Reflection mag november 2014 by Reflection W&R Mag

Reflection Editorial 1

Contents

Poems By Christina A V Williams 2 The Asylum On The Hill Spring Pitts 7 Calming Grace Elizabeth E. Castillo 9 Haider A Review Fahmid Hassan Prohor 10 Nature Speaks Praveen Gola 16 Nature Joe P. Attanasio 18 Neelam Saxena Chandra Interview By Iram Fatima 'Ashi' 19 Ashok Bhargava Poems 28 City Of Joy Biswadeep Ghosh Hajra 31 Lake Martin Charles Darnell 34 Maveric Jonali Karmakar 35 Nature Of Nature Diwakar Pokhriyal 37 The Encounter Ceri Naz 38 The Divine Cycle Chris Malx 39 Season's Carpet Shaziya Shaik 40 Song An Obadiah moinal Dutta 41 Bryann Photographs 43 Corn Fields Neelam Dadwal 45 Haunted Hostel Kumar Vikrant 46 Ashok Bhargava Photographs 50 Nature At Its Best Vasanthi Papu 60 Haji Malang Shahid Khan 61 I Am One With Nature Jerry Eke 66 Happy Halloween Spring Pitts 67 II

November 14

Nature Would Witness Love Iram Fatima 'Ashi' 68 Under 15 Zone 69 Raj Verma's Paintings On Nature 71 Jack's Emancipation Kumar Vikrant 82 Guidelines 95

Members

Advisory Board Chairman Mr. Brian E. Wrixon (Canada) Mr. Sharique Jamal (India)

Ms. Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo (Philippines)

Ms. Angie Blake(USA)

Mr. Charles Darnell lives (San Antonio, Texas, USA)

Ms. Marilyn Reandino Ca単ete (Manila,

Associate Editors Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee (India) Dr. Ruchida Barman (India) Dr. Indira Babbellapati (India) Ms Jonali Karmakar (India)

Editorial Borad Managing Editor Iram Fatima 'Ashi' (Saudi Arabia, NRI) Editor Vasanthi Papu (India) Dr. Sahab Uddin (India) Mr. Arnab Neogi (India) Editor Art Section R. K. Verma Page layout Team Reflection III

Editorial Dear Readers, Greetings! Nature is an integral part of our lives and we appreciate the blessings that nature bestows upon us. The beauty of nature has been extolled in the works of poets and artists. We can see how nature plays with colors at different times and seasons. The changing colors of the sea, sky, leaves, fruits, flowers and rain fascinate and inspire us and also reflect in our moods. When the sun shines, we feel happy and hopeful and a balmy moonlit night can awaken the lover in us. Such is

the transformative power of nature’s beauty. This time our artists, writers and poets pour their soul through their creativity to dedicate this issue of Reflection on ‘Nature’s beauty’. I am proudly presenting their creations that will connect every reader - Amazing poems written by Mr. Joe P. Attanasio (US), Charles Darnell (US), Diwakar Pokhriyal (India), Chris Malx (Philippines), Christena AV Williams (Jamaica); inspiring interview of well known personality Mrs Neelam Saxena Chandra- an engineer and successful writer, poetess and interesting short stories and novella by Mr. Kumar Vikrant. I would like to thank my Editor Ms Vasanthi Papu, team of associate editors, Advisory members, Mr. Kumar Vikrant and his layout team members and last but not the least Mr. R. K. Verma for decorating our art section with his enthralling work. A warm welcome to newly joined associate editor Jonali Karmakar (India). Hope you all will enjoy reading this. Love and blessings

Iram Fatima ‘Ashi’ (Saudi Arabia, NRI)

Christena AV Williams Jamaican born Christena AV Williams is to be a Future revolutionist, however she is a renowned poet and Author of Pearls among stones published by Canadian, Brian Wrixon. She dabbles in philosophy and history. Christena began Writing at age ten, and ten years later published her first Collection of poetry. This eventually earned her one of the most prestigious awards ever given to youths in Jamaica, The Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Youth Awards in excellence. Christena is a phenomenal gift and feels she is destined and determined to share her words with the hearts of humanity. She is committed to write for the hopeless and share Wisdom from which God speaks through her, while spilling Ink on paper. 2

Summer paradise We have been having daunting dreams in winter sunset breeze We have been chasing clouds, staring at starlight rays and wishing on the shooting star in midnight darkness The summer paradise we dream ofis like sun shooting down on our warm bodies Dashed in sands, sprawled out near the waves ofthe beach and natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest at its very best Perching birds, coconut trees swaying to the tune ofbreezy air, the summer breeze rocks us as a lullaby slowly we sleep Passing hours, unknown time, Carefree, No worries under sun.

Christena AVWilliams. Credits to Inner child magazine

What A Wonderful World The wind blows The sea roars The flower blooms The bird sings The bees harvest nectar Nature and beast harmonize Love is in the atmosphere for once We care not ofwar but adore nature Feel the breath ofGod and smile in the rain What a wonderful world it is!

Christena AVWilliams

The Garden Of love Christena AV Williams

I have a garden Where it is filling with the most barbaric Flowers and creatures It is where I spend Most ofmy days Ploughing the soil Grooming them into beauty. When my days seem lonely My gardens sooth my sorrow When I feel jolly My garden gives me love This garden knows me It is almost as ifit is alive. When I am sad The flowers wrap around me The bird sings

Then I feel at peace When I go in my garden I grow them with love I water I plough They open up With beautiful colours. Then the animal roamed the garden In addition, there you see The garden oflove All my time and effort Is spent grooming and caring For these flowers and these creatures That is in my Garden It is the only place I think Where all my feelings and secrets can be hidden Because it is the Garden oflove.

The Rose A rose is just a flower That is how it seems When it blooms Its beauty It signifies Life, love and eternity. Ifyou just think, it is a rose Then that is what it will be However, when you see the beauty In addition, you make it yours Oh, how magnificent it can be. When you talk about roses You talk about love A rose expresses your heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desires. I am like a rose in your garden With beauty you see It blossoms with the most notorious colours It never dies. It attracts the most enchanting creatures That is filling with love Would you take me? More than just a rose, A flower But beauty oflove That when you see Me, so bright Such delight How can you not accept? A profound love that is given. A rose is much more than how it seems In addition, it is to you to make it super fabulous I am not just any rose I am your rose.

Christena AVWilliams

The Asylum On The Hill Spring Pitts

(Lenoir, North Carolina, USA)

The Asylum On The Hill Spring Pitts (Lenoir, North Carolina USA) The place evil souls do dwell, is like a living hell. There was an old Asylum upon the hill, near the old abandoned mill. Old souls trapped inside, no way out crazies once went in without a doubt. Failed experiments poorly wrapped, not even marked on a single map. Where their bodies now take a dirt nap, curious souls often enter. Doesn't take long for them to realize they don't belong. All the openings are blocked, and locked. They hear the rustling ofchains, all around. Followed by the screams ofpain and rage, many try to leave only to wake up in a cage. Some ventures deeper into the madness, the unbelieverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes are now opened. Then comes the flood ofemotions, there now even seeing objects in motion. In the cafeteria, the smell and sounds ofcooking come alive. Pots and pans are flying all around; the metal bars are their only protection without a doubt. The faint sound ofchildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cries draws them near. Into an opened cell a brave one goes as he sees a Teddy Bear and he then known as the door slams closed. The sounds ofscreams and pleas can be heard, followed by the sounds ofclaws across the walls and door. Blood oozes along the floor, from beneath the door in a rush one brushes against an open door. To get shackled by chains attached to the floor. One stops and turns around to hear the sound ofa closing door. Running to the window to only bars, they can barely spot their car through the darkness ofnight. This has been a fright with no way out in sight. They spot an opening insight, where they can see the moonlight. They make a running start with the sound offootsteps not far behind. Keeping in mind, they are the only ones left alive. Just before they reach the door, a gust ofwind blows it shut. With nowhere left to run, they feel the grabbing ofclaws and gnashing ofteeth. As their dragged back into the darkness, for no soul ever leaves this evil sacred ground alive.

Calming Grace Elizabeth E. Castillo (Philippines) Within this vast sacred sanctuary I call my own Lies a calming grace deep within my heart full ofemotions. As I sit on my hammock watching a blue sky above me Surrounded by lush greeneries, a space oh so holy. A bird perched on a fragile branch greets me as I reminisce What my dear life has been and what the future might still be bringing. This deafening silence is sometimes what our soul needs Reflections come floating by while I reckon bleak moments I had once. The gentle breeze brushing my cheeks makes me feel so alive Clouds that form different shapes above at times catch my glimmering eyes. The swaying trees, the falling leaves and the chirping birds all in harmony All these sum up what a wondrous feeling it is to be part ofsuch a beautiful scene!

HAIDER

(Hindi Bollywood movie)

Movie Review By Fahmid Hassan Prohor (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Bollywood adaptation ofWilliam Shakespeare’s Hamlet with a sense of realism. Isn’t it? Why are you asking questions to the makers? Ask Shakespeare who made the play tough yet what an adaptation it is! Together, the singer, music director and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj have nailed it. This is the final installment of the Shakespeare Trilogy after Maqbool [Macbeth] and Omkara [Othello]. Haider stars renowned Bollywood actors like Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, the National Award Winning Actress Tabu and Kay Kay Menon. And the phenomenal Irrfan Khan. The story is based on Kashmir riots during the 1990s. It’s about a doctor who disappears during the riots. Due to this his son Haider arrives at the scene where he learns about his mother’s closeness to his uncle From here on his life becomes even more complicated. Will he find his father? Or be derailed by the society that misunderstands him?

