Reflection wr mag march april 2016 by Reflection W&R Mag

Editorial Board Editor In Chief Iram Fatima 'Ashi' (NRI, Saudi Arabia) Editor Vasanthi Papu (India) Research Editor & Magazine Coordinator Dr. Priyanka Mathur (India) Research Director Ruchi Chopra (NRI, USA) Associate Editors Dr. Ruchida Barman (India) Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee (India) Dr. Indira Babbellapati (India) Dr. Ram Sharma (India) Jonali Karmakar (India) Dr. Sahab Uddin (India) Arnab Neogi (India) Art Section Art Director Raj Verma (India) Associate Art Directors Neelam (India) Piyush Kumar (India)

Advisory Board Chairman Brian Wrixon (USA) Members Angie Blake (USA) Elizabeth E Castillo (Philippines) Marilyn R. Ca単ete (Philippines) Sharique Jamal (India) Charles Darnell (USA)

III

Dear Readers, Greetings! A promise is a commitment by someone to do or not do something, but love is the emotion where the promises are unsaid. In this issue we are trying to explore those unsaid promises and dreams which are not shared before. We are extremely thankful to all our poets, writers and artists to enlighten this unique theme with their exclusive creations to amaze our readers and art lovers. I am proudly including the poems of Mrs. Connie James 86足year足old mother who grew up in Kansas City and in southern California, she has been a lifelong supporter of art, literature, and music, but has kept her own poetry relatively hidden, until recently, Timileyin Gabriel Olajuwon (Nigeria), Charles Darnell (US), Alicja Maria Kuberska (Poland), Praveen Gola (India) few more poems from different parts of world, short stories and articles. Interview of emerging Canadian poet is taken to inspire new poets. The paintings of Miss Neelam are remarkable. My Special thanks to Our Advisory members, Editor Ms Vasanthi Papu, Associate Editors, Art Head Mr. Raj Verma and his art team, Layout maker Mr. Kumar Vikrant and his team. I hope our efforts would come up with flying colors. Readers could share their opinion and creations with us through mail reflection18@ymail.com Sharing my love poem:

Unsaid Love Love is a bond... A unique spiritual tie, Between two souls an unbreakable relation, Which is beyond any worldly calculation. Love is a game... A secret mission planted by nature, It's a responsibility to be carried between two, A selfless care protecting from all damages. Love is a journey… A sentiment traveling from one to another, Hearts connected with each other and beat, Silence speaks, feelings conveyed without bridge of words. Love is a promise... A promise to keep life long, Unsaid and untold to undergo it's worth lifetime, A truth of worthiness and loyalty for each other. Love is a faith… Close to blind as love is known for, A trust needed to keep inbetweens, So that no obstacle can break a concrete relation. Love is spiritual... An internal dealing to enlighten souls, A natural fire to ignite same sentiments, In two pure hearts to connect and to feel love!

Happy reading… Love and blessing

Iram Fatima ‘Ashi’ (Editor in Chief) Saudi Arabia (NRI)

Poet, Translator, Singer, Broadcast locution Radio and T.V. She was born in Tijuana Baja California, Mexico. She studied a Master Degree in Computer Science, specialization in Artificial Intelligence. Master Degree in Computer Science at the University of Montpellier II, at Montpellier, France. Volunteer at the Football World Cup France 1998, in TIC´S and English – French and Spanish translation. Coordinator and simultaneous translator French Spanish English at CUPHI III in the III Congress of Universal Hispano American Poetry in Los Angeles, California, 2014. Participation in the34th World Congress of Poets at Peru 2014. She participated in several International Poetics Anthologies at Chile, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Canada. Her poems have been published on International Journals and Reviews, such: Ila and Taourirt at Morocco and, “The Poet” at Tunisia, and the famous magazine OKAZ in Saudi Arabia.

Cameroonian, Arabic, Portuguese and French. Have had read in International Poetry Recitals in severals Countries around the world, and transmitted in National and International Radio programs. In the field of translation, she has collaborated with International Poets and Writers providing versions of their literary works. Her translations were published in magazines and newspapers in: London, Italy, United States, Morocco, Canada, India, Uzbekistan and Hazaristan. She was awarded in Spain and winner of a special mention at the International Poetry Prize NOSSIDE, Italy 2015, recognized by UNESCO. She has been named as a member of the select International Group of Poets who compose PENTASIB. WORLD FRIENDSHIP POETRY created by the father of the visual poetry: Doctor Penpen B. Takipsilim. Her poems were included on the XXI Century World Literature Book, Presented at New Delhi, India with Internationally renowned poets and writers.

Her poems have been translated into English,

TRAVELER Author: Alicia Minjarez Ramírez Translation:Alaric Gutiérrez Mexico. Redemptive breeze imprisons my space, like raining stars as fragrant words at the crescent moon, salt conspires about your shooting and lasting existence. Blue air flutter about your wet vertices notes, ascending through the tree’s essence. Guttural sounds spotting the horizon.

I sense you among murmurs of leaves diluting liquid shadows,

imaginary pigeon’s pieces, luminance music of the dreams we forge. I find you, wrong or right, in haste; in the rain’s incessant voice. Beautiful traveler of dreamed steps and arms of fire. Drowned in desirescented steam I dusk upon foreign oaks, as touch produced by your path; dark moor of an old sky reinvent your word of light, the illusory copulation of language.

IT RAINS… Author: Alicia MinjarezRamírez Translator: Alaric Gutiérrez Mexico A longing breeze tries to show itself, like nostalgia migrating up in the air.

The stillness of your eyes invades me… Ecstatic wings, paralyzing their flight. At my silence’s feet.

Water permeates my body. Your breath fills in the context. Longing secrets that the wind shakes up in the offing, then nothingness. I walk behind upon the moisture left by the drops under the branches. Birds get detached from their nests, looking for the promised shelter. Church bells ring, outside the night interrupts. I long to dry off the rain, like those birds besetting park trees in the evening.

THE PATH OF YOUR STEPS Author: Alicia MinjarezRamĂrez Translator: Alaric GutiĂŠrrez Mexico Naked and lurking tenderness at the riverbank, a kiss clinging on as a vine and climbing through the sap of my branches. I spy on the night in your thistles, adjacent meridians in the nectar of your Nile.

Of all your summers emanate and disappear crepuscular fragments, frosts decorate the melodic chant of orioles and blackbirds. I invent you and lose you in the zephyr choleric notes, the sublime lightness makes silence thunder up. Dissolving my dawns in the hustle of memory, fire against the light of the stranger and nubile torso of your body. You rain and crumble over my fragrant touch, blast that exalts the sound of the stones building up my roads, long gone and desolated landscapes blooming today behind your own steps.

LOVERS Author: Alicia MinjarezRamírez Translator: Alaric Gutiérrez Mexico Longing mitigates the drunken night, treasuring the imprint abolished by desire that breaks us and brings together, intrinsic fire of profane verses under the intrigue of shadows.

Exhalation, dementia without sanity defining my earthly Nirvana, meanwhile, I belong to you under the remote silence glass… By rubbing your timely spike.

