The Empty Chair (Part – II)

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Instagram: @rajatchandrasarmah5

Contd From Part I

He hadn’t realised at the time that it would be their last talk. Now, standing here in her absence, her words felt heavier, their meaning more profound. He walked over to the chair, resting his hand lightly on its back, the wood smooth and cool under his palm. For a moment, he let himself imagine she was still there, her soft voice calling him “beta,” her eyes full of understanding that needed no words. But reality tugged him back. She was gone, and the chair was only a reminder of what was missing.

At the other end of the room, Meena, Nani’s youngest daughter, was busy in the kitchen, her hands moving with practised ease as she prepared the dishes her mother had once made with love. Every ingredient, every spice she added brought with it a memory—Nani’s hands guiding hers as a young girl, teaching her the secret to the perfect biryani, the way to fold the dough for samosas just right. She had always been Nani’s shadow in the kitchen, learning not just recipes but the unspoken language of family that food could convey.

As Meena stirred the pot of curry, her thoughts drifted back to the last meal she had cooked with her mother. It had been a quiet afternoon, just the two of them in the kitchen, the soft clinking of utensils the only sound. Nani had been frail then, her movements slow, but her mind sharp as ever. She had insisted on supervising, even though her hands could no longer chop or stir with the same energy.

“Food is love, beta,” Nani had said, her voice soft but sure. “When you cook for your family, you are giving them a piece of your heart.”

Meena wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, brushing away the tears before anyone could see. She didn’t want to cry today. Today was about remembering, celebrating, and honouring the legacy her mother had left behind.

As she finished preparing the dishes, Meena caught her reflection in the kitchen window and saw her mother’s features on her own. She remembered how Nani used to stand there, watching the world outside, her thoughts distant but always returning to her family. The reflection, now hers, made her pause for a moment—was she living up to the love, patience, and wisdom Nani had shown?

The sound of laughter pulled her back to the present as the family gathered around the table. One by one, they took their seats, a mix of old and new generations, each with their own stories, memories, and hopes. Yet, despite the bustle of conversation, there was an unspoken acknowledgement of the empty chair, standing quietly at the head of the table. It wasn’t just a chair anymore; it had become a symbol, a reminder of the glue that held them together, even in her absence.

For a moment, there was an uncomfortable silence, as if no one knew how to begin without Nani’s familiar presence to guide them. Then, softly, it was little Rhea, the youngest of the grandchildren, who broke the silence.

“Why is Nani’s chair empty?” she asked, her wide eyes looking up at her mother, Priya.

Priya smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from Rhea’s face. “Nani isn’t with us anymore, beta, but we keep her chair here because she’s still with us in our hearts.”

Rhea frowned, her small brow furrowed in confusion. “But I miss her. Can’t she come back, just for tonight?”( TO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat Chandra Sarmah 

Guwahati , Assam , India 

23/10/2024

Whispers of Desire: The Siren’s Elegance”

 In the moonlit glow of a starry night, 

She moves with grace, a siren’s light, 

Her eyes, like lotus blooms, 

so wise, Speak volumes in a world of sighs.

********

Her curves, a sculptor’s dream refined, 

Hips swaying with a rhythm unconfined, 

Each step a dance upon life’s stage, 

Her beauty, the words of a poet’s page.

********

Giggles, a melody soft and sweet, 

Naughtiness that makes hearts beat, 

Dark black silk cascading down, 

A crown of night, her hair’s renown.

******

A blouse, a tease, so daringly low, 

Silk saree, sheer, a delicate show, 

Breasts, pointed, a goddess’s art, 

A marvel that stirs every heart.

*******

Rosy cheeks, with a blush divine,

Elongated lips, with a silent sign,

Whispers of kisses in the air, 

A call to love, a bold affair.

******

Her eyes, a canvas of desire’s dreams,

Sparkling with wisdom’s ancient gleams, 

Each gaze a journey to realms unknown,

Where fantasies and truths are sewn.

******

Her walk, a rhythm, a poet’s muse, 

Curves that the moon’s light woos, 

Hips like waves in a gentle sea, 

A dance of life’s pure ecstasy.

******

Her laughter, a siren’s song, 

Drawing hearts in a throng, 

Naughtiness that lights the night, 

A beacon of joy, pure and bright.

******

Hair, dark silk, a cascade of night, 

Flowing like dreams in the soft moonlight, Falling over her back, a mystic veil, 

A story of beauty, a whispered tale.

Blouse, a whisper of what lies beneath, 

******

Saree, a veil that the night bequeaths, 

Breasts, like peaks, daringly poised, 

A marvel of creation, beauty’s voice.

Cheeks, a garden of roses in bloom, 

******

Lips, an invitation, banishing gloom, 

A promise of love in their sweet curve, 

A siren’s call that makes hearts swerve.

Her skin, a canvas, smooth and fair, 

******

A touch of silk, beyond compare, 

Each inch a tale of nature’s art,

A masterpiece that captures hearts.

******

Her scent, a blend of flowers and spice,

 A fragrance that makes sense entice, 

In her presence, the world fades away, 

Leaving just the night and her display.

