One fine day, all our problems will solved,
Bang, bang, bang...

All that jazz...

Seasoned with an eclectic collection, the evening was one of astounding jazz performed by the Chari trio.... As my memory raced through a thousand moments, I craved for dim lights, a whiskey, and perhaps also for the aromas of a sinful cigar !

Caught amidst a multitude of questions, rushingly I cross-examined myself. Skirting through the burning silence, I asked myself whether I had realised my desire, my dream, my 'perfect world' .. there was a battle of isms.

Is there truth in asking thse metaphysical questions? Is an ideology important today?

With angst and impatience I turn back to the music ... distracting myself, yet again. I heard Madhav Chari say, let's hear some blues now!

In the desperate chase to find my calling ... I begin to lose sight of the road travelled. With intention, I empower myself -- my only offering is a mind, full of ideas and passion. Yet a strange sense of lethargy engulfs me... have I allowed myself to fall trap to the familiar and comfortable? Or is simply a lack of determination?

Back after seven long years to a celebrate Diwali with my family...As tradition goes, the women of the house light the diyas, inviting the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, into the home.... They also say, the radiance of the glowing lamps will destroy the evil scattered, allowing victory and prosperity to spread wide and far. It is a celebration of abundance... supposedly of warmth, generosity, happiness and laughter...

At the same time of such festivity, there are many people who battle for their lives in the hospital, or lose an eye while bursting a cracker, or get harassed by the cops for not parting with his personal share of the 'hafta'... or are simply fading into the oblivion as they have no voice, no light, no shelter, no food, and perhaps, no one to love ...

Although, I dare ask -- what do we really mean by celebrating the victory of good over evil when such horrific crimes of hatred and enemity usurp the serenity of the being, I am thankful for the Diwali I spent at home....peacefully.