Materiality keeps our bodies tied up to the lunar instant of balsamic ether, burning desires falling apart evaporating the mossy seduction of having the absolute void. You’re dust in the breeze of my conscious being, bringing delightful and melodic essences inside hollow fruit trees of worn out headings. Imprecise and sharp legend of upcoming evenings, barking at the sap sight. Derange me, seduce me, drive me. Like a consonant plunging upon the rhetorical memory, dialect upsetting and chaining us up beyond our hands.

PAST Author: Alicia MinjarezRamírez Translator: Alaric Gutiérrez Mexico Behind that door are all the things which bordered my past. Stripped illusions untouched by words, sheltered and helpless in the heat of the past hours. Flows of dreams throbbing immensity dragging the continent. Dusty tide converging adorned by smiles, moon in balance in this cave painting. Ecstatic mornings in nightly suns, luminescence, harmonic discrepancy in the green channel, your pillow the evening of my hands. Hypothetical consonants defying the night inversed cups

of the same sky, coded tongue in codices inspired in your mouth for my ear. As one who sees opaque footprints thrown into the battle of the night, I happen by inertia where the stone becomes the lake with no more arms than the airily sight enlightened and eternal. I advance helpless as the rain, wind that doesn’t turn back, never returning water reflecting my diffused face. Last contemplation of the knocker. I brick up the door. Drink up my words… and resume my steps.

Manvi Sharma believes in gaining in depth knowledge of every aspect of life and is an explorer from art to places and people at large. She is pursuing graduation in English and writes surreal fiction at its best. She has a good taste in music and socially gels with a warm heart with each person she comes across. Preaching notions of love, her pen fathoms flair in the softer aspects with a pinch of salt.

Love: the need to love ourselves. There is and will always be a need to love ourselves. No matter what situation we are in, the moment we find perfection in ourselves, we grow. We grow when we feel comfortable in our own skin and accept what we are. That is called purity. Growing yourself as a being or an individual is in itself creativity. The difference between lovers and loving someone is expectations and giving your soul to the one you love respectively. When we talk about love, we always imagine the perfect couple who look great together余 a slim and beautiful woman with a handsome and tall man. Is that all love is about? We have not understood the fact, yet.

Let us try imagining a couple with two different personalities who are trying to overcome and love each other unconditionally. Love is not limited to the 'cute' things that our generation believes in. It is beyond everything in the world. It is the most beautiful thing that can ever happen to someone. Love can also be giving one's soul to another. The fine line between lovers and loving someone puts up the question of self introspection that helps our growth as an individual.

Nowadays, love, that is, the relationships which comes with patriarchal domains in it. The man tries to suppress the woman putting by his label on her. Love is not about controlling one's actions and perception, it is about understanding the other person and being able to support and accept them. On the contrary, the society mingles two things together : Love and Lust, making it more difficult. The generation still hinges between the confusion that is holding up their emotions. With the desires and fantasies 余 sexual fantasies being the most common among youngsters enhances the casual flings among lovers these days. The fine and definite line between Love and Lust need to be redefined here, as it is being erased by the hypocrites of lust replacing the idea of love by lust. On the other hand, Society stands still in the major transformation of the lifestyle, whereas some find themselves stuck and end up committing suicide. The lifestyle thus enhances the sexual urges, resulting in increased expectations and youngsters being influenced. And hereby, we lose the purity of love in the 21st century.

Now in the valley my life is singing Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lived in his womb and been born to speak of it In a fashion, my loins have hugged his waist the air was perfumed with our flesh then Now in the valley my being is quiet within his belly He has kissed my breasts and stilled my brains, to dream only in the distance of the stars

For even without our child, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve loved him in alteration I knew him beforeÍž I lived in this valley, as if it were all Yet the sun shapes the moon, always in sameness, they are one Now my being is sometimes pushing toward a pin that once held the earth and knows of its greatness Then the valley winds become restless for it is in sleep I know the contentment only peace beholds

For in his land stars bear the wander and time between is in our hearts where the voices of the dove are sweet I live in this valley now I found it not so long ago its path is true for me and should be for him It is where seeds never are forgotten, and there are no tears amidst my being Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve felt the shadow and the sun, still I am the same through love Growing like a flower who adapts to its path by use of either shadow or sun Still remaining a flower So look for me Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wax and wane with your worthiness and thus we will unite within the light

SHEKHINAH SPEAKS Connie James (USA) 13

Co-Authors - OM santihsantihsantih International Duet Poets Jen Walls (USA) and Dr. Ram Sharma (Meerut, U.P. India) have been selected as two of the five honorable recipients of the 2016 Distinguished Poet Awards from (WIN) Writers International Network â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Canada. The 2016 Distinguished Poet Awards will be presented to: Jen Walls, (USA), Deborah L. Kelly, (Canada), Paul Dhillon, (Canada), Dr. Ram Sharma, (Meerut, U.P. India), and Anatoly Molotkov, (USA) respectively. The prestigious WINCanada Awards Gala will be held at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall, 7845 Edmonds Street, Burnaby BCCanada on Friday, May 27, 2016 and there will also be a public poetry reading to host all Poet-Awardees in attendance on Thursday, May 26, 2016. 14

Jen Walls

Jen Walls is a celebrated international author/poet; bringing love inside joyful heart’s radiance to pulsate us deeper, inside a personality of rare positivity. Jen’s first artistic collection of poems, The Tender Petals, was released - November 2014, through inner child press, ltd. USA. Her second poetic collection, OM SantihSantihSantih, combined elegant nature-inspired spiritual poetry with Dr. Ram Sharma of Meerut, U.P. India and was released November 2015, through The Poetry Society of India. Her loving peace-filled poems come alive in renowned print and electronic world peace anthologies from the USA, UK, Africa and India. Jen Walls has recently been selected to receive the 2016 Distinguished Poet Award from Writers International Network (WIN – Canada) for her contributions for poetry and world peace. She currently resides in Saint Paul, Minnesota with her loving family. Contact Jen Walls: mywritegift@gmail.com; http://www.innerchildpress.com/jen-walls.php 15

Dr. Ram Sharma Dr. Ram Sharma is an accomplished poet and writer; writing in English and Hindi. He uplifts many within his magnetic appeal inside the field of poetry and literature. With a dedicated personality, he’s spiritually driven and utilizes many gifts achieved within his studies, life-work and world travels. He has written for research papers, articles, poems and reviews and has been published within esteemed journals, magazines and newspapers throughout India and abroad. Sharma’s literary works appear inside prominent web journals, foreign e-journals and magazines. Dr. Ram Sharma has recently been selected to receive the 2016 Distinguished Poet Award from Writers International Network (WIN – Canada) for his contributions for poetry and world peace. He has produced the following poetry volumes respectfully: Muse (2002), Serene Moments (2008), A String of Words (2009), Poets for World Peace Volumes 1 and 2 (2010), Anthologies 1 (2011), Lamp of Love (2015), OM santihsantihsantih (2015, co-author). He has contributed editing on 22 anthologies in English Literature. Dr. Sharma is presently an Associate Professor in English at J.V.P.G. College, Baraut, Baghpat, U.P., India and is the Editor-in-Chief of two international publishing journals: RUMINATIONS and GLIMPSES. Contact Dr. Ram Sharma: dr.ramsharma786@gmail.com 16