*****

Her movements, fluid, like a stream, 

Flowing gracefully, a living dream,

 Every gesture, a poem in motion, 

Stirring hearts with deep emotion.

********

Her voice, a melody, soft and clear, 

Whispering secrets for only love to hear, 

Each word a note in a lover’s song, 

Echoing in hearts where she belongs.

*************

She is creation’s finest lore, 

A beauty that one can’t ignore, 

In every glance, in every sigh, 

She is the dream where desires lie.

****************************************

RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH

GUWAHATI , ASSAM ,INDIA

Mail ID : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Happiness – A feeling ( part -I)

A modest family lived in the quaint village of Pratapur, nestled amidst the lush green fields of India. Rajesh, the head of the family, was a school teacher, and his wife, Meera, was a homemaker. They had two children, Aryan and Kavya. Their home was small but filled with warmth, laughter, and the fragrance of Meera’s delicious cooking.

Rajesh believed that happiness lay in the simplest of things. Every morning, he would cycle to the local school, where he taught mathematics. His students adored him, not just for his knowledge but for his genuine care and interest in their lives. Meera managed the household gracefully, ensuring that every meal was prepared with love and every corner of their home was clean and welcoming.

In the evenings, the family would gather on their modest veranda. Aryan and Kavya would share stories from their day at school, their eyes sparkling with excitement. Rajesh would listen intently, often helping them with their homework, while Meera would knit or prepare snacks for them. Their life was simple but full of contentment.

Rajesh’s best friend, Mohan, was a farmer. They had known each other since childhood, and their bond was unbreakable. Mohan often visited Rajesh, and they would spend hours discussing everything under the sun – from local politics to the best farming techniques.

Mohan’s wife, Sita, and Meera were equally close. They often exchanged recipes, shared household tips, and supported each other through thick and thin. Their friendship was a source of immense joy and comfort. The families often spent weekends together, the children playing in the fields while the adults shared laughter and stories.

One summer, Mohan and Sita invited Rajesh’s family to spend a weekend at their farmhouse. The children were thrilled, and even Rajesh and Meera looked forward to the change of scenery. The farmhouse was surrounded by vast fields of wheat, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. They spent the days exploring the fields, playing games, and relishing the simple pleasures of rural life. The weekend was a refreshing break from their routine and strengthened the bond between the two families.

Rajesh had a profound love for books. His modest collection, though small, was his treasure. He often spent his free time immersed in a novel or a biography, losing himself in the worlds created by words. He believed that books were windows to different lives and experiences, offering wisdom and solace.

One day, Aryan found a dusty old book in the attic. It was a novel that Rajesh had written long back when he was a young boy. Seeing his son’s curiosity, Rajesh decided to read the book to both Aryan and Kavya. Every night, they would gather around Rajesh as he narrated the story, his voice bringing the characters to life. This nightly ritual became a cherished tradition, instilling in the children a love for reading.

Kavya, in particular, developed a passion for poetry. She began writing her own poems, often inspired by the stories her father read. Rajesh encouraged her creativity, proud of her talent and the joy it brought her. Through books, the family discovered a shared love for stories and the immense happiness they could bring.

Every year, Rajesh saved a portion of his modest income for a family holiday. These trips were not extravagant, but they were eagerly anticipated by everyone. They would visit nearby towns, historical sites, or scenic spots, exploring new places and creating memories.

( TO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat Chandra Sarmah , Guwahati , Assam , India

17/07/2024

Email ID: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instagram @rajatchandrasarmah5

Embracing Slow Living in a Fast-Paced World

In today’s world, where speed and efficiency often reign supreme, the concept of slow living offers a compelling alternative—a way to find peace, purpose, and fulfilment amidst the chaos. Slow living is not about doing everything at a snail’s pace; rather, it’s about embracing a more intentional, mindful approach to life. It’s about savouring each moment, simplifying our lives, and prioritizing quality over quantity. In this article, I try to explore the principles of slow living, its benefits for mental health and well-being, and practical strategies for incorporating it into our daily lives.

At its core, slow living is a philosophy that encourages us to step back from the relentless pace of modern life and reconnect with ourselves, our surroundings, and the present moment. It’s about being fully present and paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. Slow living is characterized by simplicity, connection, and balance—values that are often overshadowed in our fast-paced world.

Mindfulness lies at the heart of slow living. It’s about being aware of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment, without getting caught up in the past or future. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and richness of each moment.

Simplicity is another key principle of slow living. It’s about decluttering our lives—both physically and mentally—and focusing on what truly matters. By eliminating excess and distractions, we can create more time and space for the things that bring us joy and fulfilment.

Connection is essential to slow living. It’s about building meaningful relationships—with ourselves, others, and the natural world. Slow living encourages us to spend quality time with loved ones, foster deep connections, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Balance is perhaps the most crucial aspect of slow living. It’s about finding harmony between work, leisure, and rest. In a world where busyness is often glorified, slow living reminds us to prioritize self-care and honour our need for rest.( BTO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat chandra sarmah

11/06/24

Guwahati , Assam , India

Mail ID : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com