Ghar yaad to aaya hoga

 

Life experienced in old age home

 

As I spent time with people in old age home my heart ached with a deep sadness. Their eyes, that once bright with purpose, now dimly sparkled with memories of a bygone era. They were once respected and admired in their fields. Some of them are retirees from ISRO/DRDO and A class government officers. But now, they’re left alone & abandoned. 

Their children, settled in developed countries (US, Australia & some of them are settled in smart cities). Every one is too busy chasing their own dreams, unable to take care of their parents who gave them life. The pain of this realization is crushing. Parents toil, they strive, they sacrifice and yet, they are left to face their golden years in isolation.

Life is a cruel irony. We chase power, wealth, and status, only to realize that these fleeting pleasures can’t fill the void within. We neglect our health, our relationships, and our mental well-being, only to discover that these are the very things that truly matter.

As I watched an old man’s eyes light up to the tune of “Mai Nikla Gaddi Leke,” my heart cried with emotion. He must have loved and lost, lived and laughed, and now, all he’s left with are memories. Memories that haunt him, comfort him and remind him of the fragility of life.

My eyes filled with tears as I thought about my own parents, my own loved ones. Will I be there for them when they need me most? Or will I be too caught up in my own pursuits, my own ambitions? Or will people be there when I need them? The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

I looked around the room, at the faces of old age uncles/aunts. I had to promise that I would cherish every moment with my loved ones, that I would be there for them, no matter what. I had to promise that I would not let the pursuit of power, wealth, and status consume me, that I would not forget what truly matters in life. 

We must prioritize our health, especially our mental well-being, because when we lose it, we’re often left to face the darkness alone. The harsh reality is that society has little patience for those who are struggling mentally. We’re often forgotten, overlooked, and left to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives.

Solitude

 पहले पहल आपको लगता है अकेलेपन आपको मार डेगा, 

ऐसा लगता है जैसे यह अंदर से आपको खाए जा रहा है, 

जैसे सब चले गए तो अकेले कैसे जियेंगे, 

पर फिर धीरे धीरे अकेलेपन की आदत हो जाती है, 

खुद में सुकून आने लगता है, 

लोगों की भीड़ में जाने से कतराने लगते हैं, 

अपने जैसे लोग न मिलें तो अकेला रहना पसंद करने लगते हैं, 

खुद के साथ अकेलेपन में भी सुकून आने लगता है, 

हम रोते हैं, चीखते हैं, चिल्लाते हैं और सुनने वाला कोई नहीं होता और फिर बहुत सारी जीवन की सच्चाइयाँ समझने लगते हैं, 

सब चीजों से वैराग्य होने लगता है जो भी उपरी है, 

वो लोग जो सामने से अच्छे से बात करते हैं,

और पीठ पीछे जिंदगी को नरक बनाने में लगे रहते हैं, 

वो लोग जो साथ बैठते हैं सिर्फ आपकी लाइफ की बातें लेने को, 

और फिर लगता है बहुत कुछ सच नहीं है,

और बहुत कुछ बस यूं ही है, 

धीरे धीरे छोड़ने लगते हैं, 

लोगों को, जगह को, ऊर्जाओं को,

और हर उस चीज को जिससे दिल से जुड़ाव नहीं महसूस होता,

और फिर धीरे धीरे हम मौन होने लगते हैं, 

सिर्फ जरूरत हो तब बोलने लगते हैं, 

बेवजह के रिश्ते नहीं बनाते, 

बेवजह खुद का मन सब के आगे नहीं खोलते, 

और बेवजह कुछ भी जिंदगी में नहीं रखते,

और फिर दूसरों को बेवजह से लगने वाली हमारी जिंदगी हमें सुकून लगने लगती है,

और फिर बेवजह हम बस खुद से मतलब रखने लगते हैं

#Random thoughts# -Mamta-

Loneliness

 At first, loneliness feels overwhelming, like it’s consuming you from within. You worry about surviving when everyone else is gone. However, as time passes, you grow accustomed to solitude. You find solace in being alone, avoiding crowds, and preferring the company of like-minded individuals. You learn to appreciate the quiet, even finding comfort in your own tears, screams, and shouts, which often go unheard.

As you navigate life, you begin to understand its harsh realities. You develop a sense of detachment from superficial relationships – people who pretend to care but secretly sabotage your life, and those who only befriend you to gossip about your personal affairs. You realize that much of what surrounds you is not authentic.

You start to let go of people, places, and energies that don’t resonate with you. You become more reserved, speaking only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary relationships, and refraining from sharing your inner thoughts with others. You strip away the non-essential from your life, embracing simplicity.

In this newfound simplicity, you find peace. Your life, once chaotic, becomes more streamlined. You focus on what truly matters – your own well-being. You prioritize your own needs, embracing the quiet, uncomplicated life that brings you solace.

-Mamta-

An evening walk & serenity

 An evening walk & serenity. 

Nature heals

 Nature has a way of healing us and providing calm even in difficult times. 🌻

शाख़-ए-गुल सी एक लड़की,

शाख़-ए-गुल सी एक लड़की,

तुम महकती हो, 

चहकती हो, 

गुनगुनाती हो, 

खिलखिलाती हो,

बहार बन के गुलिस्तान बनाती हो,

और फिर पतझड़ सी, 

पत्ते -पत्ते सी झड़ती हो,

बारिश की बूंद सी बरसती हो,

और फिर शाखे गुल सी एक लड़की,

तुम अपने में जाने कितने जहाँ बनाती हो!

-Mamta-