Flow on summer breeze – with heartjoy stretch free onto soulful feathered wings; calling love within – we’ll only fly and rise. Float bravely – each these breaths of breeze come open and freshly calm inside this life. Blow freely – within scented flowers – loving all. Carry soul far and kiss deep – weathering kisses only to become God’s fragrant blissblossoms. Arise within spirit’s sacred splendor open inside flooding we are only the sun a foreverradiance. Come out from the deep darkness of night. Sing with sweet birds' calls – continuing on into the light – bursting within each height of spirit; overflowing with Supreme – serene gladness. Blink into the blink of an eye – pour divine heart. Dr. Ram Sharma and Jen Walls 4/16/2016 All Rights Reserved

Hey my cute birdie! Where have you been? Quite a long time you were not to be seen. Your absence locked me in deep sorrow With the least hope left for tomorrow. Hey my sweet buddy! I took a rapid flight To the heaven above with all my might. Flew with an offer to the mightiest Lord To bless and reward you as the best bard. So sweet my birdie, and what did He say? When will He grant me the best pay? Why does He often test the good souls And let go the brutes with loopholes? Nay mate, such brutes may now act clever Neither can they cheat nor evade forever. Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mercy is always for you my best pal And bestow you the best rank amongst all. Thank you, my fair birdie for all your love, I find an angel in you, My Lovely Dove! How will I repay the kindness you show? If there is any way kindly let me know.

You are the definite love Yes you! You are the perfect pearl Yes you! You can take me to your world, And keep in your safe. All I need is you Yes you! You sprout up my life Briging all colours to my life Having you as my soulmate is the perfect thing I could find Yes, you! Making me imagine the world we will live in You always bring a smile on my face Nothing will ever change if you will always be my mate Yes, you !

Under his eyes, over his body Inside his soul, over his prose I found myself.. Like the rainbow in the sky He became my sun Who made me shine I was as radiant as the sun And I stood like the distant stranger With no intentions to change.

He pounced over me, I pounced over him Nothing could be more perfect than this Exactly the way I thought, Don't know if it was love, but I wanted it to last forever I felt safe, the way I never felt earlier I looked at him, he was already staring with all his love in his eyes I smiled, he kissed. Like a star in the sky, he shines in my eyes Kissing all day is the only thing I could do to him, Hugging, Kissing and dancing in the rain is all that I wish for Because it was love that brought us together again I want to live those moments in his arms, No matter how far we are.

Searching for you is what I do every now and then, Loving is what I think every moment of my pain, No matter how far you are, you are the first thought of my night and day.

I haven't met you yet, but you are the one I bet, Developing love for you is not what I did, Love for you is what developed me. Growing apart, is a part of love baby, Talking to you is what I miss, But trust me, my love is just growing for you daily.

Let me take you where you always wanted to be Let me hold you forever Let me just be in you, for the times we never shared Let me feel you, for the times we will not be near. You are my definite star that shines in the sky You are my ink to pen, that never usually writes No matter how far you are, I have never felt this way so far. Hold me in your arms, hold me tight. Kiss me hard, kiss me with pride But that will not be enough my dear Because our souls have met in divine. Loving is what everyone do, But this is not I want to do with you Give me your heart and soul, And I will show the world to you. People are meant to leave, feelings are supposed to change But for me and you, it is not that way I just want you in all possible ways Loving you is the only desire I have and will be the only way. 22

Enamored with the hue of my eyes You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach my mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s depth Deaf to quiet protests You put words in my mouth Bogged down in the trap of guesses We are lost in the dissonance of feelings Dreams out of tune sound false Our desires pass by indifferently The seeming closeness separates us Entangled in meaningless sentences We become increasingly distant Love dies with no right to appeal

Aarati Salian is a 25 year old girl residing in Mumbai. She found her love in writing since her younger days but only followed it up when she grew older. Professionally, a fashion follower and enthusiast, Aarati does styling and fashion blogging and during her free time, she likes to write poems, read novels, listen to world music, sketching and involves herself too on social activities.

The Singh family enjoyed the breakfast and for the next hour there was raucous chattering and clattering of plates and spoons as everyone moved about for their choice of breakfast. Kamas made a plate for his grandfather and then sat down to eat.

The morning was bright and chirpy. The pleasant weather was teasing the inhabitants of the Earth to rise up and shine. The atmosphere at Krip Singh Suri's house was no different. It was Sunday and all the members of his family were up and awake. It was a rare miracle that everyone was at home today and so Krip Singh made it clear to all that today would be a family day.

Som Prakash and Om Prakash, Krip Singh Suri's sons sat down to watch TV as soon as breakfast was over and Kamas along with So everyone got up early and his mother and aunt got up to rushed at the dining table for the clear the table. Krip Singh sat morning breakfast. Krip Singh's down on the floor to play with daughter足in足law had made a his younger grandkid, Karan. He lavish spread for breakfast had made a stretch of chart which included parathas and papers, watercolors and sweet curd, south Indian idli and modeling clay. Krip Singh's knee sambar with filter coffee to go hurt slightly as he folded his legs with it. Krip Singh's oldest to sit down. He mentally made a grandchild, Kamas, too, enjoyed note to ask his doctor for a cooking and so, he had made remedy for it the next time he some French toast. went for his check足up.

Krip Singh immediately turned to look at Kamas and a smile appeared on his face. ''Of course Kamas. Is this something to ask me? Now comeon here and help me get up.'' Karan looked at his grandfather and asked,''Daadu can I help you too?'' ''Areey beta, of course you can.' Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Supriya, Kamas' mom and Mohini, his aunt,were teasing Kamas about his latest girlfriend. ''So Kamas, how is it going with Ruby? Haven’t you made it official yet?'' Mohini asked. ''What official? What are you talking about bua (aunt)?'' Kamas blushed at the mention of Ruby's name though. ''Ahha … my son is blushing. C'mon Kamas, you can tell us. After all, we all are a family.'' ''Arrey Mamma, please, there is nothing like that going on.'' After a pause, Kamas added, ''At least not yet''. ''Ohhooo, that means there is a possibility of something happening?'' ''Hehehe bua, maybe. I can't say anything now.'' ''Kamas, don't be so lazy okay. Otherwise, someone else will take her and you will end up attending her wedding after some years.''

Mohini burst out laughing and Kamas joined them too. After finishing with the dishes, Kamas went out in the hall and called out to his grandfather, ''Daadu(grandfather), I am going to my room for practice. Would you like to join me?'' Krip Singh immediately turned to look at Kamas and a smile appeared on his face. ''Of course Kamas. Is this something to ask me? Now come here and help me get up.'' Karan looked at his grandfather and asked,''Daadu can I help you too?'' ''Areey beta, of course you can.'' So Kamas and Karan both helped Krip Singh get up on his feet. Karan was very pleased with his job as he thought he was responsible for helping his daadu stand up. He gave a big smile to Daadu. Krip Singh too appreciated Karan's strength and brushed his hair playfully.