I have learnt something from Haider: we are not born as criminals but the society makes us one. There is lot of difference between the length of Hamlet and Haider and also in the extent of the story. The supernatural theme of Hamlet has been modified into a dream sequence with a sense of realism. The leading lady plays the dual role of a friend and lover [Horatio and Ophelia] which is superb in many ways but should have been a little compact. Shahid as Haider has done justice to the role of Hamlet with its main attraction namely his fake madness . Tabu as Ghazala [Gertitude] deserves the actual credit as a mother while Kay Kay Menon’s Khurram [Claudius] is menacing though a little less than Shahid’s act. We clap when Irrfan Khan enters the scene before the interval- splendid act according to my perspective. The director, Vishal Bhardwaj, proves that there are characters like Hamlet even in the real world. It is a 11

a controversial subject but according to me this really is his most memorable film ever. The winter of Kashmir has been beautifully pictures and we get a feeling of a gothic atmosphere. The most disturbing part of the movie are the flashbacks where the entire plot unravels. The dialogues are the scoring point of the film through which we can

understand the story. Even with 41 cuts (as mentioned in the interviews or articles), the movie is really a soothing piece of work. The story is logical and true to Hamlet with a lot of political and sexual developments within the plot itself though a little choppy. As most of us know the story of Hamlet, it can be retold in many ways.

The background music has a realistic feel that of a typical Bhardwaj movie. At the same time it sets the mood of the film. According to me the two best tracks are ‘Bismil’ which is an interpretation of the famous play within the play ‘The Murder of Gonzalo’ and ‘Aao Na’ which tells the whole story. Both the tracks express intense feelings of revenge. By far it is the best movie of 2014 after Ek Villain. It is a must watch for people who can keep their Ifyou • • • • • •

cool learn to interpret a character. A mother’s love is immortal and people are unpredictable whether they are sane or not. If you need a friend to share your feelings with then help they trust you and trust them in return though keep your eyes open in regard to their actions. If you have not watched Haider then do so. A brilliant film delivered that soothes the mind. Rating- 9 ½ / 10

like Haider, I recommend:Hamlet [1996]- the unabridged edition by Kenneth Branagh Othello [1995] by Olive Parker Macbeth [ 1971] by Roman Polanski Omkara by Vishal Bhardwaj Maqbool by Vishal Bhardwaj Ishaqzaade by Habib Faisal

Nature Speaks

Praveen Gola (Delhi, India) Nature speaks with the hidden peak, when the huge trees show their blossomed leaves. The blooming flowers with many colours add beauty in the hearts ofNature Lovers. Chirping ofbirds in the morning hours provide freshness to those who are dedicated worshippers. The moon, the stars and the sun, create happiness for those who run, They try to chase them with their feet, and fall down when they come to know their defeat. The crawling insects on the mud, inspire a dedication to float on flood, Thousands ofthem die under our feet, but still thousands live on prickly heat. Hide and seek ofsquirrels on trees, motivate us to Live with ease, as life is nothing but a game ofplay, where we learn new things on each day. A floating river near the lake, tells us that we all are flakes, Those who float near the river aside,

will surely reach the destination with pride. The sand , the stones, the rocky hills, are the obstacles that we swallow in the form of pills, First they all give us burns, but after crossing they make new turns. The humming bees , the beetle bugs, all create nuisance in empty mugs, sometimes we try to follow their routine, but very soon leave it as a short fun dream. The hilly mountains , the highest peaks, lead us towards hardworking zeals, All that moment every person denies, that human life contains smooth tries. Cloudy weather and heavy rain, bring luck and fortune in our daily grain, The more and more our crops increase, the less and less our sorrows decrease. Birds, animals, fishes and other living beings, play a good role in ecological green, Human is also a part ofthis circle, as one life is enough to create a miracle. In fact Human Life and nature, go parallel in each situation, The only difference between both ofthem is, that Human shouts but nature speaks with sentiments.

Jonali Karmakar (Associate Editor) Jonali Karmakar is a fiction writer with a Masters in English. Writing is not just her passion but her way of dealing with life. She loves being able to escape into the worlds she creates. Everything that she writes becomes a part of her and she wants her readers to know the woman behind those words. She published her first poem while still in high school. Her short stories have found their place in several anthologies. Before turning to writing full time she looked after one of their many family businesses and prior to that she worked as a Medical Transcriptionist. She has been associated with a cause where she taught English to underprivileged kids. Currently she spends most of her time writing and when she isn't doing that, she's either painting or keeping a keen eye on the stock market. She is an avid reader and loves flipping pages of anything and everything on the table. She feels that reading and writing are the flip sides of the same coin. Writing is her way of communicating with the world.

Nature Joe P. Attanasio (USA) Restless souls search for joy Seeking to lift prosaic hearts While splendor abounds Openly, in nature all around. A shadow ofgolden leaves Spread beneath yonder tree Calms the stressful force That burdens our existence. Soft breezes lick our faces Like sweet kisses passing Leaving intoxicating scents Waking our sleeping senses. All life ensnares our sight Both the large and very small Flying, crawling or walking Even growing from the ground. We share a sense ofbelonging Amid the flora and the fauna All organic and all natural Whether rational or unaware. We find natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hold embracing As symbiosis reigns supreme Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re forever chained together Each completing one another.

Neelam Saxena Chandra Living Legend Of Literature Interview By Iram Fatima 'Ashi'

Mrs. Neelam Saxena Chandra completed her Engineering in Electronics & Power Engineering from V.N.I.T., Nagpur and went on to finish PG Dip in I.M & HRD and PG Dip in Finance Mgmt. At present, she is working for the Indian Railways. She shares from an incurable passion of writing poetry and fiction. Around six hundred of her stories/poems have been published in various leading Indian as well as international magazines, anthologies and journals. Many of her stories/poems have been transmitted by Akashwani (Radio) also. She is published writer of sixteen books and winner of eight awards including record holder in the India Book of Records for writing the first mother-daughter duo along with Simran Chandra for the book Winter Shall Fade.

Ashi: Greetings to you ma’am! At the outset, on behalfof ‘Reflection Magazine’, I would like to thank you on being family member ofReflection and for accepting my request to interview you.Tell us something about the place you belong to, your childhood, family, education.

I was born and brought up in Nagpur, the place which I love a lot. Nagpur has really good atmosphere for studies and it is here that my growth took place. I was educated in J.N. Tata Parsi Girls High School, which was one of the best schools of the time. I owe everything to my alma mater – my school and my college – Visvesvaraya National institute ofTechnology, Nagpur. I had a very well knit family. My mother is my strength and she bound all of us together. I have a sister and a brother, who are younger to me. Ashi: It's really interesting to know about your life. Now please share your writing experience - the age you started writing and what inspired you to pick your pen?

As a child, I was a very shy person. I rarely spoke to anyone. But I always had strong opinions. I think, I used my pen to voice these opinions. I was published in the newspaper titled ‘The Hitavada’ even at that time. Later, my poems remained in my dairies, till I decided to venture into the world of fiction.

However, my initial poems were strictly confidential, something which I didn’t like to share with anyone. I used to find a few customs and traditions in society pathetic and since I had a different take on it, I used to put them in words. I was greatly motivated by social reformers and writers that time.

Ashi: Kindly tell us something about any other hobby of yours.

I think I love to experiment. I love compeering programs. I enjoy acting. Off late, I learnt painting and adore it. Ashi: You are perfect combination oftechnology and art. However, poetry is a medium to express one’s inner feelings. Is there any specific moment or event that made you write?

I don’t think there was any specific moment, since I don’t remember it. However, my initial poems were strictly confidential, something which I didn’t like to share with anyone. I used to find a few customs and traditions in society pathetic and since I had a different take on it, I used to put them in words. I was greatly motivated by social reformers and writers that time. 20

Ashi: That’s great, what is your favorite topic to write on? And do you have a specific writing style?

I think social issues and relationships are my favorite subjects to voice upon, though I love trying new styles, techniques and genre. My personal life – well, it has been a life full of struggles. Many-a-times, I felt like giving up, but continued. I have an inner voice which always makes me strike back and never give up.

Ashi: This is really great to know. Would you like to share something about your personal life with our readers to know you more closely?

My personal life – well, it has been a life full of struggles. Many-a-times, I felt like giving up, but continued. I have an inner voice which always makes me strike back and never give up. Ashi: Who is your favorite writer/poet?

My favorite authors include Erich Segal, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Gulzar sahib, Gopaldas Neeraj etc. Ashi: When did your first poem/story/novel get published? Please share your feeling ofthat moment.

As I answered in one of the earlier questions, my first poem got published when I was still in school. Frankly speaking, I did not have any thrilling moment. I was happy. However, my father and mother were really excited. Ashi: So nice to know these sentiments. You are author and co-author so many national and international anthologies, kindly let us know about in detail to inspire all ofus.

While writing, I never think where it will be published or even if it will be published. I write, because I feel like writing. However, I am delighted when it gets published every time and feel motivated to write more.

Ashi: You have been honored with an Award by eminent poet/lyricist Gulzarji, Rabindranath Tagore International poetry award -2014, you are a record holder in the India Book ofRecords for being the author with highest number ofpublications in a year, also debuted as a lyricist in Shankar Tucker's composition 'Mere Sajan sun sun' at the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auRmXTmVwrYand the song has won the 'Popular Choice' award in Folk Fusion category in Radio City Freedom Awards. Kindly share your experience with your readers.

