An extract from my novella THE VISION: Gradually the sky turned darker. The stars started peeping out and blinking on the dark canvas. The water of the Ganges was transforming into a darker shade. In the yonder, a dingy boat was coming from the Dakshineswar Ghat. It was steadily fazing in and out into the dark river. Twilight was alighting step by step but each a distinct one… each a progressive one. It was laying down the subtle sheath of weariness on earth, while lighting a star in each quarter of the sky to put forth the brilliance of the sky protecting the earth’s darkness. Srabasti watched in astound wonder. The London sky never played such marvels. In fact, she had never watched the sky before. Where had she the time for that? To Srabasti this evening felt like a mother. At the end of the day, the children return home and the mother lights up the house to welcome them. The darkness seemed like mum’s hair. Mum had long gorgeous hair. She did not have a clue why, one day, mum suddenly chopped it off. As soon as the thought of mum came to her mind, a weird feeling swept through her. A feeling that was a mixture of anger hurt disappointment and offended self-esteem. Srabasti cast a fleeting look at Manjari. In the darkness, she could not see her face properly. Only the profile was visible. Her hair was swaying in the breeze, as she sat there, still, staring at the empty darkness. It appeared that Manjari was melting into the pool of dusk. She was one with the darkness around her. Suddenly there was a burning sensation in her eyes. An overwhelming sadness engulfed her. She felt she would die. Manjari too was sobbing in silence. This sorrow seemed more profound than the ringing of the bells of the temple. It is the cry of a child yearning for a mother’s comfort. Here lies the actual worship of God, not in the lavish offerings that people spread out at His altar. This offering of nature had mingled with the rhythm of the heart. “Let me embrace you in the glow of the candlelight Of the vast expanse of the dark loneliness behind Let me accept you in the eternal melody Of my last sonata’s ultimate choir” Whoever you might be - you are my worship; whoever you might be - you are my king; whoever you might be - you are my aspiration!
Posted on: Mon, 05 Aug 2013 04:04:10 +0000