Saying so both Supriya and

Kamas started singing a song and Krip Singh sat beside him and closed his eyes as he allowed Kamas' deep voice fill through his body. Kamas had chosen a melancholic song for today. Krip Singh was in a trance and he allowed himself to be pulled deeper into the indentation of his mind.

Karan then got down to his coloring business while Krip Singh and Kamas proceeded to Kamas's room for practice. Kamas was practising to become a singer. He was very passionate about singing and wanted to pursue it professionally, but his parents were not keen and did not support his passion. So, Kamas instead , decided to continue singing as a hobby while completing a traditional formal education in business studies. Kamas found only one person supporting his passion whole足 heartedly and that was his grandfather. His grandfather encouraged him completely and even sat through his jam sessions and told him where he was going wrong or which areas were rendered beautifully. Krip Singh had been a singer himself in his younger days. He would sing at functions and religious gatherings. But back then, there was no exposure for singers and it was not considered a suitable career

option and so Krip Singh gradually left singing as he got more involved in a family life. But now, Krip Singh felt as if his younger days were revived when he saw Kamas sing. He does not sing now, but he finds immense joy and happiness when he watches Kamas perform. Kamas started singing a song and Krip Singh sat beside him and closed his eyes as he allowed Kamas' deep voice fill through his body. Kamas had chosen a melancholic song for today. Krip Singh was in a trance and he allowed himself to be pulled deeper into the indentation of his mind. ''So Daadu, what do you think of my composition?'' ''Beta, this one is your best composition so far. I loved it. I wish I could sing some lines too. You know, certain tunes in the track .. I would have sung them better.'' ''Acha Daadu, you want to challenge me han. Chalo then, let's hear you sing.''

And saying so, Kamas handed over the sheet of lyrics to his grandfather. Krip Singh held the papers in his hands, took in a deep breath and closed his eyes and sang out the song with all his energy. He did not realize, but soon his hands were moving in tandem with the rhythm of the song. After he was done with his performance, he looked towards Kamas for a response. Kamas looked at his grandfather with a surprised look. ''So beta, how was it?'' ''Oh my God .. Daadu, I did not know you sang. I mean of course I do hear you singing at religious gatherings, at home sometimes but this kind of singing. Daadu â&#x20AC;Ś have you learnt singing?'' ''It's a long story. Would you like to hear it?'' ''Of course Daadu''

And so, Krip Singh narrated his whole life story to Kamas. His dreams, his aspirations, his sacrifices. Everything was laid out bare in front of Kamas. ''Daadu, didn't you ever feel like getting back to singingâ&#x20AC;Ś professionally?'' ''No beta, where is the time for all that now. And to top it, I am a 60 year old man. At this age, it is better to sit at home only.'' Supriya then came into the room and called Kamas and Krip Singh for lunch. The family gathered in the garden in front of their house and had a long and lazy lunch.

''Daadu, didn't you ever feel like getting back to singingâ&#x20AC;Ś professionally?'' ''No beta, where is the time for all that now. And to top it, I am a 60 year old man. At this age, it is better to sit at home only.''

After lunch, Kamas helped his father clean up the garden and arrange the things. His mind was still lurking around the story his grandfather had narrated to him. Kamas sensed the need and the desire in Krip Singh to start singing again, professionally.

Ruby seemed irritated at being disturbed, but she still turned back to see the poster and as soon as she set eyes on it, she too couldn't control her excitement.

A week later, Kamas was having coffee with Ruby at a popular coffee joint when he noticed the banners for a TV show. An International channel was organizing a singing talent hunt countrywide in India for the first time. The singing talent show has been very popular abroad and many regional channels aired the show on their channels just because the show and its judges were so popular. Kamas could not believe that a show of this caliber was making their foray into India. Kamas nudged Ruby, who was busy in Snap chatting on her phone,'' Ruby, Ruby … look there behind you, above the counter. Look at that awesome poster for a singing show.'' Ruby seemed irritated at being disturbed, yett she still turned back to see the poster and as

soon as she set eyes on it, she too couldn't control her excitement. '' Oh .. emm … geeeee …. Is this for real? Is this super awesome show really coming to India? I just can't believe it. Oh my God! Kamas, this is such a huge thing. That's it, I am going to Snap chat this right now. Like all my friends have to see and know that the World Singing Talent is coming to India.'' And saying so, Ruby started clicking pictures of the poster on her phone while Kamas started dreaming of a bright singing future. That evening, Kamas decided to ask his father if he could stand in audition for the show. He knew what his Dad would say and so, Kamas had an answer ready.

''No Ruby. My dad seemed pretty miffed when I suggested it. But I was not going to give up so easily. I told him there was nothing to lose. I need to have the chance to try. You know, all my life, I did as he wanted. I obeyed every decision he made. So, I think now he should agree to my decision at least, if not obeying it.''

''So what did your dad say Kamas? Is he okay with you auditioning for the show?'' ''No Ruby. My dad seemed pretty miffed when I suggested it. But I was not going to give up so easily. I told him there was nothing to lose. I need to have the chance to try. You know, all my life, I did as he wanted. I obeyed every decision he made. So, I think now he should agree to my decision at least, if not obeying it.'' ''Hahaha, oh Kamas. You are funny. But let's say you get selected in the initial auditions and finally get to play for the main stage. Are you ready for it? Are you ready to forego your whole life you have here and set on a journey you are not even sure of?''

''Ruby, I think life is all about taking chances. I believe that if we don't take the chances now, we are only going to regret it later. And I don't want that.'' ''Hmmmm, I like it. You know what? At each stage of your audition, I want you to send me a picture. I will Snap chat it. You know, something like documenting the life of a no one to someone.'' ''Hahahaha Ruby …. You are so foolish. I am not a noone. I am already someone. Haven't you seen the girls watching me with joyful eyes while I was singing at college.'' Ruby playfully pushed Kamas and they walked laughing and joking without realizing that love was indeed growing stronger between them.

3 weeks had gone by and Stage 5 of the auditions was on. It was the last stage and Ruby had been nervous the whole time, waiting for Kamas to send a photograph. He said, he would send a photograph only after the audition was over.

It had been 2 weeks since Kamas spoke to his dad and fought for his chance to go for the auditions. The auditions for the different stages were held at different cities, all away from Kamas' home. Kamas, without fail, sent his pictures to Ruby, who Snap chatted everything with nice captions. Ruby wanted audition videos too, but the channel had strict rules and did not want any videos taken before the official telecast.

the audition was over. So Ruby waited with bated breath for a photo to appear in her phone, hopefully bearing good news. And finally, after a long wait, Kamas sent a photo of him smiling wildly and jumping. He even asked Ruby to caption the photo with words like 'small town singing hero,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 'finally recognized.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Ruby thought Kamas had gone crazy, but still agreed as it was 3 weeks had gone by and Stage his big day. He was going to 5 of the auditions was on. It was return tomorrow morning. the last stage and Ruby had Ruby was very excited to meet been nervous the whole time, him. waiting for Kamas to send a photograph. He said, he would send a photograph only after

''What are you talking Kamas?’’ Supriya, his mom, asked flabbergasted. '' You are going to travel all the way to Australia for this. I don't think this is a practical thing to do.''