The first big award I received was way back in 2009 in a contest conducted by American Embassy in which Gulzarji was the judge. Those were the days when I had just begun sending my stories/poems for publications. An award by Gulzarji meant a lot to me. It boosted my confidence a lot. I was amazed to see the enigma called Gulzarji. The tie up with Shankar Tucker was just incidental and when it won an award, I was really elated. Receiving an award from Vishal Dadlani meant a lot to me. Ashi: Neelam maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;am, you are a record holder in the India Book for writing the first Mother-Daughter duo along with Simran Chandra for the book Winter Shall Fade. Tell something about this wonderful experience and about your daughter.

Receiving an award by Guljar Ji

Ashi: Neelam maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;am, you are a record holder in the India Book for writing the first Mother-Daughter duo along with Simran Chandra for the book Winter Shall Fade. Tell something about this wonderful experience and about your daughter. This is a question very difficult to answer. I think, I have written in different genre and have tried something new every time. Every book in that genre is a masterpiece for that genre.

My daughter, Simran is sixteen years old and plans to become a Doctor some day. Right now, she is in standard twelve. She is my critic and editor, rolled into one. She is also an excellent writer. While reading one of her poems, this particular idea of having a book together was born. You will have to read the book to understand what I am saying. Ashi: How did you inspire your daughter in the same field? Did you always have full appreciation and support from your family and friends for your talent in writing?

Frankly speaking, I did not inspire her directly to write. I think it was in her and I just encouraged it. Yes, I have been lucky to have full support from my family and friends. Ashi: According to you, what are the most important elements of good writing?

I would like to put them point wise, in the order or priority: 1. Good plot 2. Good language 3. Good writing style Ashi: According to you, which creation ofyours is your masterpiece; would you like to tell something about that?

This is a question very difficult to answer. I think, I have written in different genre and have tried something new every time. Every book in that genre is a masterpiece for that genre.

Ashi: Please share any ofyour poems close to your heart.

My favorite poem…well, again it is difficult to choose, but my vote goes for this one… TEARFUL ADIEU Mom, so secured was I in your womb; My life inside you was a real miracle! My tiny feet swam in glee; my little hands cuddled you merrily; My toothless mouth would often giggle and cackle! Mom, so happy was I in your womb; But, one day, some quivering clatters I could hear I heard someone scream and roar, "I don’t want daughters anymore!" I sobbed as I listened to your helpless tears...

Mom, so happy was I in your womb; But, one day, some quivering clatters I could hear I heard someone scream and roar, "I don’t want daughters anymore!" I sobbed as I listened to your helpless tears...

Mom, how could I smile in your womb When I had understood that being a daughter was so bad? My little eyes cried and heart yelled; something in me had already failed Alas, I realized that I would soon be dead! Mom, although I shall no longer dwell in your womb, Your warmth and affection I shall surely miss.... To you, I shall not lie; I had not expected to die: But fate had in store for me this deathly kiss! Mom, so happy I am to have been a part of your womb, Although the togetherness was destined as a short boon ! As death pounces and approaches near, I bid you a tearful adieu mom dear, May a hundred sons be born to you soon!

Ashi: This is truly beautiful piece from your creative gallery. What is the best thing about being a poetess and writer?

You are not afraid to express your feelings wondering what people will think. You carry a light ofyour own and what you say counts. 24

Ashi: This is truly beautiful piece from your creative gallery. What is the best thing about being a poetess and writer?

You are not afraid to express your feelings wondering what people will think. You carry a light of your own and what you say counts. Ashi: Very well said. We want to know your journey ofbeing an engineer turned as author and poetess. And tell us something about your published books, its theme and all.

I have not actually turned. I still enjoy my job as an Engineer. I have taken a temporary hiatus, but do plan to continue as of now. I used to wonder how I can enjoy both, till my daughter explained me so well. Being an Engineer uses my right brain, while creativity uses my left brain. They sort of complement

each other. A list of my published books is as given below: 1. Can I Have This Chance- A novel by Authors Press

2. Soul Seekers- A novel by LiFi Publications 3. RishteyMohabbatke- A short story collection in Hindi by Omji Publishers. 4. Pankhudiyanâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; A short story collection for children by Sadhna Publications. 5. The Delicate Wings- A poetry collection by The Poetry Society of India 6. Layers Of Flickering Lightsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; A poetry collection by 25

7. Silhouette Of Reflections– A poetry collection by YS Books International. 8. The Purple Moon– A poetry collection by First Step Publishing 9. Hues Of Love– A poetry collection by Writers Empire. 10. Treacherous Lady– A novella by Pageturn Publishers. I have a novel, four short story collections, two poetry books and eight illustrated books for children and a novella for children under publication.

At Book Fair Lucknow

11. Tales From Sundervan– A short story collection for children by Sahni Publications. 12. Chanda – A picture book for children by Room to Read.

13. Five Tales– A short story collection for children by Naman Publications 14. Winter Shall Fade- A poetry collection along with co-author Simran Chandra published by Omji Publishers 15. Her Story– Edited by Neelam, it is a compilation of stories of women around their workplace 16. Rishtey Zindagi Ke- A poetry collection in Hindi Details of my books can be checked on my website http://neelamsaxenachandra.in/books/ Ashi: That is really big achievement. Please share your future plans with us.

I have a novel, four short story collections, two poetry books and eight illustrated books for children and a novella for children under publication.

Ashi: We would love to read all your published and upcoming books. What advice would you give your contemporary writers and poets?

Rather than contemporary, I would like to give my suggestions to the new and upcoming authors: 1. Read a lot and improve your language before endeavoring to write. I see many books with so many mistakes...a reader like me won't feel like reading at all with these mistakes. 2. You cannot have a name for yourselves unless you really slog. It requires years of hard work and perseverance to come up to a level. Remember, all those who have made it big have toiled a lot. 3. Read your own work again and again till it seems perfect. Even after that, get it edited from some good friends/professionals.

I think you are doing quite a good task. Providing a platform to youngsters is a great Ashi: Very brilliant suggestions for all our readers. Would you like work. My best wishes are to give your valuable views on our international literary online with you. magazine â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Reflectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for its improvement?

I think you are doing quite a good task. Providing a platform to youngsters is a great work. My best wishes are with you. Ashi : Thank you to share your true words ofwisdom in the literary field and for improvement ofour literary magazine. The budding writers are sure to draw nourishment from the radiance ofyour spirit and your gracious advice would boost up their enthusiasm to create marvels from their pens. Hope to grow more enlightening company ofyours. Profound thanks to you!

Web page: http://neelamsaxenachandra.in Wikipedia link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neelam_Saxena_Chandra

Ashok Bhargava is a multilingual poet and essayist. He has published 4 books of poetry in English. He has been featured on CBC Radio and Chanel M TV as well as Word On The Street, Explorasian and Chapterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Under The Cherry Tree. He has been published in many literary magazines and anthologies. He is recipient of Pot Ambassador Award, Lifetime Achievement and Empowered Speaker awards. Recently he was honored by University ofBritish Columbia with a Humanitarian award. He is an avid volunteer, supporter & organizer ofvarious social and artistic activities. He is a founder ofWriters International Network Canada.

Celestial Treat Ashok Bhargava Your thumbs hard pressed on my neck move down kneading my spine skillfully relieving tension. With a firm grasp and a sudden jerk you weed the tough roots ofmy knuckles to a painful relief. Your palms rub my soles delicately stimulating sensations as I lie down on the floor. The moon gleams through the window your shadow falls on me bigger than you are today or you would ever be.

Whispers Ashok Bhargava

Dew drops form then fall only to gradually form again deep in the dark woods. Fireflies flash their lights then hide to shine again. Dreams, embroidered in silk-thread designs shimmer like fireflies evoke sweet memories revoke to evoke again

I am a reporter and my work takes me to all sorts ofplaces and lets me meet various types ofpeople as well. Last week I met a young man who had lost everything and was on a quest for, I don’t know, maybe revenge, maybe to clear everything between him and his wife. In the process I had discovered something that might even shatter the basis for love- I had discovered greed in its most primitive and primordial form.

Place- Howrah station, Time- Around 6:30 pm I had come to see off a dear friend of mine and while leaving the platform, I saw the Rajdhani arrive from Delhi. As soon as the train stopped it vomited thousands of passengers. I personally like to watch people disembarking from a train only to hurry and run towards the exit of the station. This comes to us automatically and I am amused every time I do this as well. However this time my eyes focused on a young man aged somewhere between 25-28 years, crying inconsolably. In between sobbing he managed to sit on an empty bench with his hands on his head. He looked like someone who had definitely lost something big in life. Tempted that I would just get another story out of him, I managed to take a seat right beside him in the nick of time (an old man had already aimed for the seat but since I was faster and motivated for a good

story, I beat him to it.) ME: New in the city of joy? Hi, I’m Deba. ANIKET: (between repeated sobs) I am Aniket. ME: What’s the matter, why are you crying in the city of joy, man? ANIKET: I need to go to Kestapur. ME: It’s Kestopur and I can help you go there. Aniket looked at me. In his eyes I could clearly see a battle being waged within him about trusting me. ME: You can trust me. Actually my apartment is

on the way and I can come with you in your cab if you don’t mind.

over his heart and soul. Little did he realize that everything was a set-up.

Aniket picked up his bag and rose to leave clearly indicating me to follow him. By the time the cab left Burrabazar he had managed to tell me a little about his tragic love story. For any other random person visiting Kolkata for the first time, the Howrah Bridge is sure to garner attention but he had no interest in mega-bridges. He had come for answers.

