, months, years so one day you have the courage to accept our relationship, convince your parents. But you didn’t…how can I change my decision now, it’s next to impossible” Said Ananya sobbing.

He kissed her gently! “Anya please…”

And she woke up, her heart was racing so fast, she was breathing aloud as if her heart will jump in her mouth. She managed to splash some water on her face to make sure this was all nothing but just a dream...

The clock ticked 1.00 am she checked. She stopped the playlist and tried to push away the thoughts about the dream. Thankfully that was ONLY a dream but what if it would have been true. She told herself again that she took right decision and here after everything is going to be good. The past is over, and she should leave it as it is.

Don’t know why but she walked towards the balcony, maybe she still hold the special corner. As the door got opened, she saw Abhi. Is this real or I am still visualizing him? She thought. But he was there in opposite balcony smoking his lungs out. The pain was very prominent and visible on his face. 

She looked at him one last time and turned back…leaving the part of herself which loved Abhi endlessly. Leaving those memories forever!

Sometimes, you must leave things behind, one shouldn’t try to control it, if it’s meant for you it will happen eventually. You don’t always get what you desire for but sometimes you may get better what you truly deserve. Life must go on and so you must move on too…Sometimes there is no looking back.

She smiled with these thoughts as decided to close the balcony door and also the door to her heart forever!

 

 

And there...somebody knocked her door!

 

 

 

बीते दिनों की यादें

बीते दिनों की, आज याद आयी.. 

तेरे साथ की, वह बात याद आयी.. 

दर्द की परछाई, जो अभी साथ चलती है 

बारिश बन आखों से, बेपन्हा बह गयी |

तेरे साथ बीती, वह रात याद आयी
राते भर की, वह बाते याद आयी,

कागज के पन्नों पे लिखी, वह कविता आज भी छुपायी है 

महक उन् लम्हों की, मेरे हाथों में यूँ रह गयी |

तुम गाते थे, उन गीतों की याद आयी 

मीठी सी, वह मुस्कान याद आयी 

नज़रे मेरी, अभी तुम्हे ढूंढ रही है..

जाने कितनी बरसते बस यूंही बीत गयी !!!..

...and when One day!!

One day when I’ll find the right path

It will take me higher to never let me down

And you will never find me…

No matter whichever path you walk in town

One day when I ‘ll write a story

The story of love and hope

And you will not be found in any character

No matter how hard you put your pain in coupe

One day when I’ll smile again

From my heart and not by face

And you won’t find those tears

No matter how deep you look into my eyes

but I know One day,

you will disappear from my life…completely

you will be erased from my mind…from my soul

and your place go vacant ....in my heart

leaving the place empty.............................forever!!

7 effective ways to improve Spoken English

7 effective ways to improve Spoken English

Hi friends,

Thank you all for appreciating my work and writing. It is really valuable to keep on going. So upon your request I am posting an article below on how one can improve Spoken English skills – effectively. This is purely based on my personal experience so I hope this will help you.

1.       Remove the Taboo

Many of you are might be from a good English medium Or Convent School yet when it comes to speak fluent English we get stuck somewhere or feel underestimated or confused. First and foremost rule is to remove the Taboo of “I am not a good speaker”. You need to give positive vibes to your brain and boost up your confidence. Remember, it’s not a rocket science. So Yes, be assured “you-can-do-it”.

2.       Read, Listen and Watch

                     a) Read : 

Read a lot of English stuff. Newspaper, Magazines or book anyting of your interest but you must read it in English. Reading loud also helps as it stores the information in your memory bank. Do you believe if I say I have a Bhagavad-Gita in English? Yes, I do read it and then I Google the most difficult words.

b) Listen :

In order to improve your spoken English skills you must be a good listener. Listen and observe the other person you are speaking to. You can listen to the news bulletin or listen to English songs. (US/UK accent and pronunciation is a bit difficult at first go but if you are a mad music lover like me then just go and enjoy the songs) The more you listen the more you learn.

c) Watch :

Watch as many English movies, serials or news as you can. Try and convert your TV language into English so that you learn the pronunciation and expression too. I am sure this way you will learn better. I too have set all the cartoon channels to English so my son has no option but to watch his favorite show in English. Believe me it works.

3.       Speak Speak and Speak

Be confident and speak as possible as you can with as many people as you can. Be slow while you talk but pronounce the word correct. Make English conversations, discussions and debates with family, friends or anyone you are comfortable with. Don’t be shy; it is perfectly okay to make mistakes. The more you practice the better and more confident you will become in vocabulary and pronunciation. Remember, speaking is like a skill of learning a musical instrument or any new sport. The only way you get good is actually do it.

                                                                                                                                                                          

4.       Word Power Bank  (WPB)

In my English classes I always advised children to build their own WPB. Make a note of every new word you learnt and practice using it. Choose a word you want to learn and play with it by making different sentences. You can use a notebook or an excel sheet to track your word list. This way you will build a strong WPB for yourself.

5.       Learn new words everyday

Learn minimum 3 to 5 words daily. Find the definition and try to frame them into sentences as I said above. See how you can use them differently. This way you are not only learning the words but the sentences too. You can pick them from your WPB while conversing.

6.       Tune your thought process into English

When we think in mind what is to be said we generally use our mother tongue since it looks more convenient. We then convert our thoughts into English and deliver. This is a bit lengthy process and you might struggle to pick right word and get stuck. Now let’s tune the thought process into English and see how it works. Don’t worry for the grammar part just arrange the words and form the sentence. By practicing this regularly (alone or with anyone) you will deliver the conversation with a smooth flow.

7.       Use technology

Technology has made life much easier. Google any new word and learn the definition, see how it is to be pronounced. You can also check the synonyms and antonyms of your word.

If you practice these all soon you will be perfect and fluent.

So give a try and please post comments on my blog if you really find this article useful.

Stay rocking and keep the spirit high

Cheers!!!

Snehal

           Dec 2^nd 2016