She had come home thinking that probably the whole Suri household would be celebrating Kamas' successful auditions, but instead, something else was happening here.

Som, Kamas' dad added,'' I agree with your mom, Kamas. This is not a Bollywood movie where you will have a happy ending. This is real life. Why are you knowingly jeopardizing your future? ''

Kamas, who was quite the whole time finally spoke. ‘‘Papa, I understand you cherish my best interests in your mind. I mean you are after all my father. I know you would not want anything dreadful for me. But at the same time, how can I ignore the passion, the desire, the urge to sing? Daadu's urge to sing?''

Som then turned towards Krip Singh and said, ''And papa, I can't believe that all this happened because of you. I just can't believe.'' Krip Singh sat in his rocking chair while little Karan looked on. He couldn't understand why the elders were screaming at each other. He held Krip Singh's hand. Krip Singh smiled and asked Karan to go play in his room. Ruby too was there in the room. She was shocked at the developments.

''But Kamas … At this age … what is the point of Daadu singing at this age?'' Supriya asked with genuine confusion. ''Mamma, you were not there. You were not there whenever I sang. The time I sang right here in my room. Daadu was the only one who came into my room and heard me singing every day, without fail. I, myself, was so consumed in my passion to sing, I forgot to

acknowledge that among us there is a man who sacrificed so much just for the sake of his family. He gave up his passion for the sake of us. Krip slowly got up from his chair and said, ‘‘Som, I know it is too much to ask for. I mean it is a ridiculous idea for me to go to Australia for the Main Stage with Kamas. I mean, he has his studies here and I can’t make you sad for just fulfilling my desire. I am sorry son for letting you down.''

I saw myself in Daadu, Mamma. I saw the same passion, the same desire, the same urge to sing. And trust me, he is a fabulous singer, but we never knew or rather never bothered to know. And so, when I saw the poster for auditions, I decided to go for it. But not for me, for Daadu’s sake. Daadu himself did not know of my plan. I just had to ask you and Papa for permission to go. And that is why I forced you all to allow me to take Daadu along. I guess you all probably thought Daadu will speak sense into me and we will be back. But instead I spoke sense into him and convinced him to audition.''

''But what about age limit Kamas?'' Ruby asked. ''Ruby, you have no idea how much I begged the officials to at least give Daadu a chance to sing. Daadu started to lose hope, but I was hellbent on having him in the audition and then when the judges heard Daadu, they just loved him and changed the rules just for Daadu. Can you believe it? Daadu will be the surprise element of the show when it airs. I can't tell you how happy I am.'' Krip Singh smiled faintly as a lone tear escaped his eyes. He never felt more loved and more valued as he felt now. Krip slowly got up from his chair and said, ‘‘Som, I know it is too much to ask for. I mean it is a ridiculous idea for me to go to Australia for the Main Stage with Kamas. I mean, he has his studies here and I can’t make you sad for just fulfilling my

Krip Singh hugged his son and they cried silently. Kamas went and held both his father and grandfather and then said,'' Okay, okay now enough crying. I think, it is safe to say that we are going to Australia. This should be a happy moment.''

desire. I am sorry son for letting you down.'' Som then burst out crying and held his father's hand and said, ''I am sorry Baba(father). I never looked for what you wanted to do. You looked after me and Omi until we became stable and then we went on with our lives without looking back at you. We moved forward Baba but we forgot to hold your hand and take you along with us. What Kamas did for you should have been done by me. I am so sorry Baba. I let you down.'' Krip Singh hugged his son and they cried silently. Kamas went and held both his father and grandfather and then said,'' Okay, okay now enough crying. I think, it is safe to say that we are going to Australia. This should be a happy moment.''

''But what about your studies?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Krip Singh asked Kamas. ''Don't worry Daadu. This semester is my Internship one. I can do something based on our experience right here. Got some business ideas to tap the senior citizen dream fulfillment program. I don't know, a lot of things can be done. Don't worry Daadu. It is about you now.'' Ruby wiped her tears away and said,'' Hey if you are going, even I am going. I will document your whole journey. My semester too is that of Internship one and I could easily do something for communication studies or something. I don't know, but I am also coming.'' Finally, there was happiness and rings of laughter could be heard in the house.

Kamas sat with his grandfather on one side and Ruby, on the other. Just before they could leave for Australia, Kamas proposed to Ruby and she said 'Yes'. Kamas had the two people he loved by his side. He smiled as the plane took off. Daadu held his hand tightly and asked,'' Kamas, this is the right thing to do, right?'' ‘‘Yes, Daadu, trust me. This has been long overdue.''

Kamas pressed his Daadu's hand lightly and kissed him on the cheek while Ruby took a picture of the moment on her phone. ''I could not help it. But this has to be documented. This story is going to make history.'' Ruby then took out her small pad and pen and wrote a story headline Unsaid Love & Dreams.

ANYTHING FOR LOVE Aarati Salian (Mumbai, India)

My dreams are about her, havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any say. They appear unbidden, and awaken me. Sweat stands, like bloody beads. shakes, of a drunken derelict, the aftermath. Stars snicker, their shoulders heave as my body twitches against these nightmares, my addiction.

Forms of Love are many Depends whether you just happen to find any The earliest form of this I saw in my Mother and Father too The love which kept me on the cradle of eyelids And the love that always turned true The love I found in my Brother was somewhat strange Always expecting me to do something in exchange Shouting, fighting, doubting, hiding We spent our childhood with memories enlightening The other form I found in my Friends Friends who quarreled a lot Asking always if I loved them or not Pestering, irritating, creating too much of trouble Yet standing by me forever and making me double Then there was a wait for the Prince on a palfrey The one who wanted just me, in the wedding dowry They kept coming and going, whom I thought as my own In all I found some reasons at least to frown Then he came and settled in my soul The Prince of my dreams, in him I could see This love put a stop to my search I found him the best ever born on this earth.

The first blush of love clings to the heart forever, with dreams in the soul, memory of a special tenderness. Pangs of love speak in multitudes the unsaid is an ache â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a bolt out of the blue defying duplication. Unwritten are the words of love Inscribed in the heart engraved with emotions, amidst all words and actions.