ANIKET: Whoever said that life is not a bed of roses is right. My life with Disha was not at all something unexpected. Yet one day out of the blue she left me. She took everything with her- all the jewelry, the money, even my favorite car. She even sold my BMW and took the cash with her!

Aniket and Disha met when they were studying in Delhi University in the same department of Comparative Literature. Though Disha was one year younger, Aniket gradually fell for her. Disha too liked Aniket and eventually they both gained the status of boyfriend and girlfriend. The only problem was that Aniket’s family did not approve of Disha. But he remained undeterred in his decision and told his family that he would be marrying her once his course was over. She reigned

ME: So everything for money? All these years she was just faking it? Aniket grew very agitated. He wanted to tell me something but regressed and said nothing. Seeing his face pained me to a great extent. It was clear that he wanted answers from Disha. ANIKET: I should’ve listened to my parents you know. Disha ruined my life. I had been allured. She had bewitched me. And now she has left me for good.

As the car sped up, a light drizzle provided some comfort in the hot weather. Aniket sat still, his eyes glued to the outside. It was his first visit to Kolkata and he seemed to like it.

he himself had committed the crime. He told me that Disha had left with everything a while ago. She had even sold the car and left with the money. I just stood there as if hit by lightning. (I wished it did). I had not detected any propensity of her leaving with the money that morning. I thought of the irony that my driver was loyal, obedient, and faithful to me but my wife was not. Between love and greed, greed had won the battle. From then on I’ve tried to contact her through emails, phones, messages and what not.

Disha had been tempted by money but why did she leave Aniket? His money meant the same to Disha; it was her money as well. They had barely completed three months of marriage. Was Disha having an affair with someone else? But Aniket found no trace of her being involved with someone else. His mind (as well as mine) was flooded with Saying this Aniket again hid his face in his hands. I questions. Questions that only she could answer. Aniket was frazzled. He felt he could take no more. could only console him as his first friend in the city of joy. By now the cab had crossed Lake Town. ANIKET: I have lost everything. She even took my Aniket and I did not talk for quite some time. The images of people, vehicles, the street lights and grandma’s gold worth more than eighty lac. My wallet has been picked in the journey. Look at my buildings amalgamated into one. I imagined myself in his position and found it terribly frustrating and condition Deba, look how I’m suffering for her. saddening. If I had my way I would definitely kill I looked at Aniket and urged him to describe the last that hag of a woman that I loved once. Aniket knocked at the door with the plaque that day that had led to his doom. read Disha Singh. The doorbell had been pressed more than twice still there was no answer. I decided ANIKET: Like any other day I had gone to my to leave Aniket to deal with the problem and slowly factory to supervise. On my return I found my climbed down the stairs. As I departed, I saw the driver standing at the front gate, his mouth wide door open and Aniket enter with a shove. open in a mixture of amazement, confusion and fear. His head was down, weighted with fear, as if Biswadeep Ghosh Hazra (Kolkata, India)

Lake Martin Charles Darnell Early morning mist Floats like opaque spirits Chasing the breeze In and out ofsoggy cypress Ripple the open water And curl through The cattails without A sound. Ifyou wait quiet By the bank The frogs settle And provide their chorus Thinking you are gone. Birds light in the Branches and keep A watchful eye For food and for you. Bream break the surface Seeking breakfast And mosquitoes Find theirs On your skin. You slap at the nuisance And the frogs stop in mid croak. The birds stare and after A moment fly offindignant. You are left with the rising mist And the sun giving chase, A quiet day beginning On a piece ofthe primordial.

MAVERIC ('Maverick' is a 434-word fiction depicting the dilemma ofa man who wants to follow his heart but is expected otherwise by his father.) Jonali Karmakar (Bihar, India)

Dimly a memory starts filtering back into my mind, like a shadow through gauze. I reach out to touch it but suddenly it’s gone just as abruptly. I try to recall. I think of my brain as a muscle that I squeeze in hopes of some Intel. Nothing I touch the back of my head and feel a contusion. It needs medical attention. A few drops ofArnica Montana should do the trick. But I need to be quick before it’s too late. Then my eyes fall on the blood stained knife and the veil lifts. Everything is coming back The shouts of the old man, the laughter of my peers, the humiliation. A man can only take so much. I had wanted to run away; instead a murderous frenzy took over me. I grabbed the knife and stormed inside the room. He sensed my rage even before he saw me and tried to flee. But there was only one way out and right then I was blocking it with my entire 6 feet 2 inch bulky frame. I was about to pounce on my prey and cut off his head but my luck interfered. The treacherous sunrays hit the knife’s shiny surface and reflected on my eyes. Instinctively my lids shut and I lost focus. It was enough. A millisecond’s distraction ruined everything. He jumped and I brought down my knife simultaneously. His neck and my blade met. I missed by this much. My nose smelled the rusty stink of blood and my consciousness lost its

footing. Darkness hit me like a truckand I fell, swooning all the way to the ground. The last thing I heard was his screams mingled with mine. We both would survive I know. My reputation is another story of course. It is like a sieve. Punctured severely. Tattered. The old man stood over me cackling. His front tooth moved with the intensity of his laughter. My friends sneered. “Go and collect flowers.” The old man said spraying spit on my face. “Sorry, father.” I mumbled. “You’re no son of mine. Run along and play with your herbs.” “I failed you. I’m sorry.” “You are a shame to me. The greatest butcher’s son is scared of slaying a cock! What a shame.” He spat at my feet and I flinched. I stood up and looked around. My victim, a white cock with red freckles, was limping around. I felt pity for him and for myself. “I’m a healer, not a butcher.” I try to say but it is drowned by the rapturous laughter all around me.

Nature of Nature Diwakar Pokhriyal (Delhi, India) Rain pampers heart, Soul dissolves in air, Magical fragrance oflife, Nature is always fair, The mighty mountains, Write the tale ofhistory, The dark scent ofdarkness, Brings joy with mystery, Oh Lord! What a painter you are, Precisely coloring the universe, Giving umpteen smiles, Greenery for life, so diverse, Freely flying lives, Nurturing hopes inside many, Misunderstandings about environment, Draws situations so uncanny, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really breathtaking, Living in harmony should become a trend, Nature always adds the breath, Even to the dead end.

The Encounter Caroline C. Nazareno a.k.a. CeriNaz (Philippines/Canada)

I encounter the penguins Dancing to the landscapes ofsalsa and rumba Giving my heart an ocean ofnatureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best I plea to the North Pole to send me icebergs Sail my frozen feet to the majestic wonders ofswaying leaves Where all seasons open the windows offreshness And falling waters from the carpet ofrocky mountains I sing with the robins, the quails and hummingbirds As I lift my spirit to the trees and gardens ofall beginnings. I live in the azure skies, the flying- horse- clouds I fall in love with the morning sun and its highness While setting its crown to the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pilgrim I adore the laughter and smiles ofwithering walls While feeling its rough edges signing the promises Ofcrickets, ants, spiders and grasshoppers The butterflies are the witnesses to the beauty Ofsolitude and breaths ofexistence.

The Divine Cycle Chris Malx (Philippines)

LIFE is simply the most precious gift. But, Sometimes we forget how fragile it is. And, Evil! Always we are, for not giving our best. Then, here is DEATH. . . Which constantly reminds us that we have an END. Everything is temporary, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why. . . Live! In every bit ofa second And YOU??! A breathing DUST who witnessed countless death! Here is your one last gift. . . HOPEA chance to redefine what your life is. . .

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carpet Shaziya Shaik (India) Carpet ofgolden yellow, orange and red Covering the land from blooming cold No trace ofsoil, it is wide spread Like a blanket made ofgold. Thin coat ofcovering grows thick When leafy downpour increases. As they turn yellow or as red as brick Their count on trees decreases. Cascade ofleaves appear in autumn Forming a crunchy, colorful carpet From cloudy trees to soily bottom It reaches ground like dainty droplet. Brown becomes the carpet, lusture is gone Leaves are dry, winter is on Blanket stretched in now torn Old carpet drifts, new foliage is born.

Song An Obadiah Moinak Dutta (India) Born on 5th September, 1977 to an immigrant family, he has been writing poems and stories from school days.Done postgraduation in English. Presently engaged as a teacher of English. Many of his poems and stories are published in national and international anthologies and magazines.Written reviews of books and fictions. His debut fiction ‘Pestilence’ was published in 2009. His second literary fiction ‘Online@ offline’ was published in 2014. Blogs regularly at www.theboatsong.blogspot.com .Interested in photography, films and music. email :moinakdutta@yahoo.co.in social media : www.facebook.com/moinak.dutta

Ifam I to sing a song A good as the night calm and long, Ifam I to hold the shore Ofsands that come so near the door, I can turn to you, O Obadiah, For you hath made me to spare All those little things I lost on my way, The flowers blooming plentiful and gay, In valleys green, charming and bright, In mountain forests, mildly embracing light, Ifam I to put words in rhyme, As good as the dawn pure and quiet, Ifam I to find the essence ofclime In the gentle ripples ofwater at my side, I can turn to you, O Obadiah, For You hath made me to spare, All those little things I gained on my way, The stretched full up flamingo wings ofa day, In the midst ofan ocean vast, blue and wide In the waves mirthful, dancing in tune ofa tide, Ifam I to sing a song As good as life to which one can belong, I can turn only to you, O Obadiah.

