COPYRIGHT © 2024 THOUGHTS HYMN PUBLISHERS

All rights are reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, optical,
chemical, manual photocopying, and recording or otherwise, without any
prior written consent of Author of Poems/story and Publisher. The writer
of their content holds the sole responsibility of originality and copyright
for their literary work, THOUGHTS HYMN PUBLISHERS is not
responsible in any way whatsoever.

Anthology book: ECHOES OF AFFECTION (VOL-2)

Published by: THOUGHTS HYMN PUBLISHERS

Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Pin code - 201301

Email: thoughtshymn@gmail.com
Instagram: @thoughts_hymn
Facebook: @thoughts hymn
LinkedIn: Thoughts Hymn Publishers

ISBN: 978-81-19990-38-2

Printed And bound in India by THOUGHTS HYMN PUBLISHERS

 FOREWORD

Anthology is a collection of different literary works chosen by the

publisher. The word entered the English literature in the 17th century,
from the Greek word "Anthologic" meaning "a collection of blossoms"
or flowers. Our Anthology "ECHOES OF AFFECTION” contains
marvellous literary work of various authors across the whole Bharat. It is
a compiled to give a platform to the budding writers of our great nation
and help them in coming forward and present their literary work in front
of the whole world. While reading this book, the reader will experience a
wholesome of different emotions affecting our internal feelings. This
special series contains different types of poetry, prose, short stories, etc in
multiple languages like English, Hindi or vernacular. We thank all the
authors for their enthusiasm and keen interest in making our first
anthology series a great success. After a huge success of our first
anthology the dusky moon we are proudly releasing another anthology the
“ECHOES OF AFFECTION” Thank you to all the authors and
supporters of thoughts hymn publishers for giving us a pleasure to serve
you all.
 CONTENTS

1. Keerthi. M……………………………………….…………………………………………..……….1
2. Divi Purashwani…………………………………….………………………………………..……4
3. Kamali Tamilselvan…………………………………….…………………………………..……7
4. Usha Shree V…………………………………….………………………………………...…..……9
5. Fakir Saab…………………………………….………………………………………………..……10
6. Amoghavarsha Sharma…………………………………….………………………………...13
7. Shailja…………………………………….…………………………………………..……………….17
8. Aashi Singh…………………………………….…………………………………………..………19
9. Abiya Sajid…………………………………….…………………………………………..……..…22
10. Moonie…………………………………….…………………………………………..…………..23
11. Prerna Jha…………………………………….…………………………………………..……….24
12. Dyuti Barua…………………………………….…………………………………………..……25
13. Anmol Kaur Walia…………………………………….……………………………………...26
14. Shakthi.J…………………………………….…………………………………………..…………27
15. Rajrita Misra…………………………………….…………………………………………..…...29
16. Arohi Khandelwal…………………………………….………………………………………30
17. प्रीनू शाक्या…………………………………….…………………………………………..………...32
18. Allam Meghana/Anju Diana Dsouza…………………………………….…………33
19. Moonie…………………………………….…………………………………………..…………..35
20. Naisha Mehta…………………………………….…………………………………………..…36
21. Shyona Kulshreshtha…………………………………….………………………………….38
22. Mohan Kumar Behera…………………………………….………………………………..39
23. Ummehaani Zahir…………………………………….………………………………………41
24. Aliya Sayyed…………………………………….…………………………………………..……43
25. Somya Verma…………………………………….…………………………………………..…44
26. Prerna Jha…………………………………….…………………………………………..……….45
27. Rajrita Misra…………………………………….……………………………………………….46
28. Anwesha Garbyal…………………………………….……………………………………….47
29. L.N…………………………………….…………………………………………..…………………48
30. Mohan Kumar Behera…………………………………….………………………………..49
31. Vipassana Lama…………………………………….………………………………………….51
32. Ayanika…………………………………….…………………………………………..…………..52
33. Vipassana lama…………………………………….…………………………………………...54
34. Pranshi chandel…………………………………….…………………………………………..56
35. Jems…………………………………….…………………………………………..………………..57
36. Rohit…………………………………….…………………………………………..………………60
37. Mahak Bisht…………………………………….…………………………………………..……62
38. Jyoti Prasad…………………………………….…………………………………………..….…63
39. Biswandar Phangcho…………………………………….………………………………….64
40. Nishu…………………………………….…………………………………………..……………..65
41. Vipassana Lama…………………………………….………………………………………….67
42. Arshdeep…………………………………….…………………………………………..………..69
43. Shreya…………………………………….…………………………………………..…………….71
44. Somya Verma…………………………………….…………………………………………..…72
45. Janya…………………………………….…………………………………………..……………….74
46. Harshita Subhash Halemani…………………………………….…………...……..……75
47. Alishba khan…………………………………….…………………………………………..…..76
48. Nandini Sethi…………………………………….……………………………………………...77
49. Suprava Priyadarshni…………………………………….………………………………….78
50. M. Sathyaprabha…………………………………….…………………………………………81
51. Mohith Pinninti…………………………………….………………………………………….82
52. Aryan Arora…………………………………….…………………………………………..……83
53. Fathima Valliyangal…………………………………….…………………………………….85
54. Prachi Chauhan…………………………………….…………………………………………..86
55. गुमनाम "अ"…………………………………….…………………………………………..………88
56. Zaynah Ali…………………………………….……………………………………………….…89
57. Ayanika…………………………………….…………………………………………..…………..90
58. Abhijeet…………………………………….…………………………………………..……….…91
59. Meenakshi…………………………………….…………………………………………..………93
60. Nidhi V…………………………………….…………………………………………..………..…94
61. Zaynah Ali…………………………………….…………………………………………..……...95
62. Harshita Subhash Halemani…………………………………….……………………….96
63. Vansh Pruthi…………………………………….…………………………………………..…..97
64. Lily…………………………………….…………………………………………..…………………98
65. Chanit Jaya Auxilia A…………………………………….………………………………..100
66. Ananya Mohanty…………………………………….………………………………………101
67. Samay Kushwaha…………………………………….……………………………………..102
68. Mrutyunjaya Kar…………………………………….………………………………………103
69. Ashish Sharma…………………………………….………………………………………….105
70. Neerav Agrawal…………………………………….………………………………………..106
71. Mrutyunjaya Kar…………………………………….………………………………………107
72. Aarushi Aggarwal…………………………………….……………………………………..109
73. Srinjal Samridhi…………………………………….………………………………………...111
74. Ritika Khithani…………………………………….…………………………………………112
75. Mayuri Sen…………………………………….…………………………………………..……113
76. Santanu Sarkar…………………………………….………………………………………….115
77. Dr. Amir Ahmad Dar…………………………………….……………………………….117
78. M. K. Aarthiha…………………………………….………………………………………….118
79. Asiya Rahman Puthuppurackal…………………………………….……………...…119
80. Banashree Banerjee…………………………………….…………………………………..121
81. Reshib Choudhary…………………………………….……………………………………122
82. Ishani Saha…………………………………….…………………………………………..…...123
83. Priya Talukdar…………………………………….…………………………………………..125
84. Mohammed Fazal…………………………………….…………………………………….128
85. Aarushi Aggarwal…………………………………….……………………………………..129
86. Anoosha Amaris…………………………………….……………………………………….130
87. Sushmita…………………………………….…………………………………………..………132
88. Janu…………………………………….…………………………………………..………………133
89. Muskan Shah…………………………………….…………………………………………….134
90. Lokesh.S…………………………………….…………………………………………..………136
91. Mrutyunjaya Kar…………………………………….………………………………………137
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