How many times I tried, I tried to say you .... those three words, How many times I tried, I tried to say you .... to catch those birds, who were emerging, into my heart. Whenever I came, in front of You, my lips tried, tried to speak, but the very next moment, the whole scenario changed, and they softly spoken, a simple "Hello" indeed. We both met, for long hours, where a deep infatuation, bound my heart, and when it comes, the time of depart, I again tried, tried to say those three words. Sometimes I thought, that why don't you caught? my deep signals, that I slowly throw towards You, in some pun intended form, and later that I tried to reform, after seeing your simple smile, a simple smile on your face. And on one day I collapsed, when you informed me about your thoughts, that you were compel to say those words, Yes , those three words to one of your beloved, with whom you were going to get marry, and was inviting me as a jury,

to kept me as a witness for your proverb , when you will speak those three words . Tears were flowing from my eyes , when that precious moment of your life reside , I murmured those words in my heart , when you were speaking those in front of your heart , and that made me spell bound , as a magical feeling surrounded me profound , "I Love You" were not just a verb , that was the life of those three words . Those three words were nothing , for You ......... But those three words were something , for Me ........... Those three words made , Your Life ........ But those three words spoiled , My Life . Though I tried many times , but failed ......... but as you tried , You gained ......... But still those three words , are more important for me than You , Because those three words counted as , my "Unsaid Love" just for YOU.

An Unsaid Dream

Ashi: Greetings to you Davinder Ranu! At the outset, on behalf of ‘Reflection Magazine’, I would like to thank you for accepting my request to interview you. Davinder Ranu: Pleasure is all mine. Thank you! I am originally from Punjab and my childhood years were awesome there! I lived in the village, grew up playing with marbles and many other games. Walked around the whole village, went to the fields with my friends and ate sugar canes, so basically just had a good time all day and came home in the evening. In 1997 I moved from Punjab to Canada. I have a High School Diploma. I was never a fan of studying so decided not to study further and just work.

Ashi: Tell us something about the place you belong to, your childhood and education. Davinder Ranu: I am originally from Punjab and my childhood years were awesome there! I lived in the village, grew up playing with marbles and many other games. Walked around the whole village, went to the fields with my friends and ate sugar canes, so basically just had a good time all day and came home in the evening. In 1997 I moved from Punjab to Canada. I have a High School Diploma. I was never a fan of studying so decided not to study further and just work. Ashi: Please share your writing experience the age you started writing and what inspired you to write. Davinder Ranu: I started writing in my early 20’s. My literary compositions were not so great because there was no one to help me or tell me how to write a Punjabi poem, English poem and Punjabi songs. I remember my visit to Punjab in 2007. A lot of great Punjabi songs came out that year and after hearing all those songs I wanted to try writing so I did!

Ashi: That’s great!!!, kindly tell us something about any other hobby of yours. Davinder Ranu: I like going to the cinema and watching movies especially Bollywood movies! I like long walks, running and also I like reading biographies of famous and not so famous people how they lived and died. Ashi: However, poetry or prose is a medium to express one’s inner feelings. Is there any specific moment or event that made you write? Davinder Ranu: There are a lot of moments and some events that took place in my life that made me write. One of them being people always cursing me and telling me I am good for nothing! One time a guy in high school told me I am nothing but a spit on the ground, but I never really got offended. I just thank everyone for any feedback they give me regardless of it being positive or negative. Something to write about in the future you know! Ashi: What is your favorite topic to write on? And do you have a specific writing style? Davinder Ranu: To be honest I don’t follow any particular writing style. I just write whatever comes in my mind. It’s all good with me! I don't really have any favorite topic. I do like writing about the reality of this physical world.

I am a person, naive and gullible but after being very nice to the people of this world. I have been humiliated, made fun of and what not so now I am reserved, and don’t do those things that bring misery to my life and now I try to stay calm and be happy within myself.

Ashi: Would you like to share something about your personal life with our readers to know you more closely? Davinder Ranu: I am a person, naive and gullible but after being very nice to the people of this world. I have been humiliated, made fun of and what not so now I am reserved, and don’t do those things that bring misery to my life and now I try to stay calm and be happy within myself. Ashi: Oh that is really sad, I hope you will get good people in your life. Please share who is your favorite writer/poet? Davinder Ranu: I don’t have any favorite writers or poets but I enjoy reading Oscar Wilde, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, and work of other writers that interests me!

Ashi: According to you, what are the most important elements of good writing? Davinder Ranu: As being a free style writer, I believe the best element to good writing is expressing your thoughts and writing right when something comes in your mind. Ashi: Very well said. Did you always have full appreciation and support for your talent in writing?

I did not always have full appreciation and support for my talent in writing it is only after 2011 when I joined a site called Booksie and met great poets and writers there. Then slowly I got support and appreciation from them, and some are even my really good friends now. I am getting appreciation now for my works that I write in Punjabi. So this 2016 year is looking good for me!

Davinder Ranu: No, I did not always have full appreciation and support for my talent in writing it is only after 2011 when I joined a site called Booksie and met great poets and writers there. Then slowly I got support and appreciation from them, and some are even my really good friends now. I am getting appreciation now for my works that I write in Punjabi. So this 2016 year is looking good for me! Ashi: According to you, which poem, lyric and short story of yours is your masterpiece? Kindly share any of your poems which is close to your heart. Davinder Ranu: My English poem “Who Cares” is close to my heart and one of my short stories “What if Some of Your Dreams Came True”. Both these writings, in my view, talk about the reality of the physical world. Who Cares Who cares if you didn't get what you wanted? Who cares if you were loved by none? Who cares if you didn't reach the kingdom of God? Who cares if you were the unhealthy one? Who cares if you didn't get the woman you love? Who cares if that woman at the bus stand didn't look at you? Who cares if people make fun of you? Who cares if nobody was surrounding you at the time of your death? Who cares about anyone or anything? Life is just life…..Just accept it as it is And you will have limited happy days on Earth before you depart.

Ashi: Melancholic and beautiful, according to you what is the best thing about being an author and poet? Davinder Ranu: Becoming world famous and leaving something to read behind for the people who are not born in your lifetime. Ashi: So true. I read your Punjabi lyrics, kindly share why your theme is mostly based on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;heartbrokenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or sorrow? Davinder Ranu: My theme is mostly based on heartbreak and my works are sad because that is one of the realities of the physical world. And I also write from my own experiences and of course my imagination! My theme is mostly based on heartbreak and my works are sad because that is one of the realities of the physical world. And I also write from my own experiences and of course my imagination!

Ashi: As the theme of our issue is ‘love’ so please share your personal views on this. Read and write whatever comes in your mind. There is no such thing in writing as right or wrong . Writing is self expression

Davinder Ranu: To be honest I don’t know anything about love but what I would say is that if you fall in love with someone or something then love without the feeling of possessing and let that flow naturally and save yourself from unnecessary misery even if that would not be successful. Ashi: Very well said with spiritually. What advice would you give to emerging writers and poets like yourself? Davinder Ranu: Read and write whatever comes in your mind. There is no such thing in writing as right or wrong . Writing is self expression

Ashi: So true. Give your opinion on Reflection magazine and would you like to give any advice for improvement. Davinder Ranu: I always like reading Reflection magazine for its quality and I strongly believe it is one of my greatest achievements to be interviewed on this magazine. I am not really a much of a critic but I have seen Reflection magazine improving a lot and I hope it keeps growing. https://www.facebook.com/thelostpoet1 Ashi : Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom in the field of art and for improvement of our literary magazine. The budding artists will get encouragement by emerging poets like you and would boost up their enthusiasm to be more creative. Good Luck to you as you continue to learn and grow as a writer.