BRYANN RAMOS GABIS Bryann Ramos Gabis is a cum laude graduate ofBachelor in Secondary Education major in Biology at Pangasinan State University. At present, he teaches Biological Science in Bayambang National High School, Bayambang, Pangasinan. He started photography in 2012. Having no formal training in photography, he sought self-help videos in internet and magazines in photography. In photography, his patience and appreciation ofnature, beauty, and simplicity on daily walks oflife were augmented through captures that illustrate proper composition not only with the eye but with collaboration ofthe heart, timing and chance. His creative lens captures human portrait, fashion, animals, landscape, plants and flowers, food, street and night landscape. 43

Corn Fields Neelam Dadhwal (Chandigarh, India) Travelling in a bus I remember how vast lands enchanted me. These large strands ofcorn hide me completely and within I smile. A drained soul when only promised, sorrow last long unknowingly. These narrow paths between takes me on long walks, all by myself. Their little corns with tender leaves wrap me as such, and when ripe, I celebrate another harvest.

Haunted Hostel Kumar Vikrant (India)

Haunted Hostel is based on a true event. Names of some places have been changed deliberately for the reason of secrecy. 46

Sometimes we come across some strange things in our life which we cannot explain easily. During the summer of 2001, I got selected for the post ofASM in Indian railway. For the training the railway department sent me to Zonal Training Center, Devdurg. By the time I reached there, all the hostel was full of trainees of different streams. My belongings were stacked in a storeroom and I went to training school for that dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training. Some of the ASM trainees became my friends and they invited me to stay in their room. Generally, there were six beds in a big room and six wardrobes for every trainee, fortunately there was one empty bed and an empty wardrobe in their room. I got that bed booked in my name and occupied that bed. To my surprise the number of that room was 13. Gradually we started knowing things about that room. The mess people told us that the room no 13 was the most neglected room, no one likes to stay in that room. They told us the reason that a few years back three trainees staying in that room took their own life by hanging themselves. There was no way to change that room but we all were afraid of living in that room. Nothing happened, but after a month or so a group of trainees completed their course and vacated their rooms. We all hurried and occupied one of the vacant rooms and left room number 13. Meanwhile, I developed a friendship with two boys from other rooms. Our trio was most rowdy, we used to break all the rules. We'd often watch evening shows of the movies and eat outside the hostel mess which was not allowed. We'd jump over the wall of the hostel boundary to enter and exit the hostel, after its gates were closed. Sometimes we'd watch night shows of the movies and come back after midnight, enter the hostel by jumping over the boundary wall. On such occasions we used to howl and whimper in strange voices to horrify the other occupants of the hostel. 47

Soon, the trainees started talking about those strange voices and there were rumors that the hostel was haunted. And we used to laugh at them stealthily. It all went on for a few days and there were Puja holidays and all the trainees were going back to their homes. There was no way for me to go back to my home. The distance between Saharanpur and Devdurg is 1064 km. Two days to go back and same time for coming back, I decided to stay in the hostel. My friends tried to take me with them to their homes, which I refused politely. By the evening the hostel was empty, there were only three trainees left including me, but the other trainees were in the other wings of the hostel. We had dinner together in the mess and cracked jokes at the emptiness of the hostel. I came back to my room locked it inside, read some book and went to sleep by midnight. I normally sleep a very sound sleep, but strangely something disturbed my sleep and I felt it was very hard to move, I couldn't even move my head. Somehow, I managed to move my head and saw a human figure sitting on the edge of the adjacent bed. I couldn't see its face in the dimly lit room. But it was certain that the human figure was staring at me. I tried to scream but no words came out of my

mouth. Finally, I came out of my previous physical state. I couldn't think of anything else, I just jumped from my bed and leapt towards the door, unlatched it and ran towards the main gate of the hostel. I wanted to get out of hostel premises at any rate. This hostel is very close to the railway station and I was running towards the station barefoot. My feet got injured, but I went on running until I reached the railway station. The railway station was almost deserted, but there was light, a lot of light. I was whimpering slowly. It was only 01:35 AM and I had

I normally sleep a very sound sleep, but strangely something disturbed my sleep and I felt it was very hard to move, I couldn't even move my head. I managed to move my head and saw a human figure sitting on the edge of adjacent bed. I couldn't see its face in the dimly lit room. But it was certain that the human figure was staring at me. I tried to scream but no words came out of my mouth. 48

nowhere to go. I spent that night sitting on cement bench. I was constantly thinking about that human figure. Finally, it was dawn and railway station became a busy place. People were staring at the barefoot man and smiling. I gathered all the courage and went back to the hostel. I saw there were people in the mess. I was afraid of entering my room so took a waiter with me and collected all my belongings in a travel bag and checked into a cheap hotel. I didn't come back until the holidays ended. I told my tale of woe to my roommates and my closest friends. After that we never switched off the light of our room at night. Besides, we never try to horrify anybody at night. None of us could go to washroom alone at night, we used to go there in a group of three or four people. I really don't know what was it? An apparition or just a creation of my own mind?

Photographs By

Ashok Bhargava

Nature At Its Best Vasanthi Papu (India)

It’s the grand prismatic spring A perfect spell for the poets to sing. The mighty sun with its bright light Spreads the gleam, a source ofdelight. The multi-colored flowers in the trees Glide merrily with grace in the breeze. The boughs in an orchard gently sway While the frisky squirrels scurry away. The cuckoo comes with a song so sweet That no man with his tune can compete. The fresh leaves, to beat the sun’s heat, Offer the nesting birds a velvety seat. Weary folks lured by the Nature’s zest Step into the lawn to lie down and rest. The little kids enticed by the fine weather Chase the dainty butterflies for hours together. Spring , the most awaited season ofthe year Brings with it a promise oflife, charm and cheer. Nature is at its best and grandeur all around Making us wonder and watch it spellbound.

Haji Malang

A Unique Combination of Natural Glow and Spirituality Shahid Khan (India)

Haji Malang A Unique Combination of Natural Glow and Spirituality Shahid Khan (India)

In India, on the festival of Diwali, holidays are the time when people go on a trip to different places. As children have vacation and businesses are shut during this time, it provides a great opportunity for family outing. People nowadays prefer visiting places which are usually a popular shopping destination or places with a lot of razzle-dazzle where commercialization rules. Although traveling is not my cup of tea, (major reason being my physical disability) I love places with calm, serene atmosphere with a lot natural beauty around where I could enjoy peaceful natural surroundings more than anything else. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why even during my childhood I always preferred my grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bungalow at countryside rather than visiting famous, overcrowded cities.

As most of the famous places in Mumbai are at the heart of the city which remains overcrowded throughout the day and night, I did not have as much fun and excitement as I had expected. While other people were having a great time, the only thing that kept me cheered up was the great company of my best friend who was also with me on the tour. Instead of the famous places, I enjoyed the moments when our bus passed by lush green fields, hilly regions and sight of the moon at night from window of moving bus giving an illusion that the moon was also moving with us.

why we stopped at such an early part of the day. But then I heard everyone saying that in order to climb the mountain and reach the dargah (mausoleum) of Haji Abdur Rehman Shah Malang, one needs to start early in the morning because with the rising sun, heat would make our ascend to the dargah difficult and time-consuming. So everyone got out of the bus and started preparing for climbing the mountain. There were many buses parked nearby which brought devotees and tourists.

It was still dark, I could only I thought our trip would end visualize the silhouette of without any excitement as per mountain and some trees. But my expectation. But contrary to the cool breeze laced with the my expectation the last amazing smell of grassy soil destination of our visit, refreshed my senses. fascinated me beyond imagination. In the very early There were many locals who morning, our bus stopped near offered their services for money the mountainous region to carry disabled visitors either But once when I was a small popularly known as Haji on palanquin or on their kid, I went on a trip to Mumbai Malang at Kalyan in Thane shoulders. Since I was a small by bus during Diwali vacation. district. kid and my weight was also not Our neighbors, some near and much, a tall strong-built man distant relatives also I was still not completely out of got ready to carry me on his accompanied us. We visited my sleep; I thought the bus many famous places in Mumbai. might have broken down thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 62

shoulders. So we hired him. Women were apprehensive whether they would be able to climb the 2,596 feet high Malang hill. Then some young men from our bus advised them to buy walking sticks, stock-up some water and lemon juice to climb with ease. They also informed us to buy some packets of peanuts for monkeys that wait to be fed during the climb of about 3 hours. Everyone did the same and we started climbing the mountain.

rising the picturesque view of the mountainous surrounding became clear and the chirping sound of birds welcoming the new morning filled the air. The climate was pleasantly cool and the breeze was gentle.

The uphill path to dargah was made-up of several un-even steps making long winding stairways. As the sun started

So in a sense, for the rest of the journey only he accompanied me. Since he was also a nature lover like me, whenever he

The man who was carrying me on his shoulders was climbing much faster, so the rest of the people from our bus lagged far behind. But my friend, whom we lovingly called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fazluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was keeping pace with us.

caught a view of anything beautiful he drew my attention to it and we enjoyed the beauties of nature together. The view of the top of the mountain from the stairs and the view of the some greenery and barren rocks allaround was fantastic. On our way we fed peanuts to the monkeys who crossed our way. As Fazlu was carrying a walking stick with him he used it to frighten them away whenever they tried to come closer to him to snatch the whole packet of peanuts. The man carrying me was a nice person. Fazlu and I enjoyed every moment with him

dargah of Hazrat Baqtawar Shah which is called ‘First Salaami’ and the second one is the dargah of Hazrat Sultan Shah known as ‘Second Salaami’ where people pay their obeisance. At these stoppages there were many shops Once such story that I hazily selling juice, cold-drinks, remember till now is that when the Sufi saint Haji Malang came On our way up we took several coconuts, sweets, flowers and to this place in 12th century from breaks for refreshments and for other religious items. Here the Yemen, his horse miraculously others to catch-up with us. There number of people suddenly made such a big jump from the are basically two major stoppages looked more mainly due to the in between. The first one is at the presence of beggars and hawkers. base of the mountain that he without any kind of fear or hesitation. Since he was wellacquainted with the place, he guided us and also told us stories of the Saint Haji Malang.

landed at the peak of it. Due to the impact of the landing of the horse the actual height of the mountain decreased about three times. So the original height of the mountain was three times higher than what it is now.