I always like reading Reflection magazine for its quality and I strongly believe it is one of my greatest achievements to be interviewed on this magazine. I am not really a much of a critic but I have seen Reflection magazine improving a lot and I hope it keeps growing.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to love anymore Such a heavy heart, it is sore Red eyes, blank mind, empty soul Wind, please blow him out of my world. How could it be? I love him Bridegroom of my close friend She is so beautiful in the church No one knows how much I am hurt. My red heart turns out black one Drought, split off into thousand pieces Heat, coldness, frozen, broken My teardrops dye her bridal bouquet.

Selfless Love Zainab Bhoira (Indian stays in Saudi Arabia) Mankind, Oh Mankind ! Break not other's heart as in it our Creator is enshrined, Oh Man! It’s time you stop acting blind, And think of all with your mind, Count the blessings of your Lord, Oh Mankind! Let us all stand united…. Thanking our Sustainer for what he provided, Promising him to remain undivided…. The Almighty is sure to have us guided Towards the path of the insighted... Let’s aim to help those in need, And make our goal to do good deed, To these act of virtues, do pay heed To make this world a better place indeed! Certainly, Our Creator would be pleased…. Mankind, Oh Mankind! This is “Selfless Love” … That amongst us we should wove, By working hand in glove, To free the “White Dove”....! Blessed will we be by the Almighty above!

Let the wind blow through the silent Sky. Let all the hurdles fall at the melting point. Let the moistened dryness of lips bleed red, the color of heart. Let the serenity of love flow in life. to take off the storms hard in ride. Let the soul sworn the sky to relish the freedom of limitless joy.

You came into my life on an ordinary day, I never knew that in my heart , you'll forever stay. I never felt the same way never felt so happy the way you made me laugh in a very special way. You loved every bit of me and put a crown on my head I'm your princess , your world, your night and a day .. The reason why I'm breathing and the wherefore of all these, is because you've touched my soul like no one else did . If ever I will leave this world and go somewhere beyond It's your hand I'll want to hold to lead me to forevermore .

I remember when I was a kid, I used to watch funÂoriented movies. I know we all did that before but all of a sudden, how did I became choosy about films? Some say, I choose film rating websites though itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true but my answer here is that when I came to know about conceptual films like 3 Idiots, I realized that the audiences needed entertainment value as well as the conceptual interpretation (read philosophical messages) in a film. There are also some films that most audiences did not understand other than their entertainment value. Here are some films I will recommend you to watch in chronological orderÂ

5. 3 IDIOTS (India) This movie tells us about self足confidence, understanding values and to seek a different view of knowledge. The way the movie has been portrayed, freshens up the mind with a lot of character development. This even tells us the irony of the world such as the education systems and life. The characters touch our hearts. It is based on a novel IIIT足 Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. This creative movie is portrayed in a heartfelt way. All izz Well!

4. WHAT ABOUT BOB? (USA) A doctor足patient relationship is not only that but also a special bonding which the conservative people do not understand. It is true that the patient is livelier than the most boring doctor. It made me laugh due to its entertainment value but the concept is so unique that most failed to repeat the actual movie as well as Ghostbusters (Bill Murray also starred in it). The best psychiatrist is in you.

3. TELEVISION (Bangladesh) A battle between the controlling patriarchs and the village people. A conflict between religions. The acting and the story is perfect. It tells how the patriarch changed his mind while he slowly understood his misconceptions towards religions and television. The review says it all.

2. GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (Japanese) The innocence of the victims during World War II. The finest animated film ever seen in the animation history. Innocence is portrayed in a heartfelt manner and the concept of a relationship tells the overall values of the characters. A brother and a sister looked for a dream, a light of hope and a struggle with class discrimination. The story is based on a novel of the same name. It shows that everyone must understand the views of people who are helpless and we must be helpful to them. This is beautiful.

1. A BEAUTIFUL MIND and FORREST GUMP Both of them are really beautiful movies that deserve the first spot. Forrest Gump is a film about humanity, creativity, self足confidence, imagination and observation which makes a great impact on the people who never cared about other people and never helped the hopeless. We can learn about adjusting with different cultures and people with different attributes. It is based on a novel of the same name. As for A Beautiful Mind, it is about people with the best creative minds in history such as the honorable John Nash for the Game Theory. This biopic tells us about how beautiful the mind is. It gives the audience chills as the story and its message progresses. This is a must watch movie.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Dead Poetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Society, Jason and the Argonauts, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Beowulf 2007 film, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Her, Citizen Kane, Rajkahini (Bengali), Third Person Singular Number (Bangladesh), Dipu Number Two (Bangladesh), Colors of Paradise (Iranian), Song of the Sparrows (Iranian), Separation (Iranian),PK (India), Udaan (India), Haider (India), When Marnie was There (Japanese), Laputa: Castle In the Sky (Japanese), Spirited Away (Japanese), Snow Queen (German) and Ex Machina.

Dreams are what we hold for years and wish some days they be fulfilled This hope keeps us awake sometimes but to see the dreams we sleep at nights. In our slumber we try to touch them only to realize mere dreams they are But someone said “Dreams are for real” So do we believe every time. As a dreamer sometimes we also daydream when our eyes are open wide our mind gets lost to a mystic sight where we see myriad lights. Sometime the dreams we see are so subtle and confined to heart They never get wings to fly So they remain dreams for lifetime.

Love starts from eyes, Then only I realized When I gazed in your hazel eyes, To fall in love with them. A sweet short love story was to start, I thought forever it will last But hurdles are always there, to complicate things. "How will she look as my bride Standing holding hand, by my side," One of my best friends asked When he saw you, coming towards me. My heart cried, a dreams was shattered As if I were hit brutally and hammered immediately I knew, I have lost you Our love story will end so soon, I never knew.

Sketch By Anam Arefeen (13 years old) (Saudi Arabia, NRI)

Painting By Adifaah Arefeen (11 years old) (Saudi Arabia, NRI)

A change I can feel My world came to a standstill. No clue of how it happened to me. It took me by surprise, The glitz when I see in my eyes. Love silently knocked my heart, Feelings I was unaware, A phase I thought to be so, The depth I never came to know. To say him the unsaid words, Finally when I realize, And I get to rise, Words fell short, When I rose to speak, His eyes when met with me, A surge of love ran through me. When I get a glimpse of his, My heart skips a beat, Neither I could say nor could keep the feel, With him, every time when I meet.

The words not spoken, I bury inside me. A fear of losing love, Crept within me. How to conceal the feelings, I have for him. Feign I know not how to do, Want to tell I so want him dear, All I wish I could get him near. Something is never meant to be. I step aside for which, Is not made for me. The words unsaid, Will be hugged in my heart. From him my feelings, Can never stay apart.