After taking some rest and offering flowers at these dargahs, we continued our uphill journey towards the main dargah of the Saint Haji Malang.

panoramic view from such height was incredible. When we looked down far-away, the winding road looked just like a thin curvy line, even the large farmlands looked like tiny patches of green. The view of We reached the main dargah in a entire mountain range was little more than 3 hours or so. simply awesome. I was When our entire unit got completely mesmerized by the together we had a meal and amazing heavenly beauty offered a chaddar (religious around me. It was a unique cloth) at the dargah. After taking combination of nature in its full some rest, all of us began glow and the bliss of spiritual exploring the place around the touch. All in all, an main dargah complex. Although unforgettable experience which the dargah was not located at gave me a complete peace of the peak of the mountain, the mind and moments to cherish

for lifetime. (Note- The scenic beauty was worth capturing in pictures but alas, during those times there were no digital cameras or mobile phones which now-adays everyone carries. Some people captured pictures on their traditional cameras but as I was a small kid I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to it. So the images presented with this article are downloaded from the internet and not clicked by me.) Shahid Khan (India)

Photo credits:The original copyright ofsome ofthe photos used in this article lie with: (1) Edwina Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;souza, the owner ofthe blog - www.wannabemaven.com (2) www. Kalian-city.blogspot.com

I Am One With Nature Jerry Eke (Nigeria) I am one with the Earth and the Sky, Juxtaposed with the meadows Racemixed with the rainbows, I am one with the world; Its beauty and serenity sublime. The birds ofthe air The fish in the sea The animals on land The tamed and the wild They all add grandeur to nature's splendor. The flowers in the fields The clouds hovering above The hills and cliffs adrift In the horizon oflove And a paradise ofpeace. Nature sings beautifully The praise ofits creator And the world echoes the voice ofGod.

Happy Halloween Spring Pitts (USA) Blood Moon The blood moon perched high in the sky So red and fully round Is sure to catch a witchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye. For her and her broom Really love to fly Spreading gloom across the sky. With the right potion And incantation Her broom will surly soar up high All the way across the sky this night. Her hair flowing down Black as a raven's back She is so alluring With lips like rubies Sparkling to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye. Be sure not to adore Never look into her eyes For she may just lure You'll believe all her lies. As she cast her spell upon you You'll be mesmerized Beneath a moon ofblood You'll do her bidding And long for her love. So go ahead and stare ifyou dare Cast your eyes upon her Everyone , everywhere.

Nature Would Witness Love Iram Fatima â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ashiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Saudi Arabia, NRI) Dawn be the refreshing one, to end the darkness, Flowers blossom to spread color and fragrance, Rain do fall to quench thirst of every single being, Breeze gushes in gentle way as you flow in spring.

In those moments, I want to be excused by worldly flock, Except the beauty of nature, nobody else could knock, Time you are ordered for few centuries not to move but stop, Love would unify and complete me, as shell preserve a dewdrop.

I am lonesome, defraud and have suffered a lot in whole life, Want to regain and relive whatever I had lost and be his wife, He has to come for meet and complete me with unsaid promises, Nature would witness love moments of two immortal soul mates.

Under 15 Zone

Paintings By Aayush Dutt 15 Years Old

NATURE

Nature is the greatest drawing ofalmighty God, which has been created with his most generous blessings. Nature has always been a source ofinspiration for creating music, dance, poetry, drawing and sculpture. During the prehistoric period the early man made drawing on the cave walls, which is called cave drawings. And through its very many development phases like fine art and modern art it reached us. Nature is very beautiful and devastating as well. We have been entrusted the responsibility to keep this greatest blessing ofalmighty God safe, otherwise we'll have to face the consequences. This is little effort ofmine to show the various faces ofnature through my paintings. Hope you'll like it. Thanks,

Raj Verma

Lonesome Waterfall 72

Frozen Meadow 73

House On Hill 74

Solitaire 75

Deserted Watermill 76

Narrow Culvert 77

Harbour 78

Autumn 79

Lake Wood Bay 80

Blue Mountain 81

Kumar Vikrant

Jack's Emancipation

MOPH

Jack's Emancipation Part 2 Kumar Vikrant Walk Of Death

When he came back to his senses, he was handcuffed and far from the river bridge, his assailant was standing in front ofhim. He motioned him to get up and move ahead.

of the back seat of the car and struck his gun butt on his face "Sorry Mr Chinoy, but you'll have which caused him momentary drowsiness. When he came back to walk to crock creek." to his senses, he was handcuffed Kapil Chinoy was handcuffed by and far from the river bridge, his the stranger who has taken over assailant was standing in front of his car on the bridge of river Kali him. He motioned him to get up and move ahead. and dragged him out of his car. His driver was shot at the bridge. He was still feeling the weakness, His mouth was gagged by a it seemed that his assailant has celluloid tape. There was dark injected some drug into his body. everywhere he hobbled on the rough foot trail. His captor had a His brain was too numb to think anything but one thing was clear big shotgun in his hand, which that something bad has happened was touching his back to his daughter and he was also occasionally. not going to come back alive from He was not sure what was crock that Crock Creek. Being a self creek, but the scary man behind made man he has lived a straight him with a gun was forcing him life and brought up his motherless daughter also the same way. He to move ahead. The news of himself built up a business empire Madhu's kidnap has disturbed him, he couldn't understand who that consisted of a fleet of ships which was carrying his exported was behind it all. When Rohit and imported goods. His only called him to give the news of Madhu's kidnap he immediately child, his daughter Madhu, an IIM Ahmedabad passed out was also left his office to go to Colonel learning his trade under his Pass. It took him two hours to reach at the Kali River bridge, but guidance. But this sudden turn of a rolled up truck stopped his car incidence seemed to change everything, someone was trying to go ahead. All of sudden the to take over his business by man in black attire came out of killing him, his daughter. Who the truck and shot the driver immediately. He pulled him out might be that person? His 83

thoughts were running wild, thought of his daughter was making him crazy. He never felt so helpless in his life, he wished it was a nightmare which will end soon and he will be with his daughter soon. He promised to himself that he will never leave alone his little daughter, he’ll keep her clung to himself forever. He felt tears were flowing out his eyes and wetting his face. The wetness on his face brought some sense into him and he realized that it was not a dream, he was with a killer who was taking him to an unknown place to kill him. He stumbled and fell down, the man in black attire kicked him and forced him to stand up and pushed him to move.

could hear the sound of flowing water, perhaps the river was close.

“Croak Creek, isn’t far Mr Chinoy. I picked that place because that part of river Kali is full of crocodiles and alligators, people say some piranha also dwell there. So I’ll have no problem in depositing your dead remains. They’ll devour you with your bones”, said the man with a ruthless tone.

“You won’t go too far, I’ll kill you, you are dead Chinoy.” The desperate voice was echoing in the moonless night.

"Stop!" A hoarse voice came from behind. He stopped, collected all his strength and rushed towards the voice and hit the over confident man with all his strength. The man in black attire fell down, Chinoy ran backward. He was feeling very week and it was very hard to run with the hands tide behind him. Suddenly he stumbled and fell into a pit which was full of mud and dirty water. The mud was thigh high, Chinoy sat into the mud and dirty water to hide himself from the killer.

Chinoy pushed himself deeper into the mud, now only his nostrils were out of the water to breath. He felt uneasy and pulled his face out of the mud and saw there was a light circle far from Kapil Chinoy trembled and the pit, perhaps the man was looked around, darkness searching him with a torch. He everywhere, but his eyes were saw the flickering torch light used to this darkness around which was coming closer to the them. Now he could hear the pit with every passing moment. screeching sound of waterfall, All of a sudden the torch light perhaps the creek was close and was put off and he heard the may be his time too. vague sound of killer's approaching feet. The man was After a few yards there was the trying to make less sound, but the dead end of the foot trail. Now he dry leaves were making his

He saw the flickering torch light which was coming closer to the pit with every passing moment. All ofa sudden the torch light was put offand he heard the vague sound ofkiller's approaching feet.

She saw the earth moving under her head, she gained some sense and realized that she was being laden on the back of a horse and torso ofa man was touching her body

efforts difficult. A few moments passed, there was no sound now. It seems that the killer was crawling near him or was hiding in the bushes around the pit. Chinoy kept his head out of the water, he wanted to jump out of the mud and run again for his life. He knew his assailant was very close to him and was planning his next move. Soon he heard the strange hissing sound,it seemed his assailant has sensed his presence in the mud pit and was now planning his next move. All of a sudden all the area bathed in milky light, the man in black attire was standing on the edge of the pit and was seeing directly in the direction of Chinoy. He has fired a light bomb which has made all the area visible to him. He had a long range rifle in his hand, which he has aimed at Chinoy. "Come out rich man, otherwise you are going to get it right here." hissed the man in black attire.

guard. He didn't say anything, he just smiled and waved his hand offand started retreating. Suddenly he started vanishing into the air, Madhu looked at him and cried. "Where are you going Jugal?" But jugal has vanished into the air by now. The veranda in front ofher room was empty, there was none. "Come back you cheater, don't go like this. Please live your life, don't bother me, please live your life." Madhu wept frantically.