Why do I write, is still a mystery to me. It just began on a lazy Sunday afternoon six years ago余 when I saw a documentary on underworld killings. The narrator of the programme stated that most of the underworld killings were undertaken by East Uttar Pradesh's rather unknown young men. They simply kill people for money and disappear. The underworld people hire them for important killings, a new killer every time.

Kids who grew up in 80s, were ushered in comics and pulp fictions world. Some of those pulp fictions were meant for young children only. All I preferred out of the lot was, 'Rajan Iqbal,' series by S. C. Bedi. This teenage detective duo used to solve murder mysteries and other crimes to help the police. It was a new exciting world for me. We children used to hire and read those little pocket books with lucrative front cover on them, every day during our summer vacations. And I can say that writing crime Thus the story, 'A Clean Hit,' hit my thoughts and mystery was seeded during those days and I scribed this story for Bookise, an online when I was reading all those little exciting portal for writers and poets. This story was crime stories. critically evaluated by some eminent writers some of them found that story a fast paced After the age of 14 there was a long time thriller and some pointed out the when I didn't read a single novel or comics grammatical mistakes they found in the for those were the days when I had to story, so the journey began. concentrate on making myself something and

eventually ended up becoming a public servant under UP government. A few years took me to collect all my old golden days books and comics, then the long reading sessions began, sometimes I used to commute 80 km to my office and that was the time when I consumed a lot of crime novels. John Grisham, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Jeffery Archer, David Baldacci, Peter Mass, Sydney Sheldon, Mario Pujo, James Hadley Chase were ushering me into the wonderful world of crime fictions. Besides I tried to read some Indian crime writers as well but I couldn't reach the third chapters of their books, I don't say that they were bad writers but they didn't have what I was looking for. During the writing of ‘A Clean Hit,’ ‘After Two Years’ and ‘Jack’s Emancipation’ on Booksie I came across two wonderful friends and fellow poets/writers, ‘Iram Fatima ‘Ashi’ and ‘Shazia Shekh.’ They were not only good poets/writers, but wonderful critics also. Some of their comments on my stories kept me going. On their insistence I came back on facebook to keep my long dead facebook account alive. Facebook gave a new boost to my crime fiction writing. Here on facebook I came to know that there was a wonderful new world of books by the name of ‘Anthologies,’ I tried my luck with a prominent book publisher’s proposed anthology on ‘Thriller & Suspense’ theme, eventually the publisher rejected my story and put a question mark on my writing. This is another case that the very story was published by another publisher and a prominent literary critic suggested me to write a full length novel on that story. Later working on Jack Series was equally exciting. Creating a new world for him is also a part of this exploration. 'Will City,' 'Colonel Pass,' 'Wilderness Of River Kali Valley,' and creating vicious villain like Deva was really

challenging. One of my publishers asked me all about these factious places and characters names and how they came into existence. The answer is really very hard in these times when the market is inundated by love stories and related anthologies. How can I tell him that I still live in those good old days when pulp fictions used to rule over the heart of a number of people and all these factious places are just a trial to live in those good old days, when there were bandits, criminals and heroes? Writing a full length novel occurred to me several times and I started writing one with a co Âwriter, but things kept us both busy and this habit of procrastination is delaying the progress of this novel. Meanwhile I wrote three novellas and gave them a final touch before sending them to a publisher. I've written for several publishers till now and often had been invited by Editor/Writer friends of mine to write a story for their anthologies and I love to do it. Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s block often takes over my writing instincts but I start creating new stories mentally to avoid it, sometimes it was really helpful.

Once a friend of mine who is a critic of my stories too asked me how long would I go on writing crime and mystery stories. Question was really relevant in this highly competitive literary world. Once I tried to write a love story but I failed and the story was rejected as well by another publisher. So all my stories which I wrote on Mystery & Crime genre were accepted and published by several publishers so I think I'll keep writing in this genre as long as I'm not out of new ideas. Once there was a time when book stalls were full of fictions and other books. Owner of AH Wheelers Book Shop, MoradabadÍž who has become a friend of mine in the process of purchasing a number of books from him in a span of seven years, often complains for the decline of book sales. Well this is a bitter truth that the number of book readers is decreasing pathetically and in such depressive world one cannot make one's living by writing books, but the one who dares must be appreciated. So the journey of exploring me through my stories is still on and I hope it will go on forever.

A Love Story Tapan Ghosh (Durgapur, India) Bandana you........ Our marriage day is very near but seems....so far Yes, me too dear After seven days........ My dear Raj, forgive me, my beautiful face which was inspiration for your poetry, has been damaged by an accident, I can't show this face to you, please marry a lovely girl....your Bandana. Next day’s reply to the letter....... Dear Bandana, what a coincidence, last night I lost my eyes in an accident, now I am blind, if you don't look after me, nobody will...... They got married.......... After 32 years of marriage, Bandana became seriously ill and was going to die; her head lay on Raj's bosom. Very slowly Bandana says, “ I am so lucky to be able to give up my last breath on your bosom.” After so many years, Raj removed his black glass from his eyes, tears were running down and dropping on Bandana’s face. “ Can you see?’’said Bandana. “Yes, I can, I loved only you, not your face,” replied Raj. Bandana looked upon Raj, with unblinking eyes, tears were running down from her eyes but she didn’t say any word.... After some time she gave up her last breath Raj wiped her eyes and shut them forever But Bandana is still alive in Raj's heart........

MONSIF BEROUAL He was born on October 19th , 1994. Monsif is on his second year at the University of sidi Mohammed Ben Adlallah ,Taza city, Morocco. His poems have been published in different International anthologies around the worldÍž read them on radio programs at Canada, Chicago, Argentina and Mexico.

Every breath from my soul every dream can be real, love makes us feel better even we are sad or feeling low from the first sight of her angel's face upon her face a sweet smile I'm in deep love I wanna keep her reflection in my mind, in my dreams without touching her. I want to keep her in my sight forever like the soul in my body. She's my drug she makes me feel high, so high without limits without an end. She's my drug like the happiness in my blood. She's my cure of the pains. My eyes addicted to her eyes She is the loveâ&#x20AC;Ś without a temple!

His poems have been translated into: Spanish, Arabics and French.

We'll die embracing If the injustice throws One of us engraved, We'll die each other facing Your ethereal eyes and long brows My painful moment would be saved. Though this is unworthy killing There might some honor Heaven's angels seek. Perchance after decades, our relics May find on earth some honor In temple's chime And in every flight of dove There may shelter Our happy love.

Wonderful! Thanks Reflection Magazine for another lovely issue! Joyful to appear with Dr. Ram Sharma sharing some of our duet poetry too. Humble thanks for all! Wonderful contributions by many great poets, writers and artists. Thanks dear Editor and Reflectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team! Jen Walls (US) Congrats ...& Best wishes to one n all Saroj Chopra (India) Wonderful issue, many great creative writings, new talents, new designs. More power. Asror Allayarov (Uzbekistan) Happy to be a part of this endeavor. Charles Darnell (US) Feeling Happy again to be a part of this lovely issue.....Best wishes to the team for the future.....A special thanks to the Editor. Praveen Gola (India)