Hot tears came out of her eyes and there was darkness everywhere now. There was no hostel of her and no cozy room of her. She saw the earth moving under her head, she gained some sense and realized that she was being laden on the back of a horse and torso of a man was touching her body who was also riding on the same horse. Now Night Of Havoc she was fully awake and know that Jugal has kidnapped her and "Jugal, go away, I can't bear you made her unconscious by forcing anymore. You are just like a dog her sniff a chloroformed who sniffand lick everything. handkerchief. But where was she Your jabbering has fooled me to now? Who was the man riding its limit, now I don't want to hear with her unconscious body. you any more, please go away." Madhu was shouting at him out ofher lungs.

She being a sincere girl understood that something fishy was going on. Jugal has handed Jugal was standing at the door of over her to some dacoits of the her hostel room, where he often Kali Valley. She decided to keep comes by bribing the security quiet and to wait for a chance to 85

escape. There were some sort of dust in the starless night, humidity of the Valley was taking over her brain. There were at least ten other horse riders who were also riding with them. Perhaps the man on the horse was their leader and other were just following him. Fortunately, her captor has not tied her hands and feet so she may have a chance to flee. "Bhura, I Wanna piss, look after the girl," said the man who was riding with her to one of his fellow riders. "Go ahead boss, I'll look after her." replied one of the men.

"No boss, just a pitcher of country liquor." "You lowborn idiot shame on you, go away with your pitcher." The leader took out a syringe and a bottle of drug out of his pocket and prepared the drug for him. He unfolded his shirt sleeve and injected the drug into a prominent vein of his arm. Drug immediately took over his sense and there were a number of crackers which were bursting into his head.He looked at his men and said,"Boys, give me some space I want to taste that lass."

There was bawdy laugh and his The man patted her back with his men dispersed. iron hard hands and jumped from Madhu heard the lousy the horseback. conversation among the leader his men. She knew she was Madhu saw with her squint view. and in a grave trouble, she was alone All the man near her were there were a number of men relaxing on their horses and her and who destroy her life. She fellow rider has vanished behind had towould do something, she had to a mud mound. There were men save herself around her, there was no chance wolves. from the human for her to flee. the leader came close to his Her fellow rider came back after Jeeva and had a lustful glance at a few minutes. He came near his horse unconscious girl. He looked horse and titillated him, the horse the at her face, which was looking neighed. He was ready to ride pretty despite the darkness. He and one of his men called. touched her face, tender skin and ran his hand through her silky "Boss got some booze, wanna hair. He held her by her waist and have some?" pulled her from the horseback. All of a sudden the limp body "Anything strong?" said the tightened and she struck his face leader.

He looked at her face, which was looking pretty despite the darkness. He touched her face, tender skin and ran his hand through her silky hair. He held her by her waist and pulled her from the horseback

and eyes with her long nailed hands. One of her nails went straight into his left eye, which started bleeding immediately. Jeeva freed himself from her and kicked her away from him Semi blind Jeeva retreated and screamed in pain. All ofthem were sipping booze from a clay pitcher and laughing wildly.At the base ofthe mound, he again kicked her and sat astried on her.

was out of her senses. Jeeva took a deep breath and started scratching her cloths off.

All of a sudden there was horse hooves sound in the air, all the astounded riders looked at the direction of the sound but nothing was visible in the "You wild cat, you hit me. I know darkness. All the riders took their how to tame you." handguns out and unlocked them. Before they could do anything a He wiped blood from his eye and spray of hot bullets wounded face. After a little effort he was their hands and bellies. able to see the girl. She was wriggling on the dusty ground and trying to get up. Jeeva was Wounded Vulture high on drugs and wanted to retaliate. He went straight to the Jack was following Jeeva and his girl and started kicking her in her henchmen from a considerable belly, she was screaming and distance. He had no idea when weeping. After a number of kicks will he get a chance to cope with he sat near her and hissed, the rogues. He started thinking of a possibility of attacking the " I wanted to do it in a friendly bandits for getting the girl free way, but you want it another way, from them. But he was short of so let it happen your way." ammo at the moment only twenty bullets for his colt revolvers and He held one of her legs and thirty two for his Winchester started dragging her towards the rifle. He never found himself in nearby sand mound. All the men such a pathetic condition. He had who have dispersed have come to save a girl from the well close to them. They were equipped and well armed gang of enjoying the screams of the this area. helpless girl. All of them were sipping booze from a clay pitcher It was almost midnight, but the and laughing wildly.At the base hot and humid climate of this of the mound, he again kicked barren valley was still squeezing her and sat on astried her. She the moisture of bodies. Various was hysterical now, she was flies and mosquitoes were on screaming and praying someone their full swing. Jack was to help her. He didn't like it all habitual of such atmosphere, but and started slapping her with a the heat and the insects were vengeance. In a few moments she irritating him. There was no 87

no moon in the sky, it will come out in an hour or so which will help the bandits to ride fast. So he has to cope with them before the moon rise.

clay pitcher and laughing. After a few moments all the riders except their leader were dispersing, something fishy was going at the little meadow. After a few moments he heard the screams of the girl, he understood was going on. He felt an urge of attacking the bandits immediately. The girl was weeping bitterly and requesting someone to help her. Jack secured his rifle in his horse, saddle and took both his revolvers in his hands. He patted duke and motioned him to go ahead with full speed. Duke strode in the direction of the bandits, Jack heard the bandits unlocking their guns, he immediately started firing in their direction. His shots were fully measured he either shot them in their arms or in their bellies. He wanted to cripple them and useless to their boss. The moment he passed them, he saw most of them were wriggling on the ground and whimpering and cursing him.

There were almost half a dozen bandits along with their boss, they were also moving slow. He had no idea where were they heading to and what was their motto of kidnapping the girl. The presence of their leader Deva was indicating that the girl was important for them and they had not any intention to take her to the city. Perhaps they were taking her to any of their hideouts. He looked around the foot trail was getting more and more narrow with every passing yard. The trail was the only way to pike peak from this side, but pike peak has always been an abattoir for several bandit gangs. Why are they taking the girl to that place? There was no hiding place on this way to pike peak, they might have an intention to kill the girl. Jack brain was confused now, he'll have to act fast otherwise The moment Jack reached near he'll never find the girl alive. the girl he saw the girl was on the ground and Jeeva was stripping All of a sudden the bandit party her. Jeeva was acting like a mad came to halt and they started man, he didn't try to look at his clattering their weapons and henchmen who were struggling talking in suppressing voice. to stand still and pick their arms. Their leader Jeeva was off his He was just stripping and hitting horse and was chatting with his the girl. henchmen. Jack reduced his distance and stopped at one Jack looked at the lunatic Jeeva thousand yards from them. Now and jumped from his horse. He he could see them more clearly, went straight to Jeeva and kicked they were drinking booze from a him off the girl. Jeeva came to

He patted duke and motioned him to go ahead with full speed. Duke strode in the direction of the bandits, Jack heard the bandits unlocking their guns, he immediately started firing in their direction

He looked for his gun, which was lying on the ground far from him. He went towards it and took in his weak hands and aimed at the stranger.

his senses and saw the worst condition of his men. He looked at the shadowy man who has hit him. He screamed like a madman and darted at the stranger. But Jack was alert he kicked between his legs, which produced more screams from Jeeva now he was also wriggling on the ground like most of his men. Some of the men managed to stand up and charged over Jack, but Jack was alert he again shot in their armpits and made them vulnerable.

Jeeva looked in the direction of the stranger who was taking his prey out of his hands. He looked for his gun, which was lying on the ground far from him. He went towards it and took in his weak hands and aimed at the stranger. The drug was doing strange things to him, but he gathered all his strengths and fired in the direction of fleeing men.

Jack heard the sound of gunshot behind him and he also fired in the direction of the shot. Jeeva Jack has taken over the little took jack's bullet in his chest and bandit party, he held one of his started bleeding immediately. He revolvers in his hand went closer screamed in pain and cried for a to fear stricken girl. She was semi help. nude her upper was torn by the bandit, she was trying to hide her One of his men who was less nude body by covering it with her wounded came close to him and hands. shouted, "Boss you are shot, you are bleeding, you need a doctor." Jack whispered at her, " Please don't be afraid of me, I have Blood was oozing out of Jeeva's come to save you, please come chest very fast and he was getting with me." unconscious by the time his other henchman Bhura reached near Madhu looked at the him. Bhura was also shot in his compassionate man and tried to belly and was bleeding. He stand up, but her feet gave up. looked at the serious condition of The stranger held her hand and Jeeva, he took his satellite phone helped her stand up. He took her out of his trouser pocket and straight to his horse and helped dialed his big boss Deva's her riding the horse. number. The reply came after a Jack was acting very fast, he few rings and he told Deva about wanted to go away from the the serious condition of Jeeva. He bandits as soon as possible. The also informed him that a strange girl was on the horseback now, he horse rider has snatched the girl also jumped to ride Duke. Duke from them and shot almost all the was a well trained horse, he men. strode as soon as his master was on his back.

False Protector

"How long will it take?"

Rohit looked at the lazy policeman who was sitting in his cozy chair and looking indifferent to whatever has happened on the Colonel Pass. Some havildar were standing out of the checkpost in charge office, they were also talking gibberish and laughing occasionally.

"Who do know, there aren't many policemen in the headquarter also. They may find some in the police line. As far as I know there shall be no combing party by the morning."

Rohit got irritated and blurted, "Mr I have been sitting here for two hours and police doesn't seem to take my fiance kidnap seriously. When will you go to search those kidnappers?"

"No one will hurt her, they shall place their demand by the morning. Pay their due and get your girl back."

The checkpost in charge looked at him angrily and hissed, "Mr, I didn't invite you and your lass to come to this hell. You careless people come here to have fun and expect us to watch your back all the time. Do you know this area has always been infected by the bandits who kidnap people for ransom, people don't travel here in daylight and you were having fun in the moonless night."

"By the morning? Are you crazy, the kidnappers might hurt her."

"Are you suggesting me to pay ransom for my fiance?"

Do you know this area has always been infected by the bandits who kidnap people for ransom? People don't travel here in daylight and you were having fun in the moonless night.

"I'm suggesting you to be practical, no power in the world can stop those kidnappers killing your girl. You negotiate with them and walk happily out of this jungle with your girl." "Do you know me mister? Said Rohit with anger.

"I don't care who the hell you are, right now you are complainant Rohit stared at the arrogant and I'm listening to your policeman and said, "I simply It will be better if you want to know, would you go after complain. give me your complain in the kidnappers or not?" writing. We shall lodge a FIR and investigate if there was any "Look, Mr, there are only four or not? Besides, we policemen, including me and we kidnapping shall work on the line if you were have to look after the other vehicles also. I've informed our also involved in the kidnapping." headquarter, they'll send a Rohit looked at the foolish combing party as soon as they policeman helplessly and stood formed one." 90

up. He came out of that cabin and again contacted his would be father in law Mr Chinoy. This time his mobile phone was found out of the coverage area. May be he was on his way to Colonel Pass. Take as many men as you want, I don't want this man and his henchmen out ofjail anymore. Take paramilitary force with you and kill him along with his henchmen

officer and ministers are all on my payroll. Just keep away from us and watch and safe with your family" The screen went blank. DIG thought for a moment and searched for Inspector Javed Khan's number and dialed. Javed Night Crawler replied immediately, "Good evening, sir." Sleepy policeman looked at the "Evening Javed, did the search number which was flashing on for Chinoy girl start? his mobile screen. Night calls "Yes, sir, I'm with the combing were not unusual at all for the party. Hope we'll find her safe." DIG Kamal. But this call was "That is good, but be careful. I from notorious drug smuggler think Deva gang is behind this Deva, who has been king of this kidnap." field for last five years. He has "I don't think so, our Colonel wiped out all his opponents and Checkpost in charge Dubey the whoever tried to cross his informed me that the kidnappers path, even some police officer as were just rookies. We can take well. is He punched the call care of them." button and said, "DIG Kamal, "The kidnappers might be who is there? rookies, but Deva is involved "Deva here DIG." Husky voice anyhow. He called me up and spoke from the other end. warned me to keep away from "What do you want at this hour Kali Valley." of night?" "I see, we'll need more force to "Nothing, just want to inform you take care of his men." there my men are operating in "Take as many men as you want, Kali Valley tonight. Tell your I don't want this man and his men not to meddle with them." henchmen out of jail anymore. "Why? What are you doing out Take paramilitary force with you there?" and kill him along with his "DIG, one freak has wounded my henchmen." young brother. I'm going after "Sure, sir, if he confronts us that lunatic, whoever meddle tonight he'll be dead." with me will dead." "That is the spirit, best of luck. "You are telling me how to do my Keep me informed, I'll be there job, you break a law and I'll be on the if you want me to present on your back. You will end up in there. My gun is rusting for a jail if you break any law today." long time, I want to use it on a "DIG, you know you cannot do rogue like him." anything to me, your senior "Don't worry sir, if he is there he

won't go away this time." "Go ahead." "Thanks sir, good night." "Good night"

anxiously. "He has lost a lot of his blood, he needs immediate medical attention. "Okay, let's go doctor." said DIG looked at his wall clock, half Deva. He took his brother in his past one. He thought for a while powerful arms and ran towards and put on civil dress and called the chopper. The pilot took off as up his driver and ordered him to soon as his master and doctor keep his car and shadows ready. entered the chopper. They were going to Colonel Pass. He took his latest Mouser m2 Doctor helped Deva to lie his pistol, which was given to him by brother on the back seat. He his department. He checked its immediately attached medical magazine and took some extra drip to Jeeva's left hand and bullets with him. injected some antibiotics and life saving medicines into it. He checked his blood pressure, Kill Jack which was falling constantly. Mr Deva we must take him to Will City Medicare, Dr Dutta out there is the best cardiac surgeon, we might need him for removing the bullet out of his chest. "Do whatever you think is best for my brother." Said Deva and glanced at his brother whom he has brought up as a son. Suddenly Laahu his another henchman's number flashed on his phone screen. "What is the news Laahu?" He noted direction from Bhura "Boss, Jack has wounded Jeeva and reached to the place where and snatched that girl." his brother was lying wounded. "That lunatic, kill him and the He jumped out of the chopper and girl, burn his ranch along with his strode towards his wounded horses." brother. Jeeva was lying in a pool "I'll do it, I've two hundred riders of blood. Dr Chandra checked his with me all are well armed." pulse which was slow and "I don't like your tongue twisters, drowning. give me some result." "Sorry boss, I'm on my way to "How is he doctor?" asked Deva round that lunatic Jack."

He took his brother in his powerful arms and ran towards the chopper. The pilot took offas soon as his master and doctor entered the chopper

Deva was constantly on his satellite phone getting the news of his brother health. His personal chopper was flying in the direction of Kali Valley. He was halfway to Will City when he got the news of his brother Jeeva's getting badly wounded news. He immediately called up his pilot and ordered him to bring the chopper and Dr Chandra with him.

Duke was running with all his strength. Jack has covered Madhu's upper body with his shirt. He felt that Duke was staggering, he tightened his reign and stopped him slowly. Jack dismounted and looked at the legs of Duke. One of his legs was wounded and there was blood everywhere. Perhaps one of his legs has been wounded by the Jeeva's gunshot.

and let him lay in the same position.

Madhu. "It seemed Duke is shot in his leg." replied Jack. Jack helped Madhu to dismount. He checked duke's saddle and found a torch in it, he switched it on and checked Duke's wound. "Perhaps the bullet is still in his leg." he said to himself. "What will you do?" "I'll have to take that bullet out of his leg otherwise he might lose his leg."

"Is he alright now, sir?" asked Madhu. "I think he'll feel better now, but I'll get him checked by any animal doctor."

He tied duke's hinder legs with a nylon rope and forced him down on the ground.

"Duke will take some time to recover, maybe one hour or so. After that he'll be able to carry you to Will City police checkpost."

He sprinkled some spirit on the wound and inserted the scalpel into the wound. The animal neighed and shuddered, but Jack took out the bullet with all his expertise "What happened sir?" asked

He took out the human medical kit out of the saddle and took a scalpel in his right hand and took the torch in his mouth. He sprinkled some spirit on the wound and inserted the scalpel into the wound. The animal neighed and shuddered, but Jack took out the bullet with all his expertise. He again cleaned the wound with the spirit and applied a lot of ointment on his wound

Keep Her Safe Madhu looked at the daredevil who has saved her and was now treating his own horse. Jack finally took a syringe and filled it with some antiseptic medicine and injected it into the neck of Duke.

He washed his hands with a flask of water and offered same to Madhu." Madhu took the water reluctantly, but her dry throat made her drink some water.

Madhu didn't answer, but questioned"Who are you, sir? Who were those abductors?" "You were abducted by a group of punks, but all those punks were killed by Deva gang. This group of gang was taking you deeper 93

into the Valley, I don't understand why."

"I'll walk towards a safe place, there might be some trouble."

"Who are you, sir? Asked Madhu once again. "I'm nothing, just a victim of these bandits." Madhu wanted to ask something, but kept quiet. Suddenly they heard the sound of a hovering chopper. Jack jumped to his feet and untied Duke, patted him to stand up. Placed the saddle back on his back. He motioned Madhu to mount and helped her to sit on the back of the horse. "Aren't you coming, sir?" asked Madhu. "No, duke is wounded, he won't be able to go far with two riders. But he'll certainly take you to the Will City police checkpost."

He again patted Duke and whispered in his ear,"Duke, my Duke please take this daughter to Will City police checkpost. Duke neighed and started running.

Madhu wanted to say something but he patted the horse to move ahead. While walking with the horse Jack took out one of his revolvers and filled its chamber with bullets and gave it Madhu. "Beta(daughter) If someone tries to stop you, just aim and pull the trigger." "What will you do?"

Jack knew the chopper has come to pick Jeeva who has perhaps wounded fatally by his bullet. Deva will certainly take the revenge. He knew Deva has several hundred horsemen who could kill anybody on his order. Deva will certainly send his men on his trail to kill him and the girl. He strode towards the manmade trail to avoid any conflict with Deva's men. But he knew he couldn't escape without fighting with them. He again prayed God to keep the girl safe and started planning his next move in case the fight began.

Only time knew that people shall remember the legendary fight, which might take place tonight. The fight between two hundred verses one, a fight to remember for a long time

He was right . The fight was inevitable. Only time knew that people shall remember the legendary fight, which might take place tonight. The fight between two hundred verses one, a fight to remember for a long time. To be continued

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