Name. Keerthana Meganathan. pen name: Keerthi

Father name: Meganathan
Mother name: Sri Devi
School completed in Sri vels estate matriculation higher secondary school.
occupation: studying B.A english literature in Nazareth College of arts and
science. Avadi. hobby: poem and short story writer.

1
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

HEAVEN OF LIGHT

In the realm where dreams take flight,

Lies a world bathed in pure light.
Heaven's embrace, serene and bright,
Guides us through the darkest night.

Above, the sun forever gleams,

Casting rays like golden streams.
In this haven, where hope redeems,
Love's eternal flame forever beams.

Mountains soar with peaks so high,

Touching the canvas of the sky.
Angelic whispers fill the air,
As souls find solace everywhere.

In this realm of endless grace,

Where time and space embrace,
Each soul finds its rightful place,
In the heaven of light's embrace.

So let us dream of this divine,

Where every heart can truly shine.
In the heaven of light, we'll find,
Love's eternal glow, forever entwined.

-Keerthi. M

2
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHISPERS IN THE MOONLIGHT

In the quaint town of Willow brook, where the stars shine brighter and
the moon casts its enchanting glow, two souls collided in the most
unexpected of ways. Grace, a free-spirited artist, and James, a reserved
writer with a penchant for adventure, found themselves drawn together
by a series of serendipitous encounters.

Their love blossomed amidst the fragrant gardens of an old bookstore,

where they would lose themselves in the pages of forgotten tales and
share whispered dreams under the moonlight.

But as their bond deepened, they faced trials that tested the strength of
their love. From misunderstandings to heartaches, their journey was
marked by moments of joy and sorrow.

Yet, through it all, they clung to each other, finding solace in the warmth
of their embrace and the promise of a love that transcended time and
space.

In the end, as they stood hand in hand beneath the shimmering stars,
they knew that their love was a masterpiece painted by destiny—a
testament to the magic of two souls finding each other in a world filled
with chaos and uncertainty.

-Keerthi. M

3
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

Greetings, dear readers,

I am Divi Purashwani, and I hail from the vibrant state of Rajasthan. I
discovered the profound power of poetry when I found myself
overflowing with emotions and thoughts, yet with no one to confide in.
Writing became my sanctuary, a place where I could express my innermost
feelings freely. My imaginative world, rich and vivid, has always been my
greatest source of inspiration, fueling the verses that flow from my pen. I
don't confine myself to a specific topic; I write what I feel in the moment
or what influences me from the books I read. Each poem is a reflection
of my current state of mind, capturing a unique slice of my inner world.
While I am continually honing my craft and striving to perfect my poetry,
I embrace the journey of growth and learning with enthusiasm. As a
student, I am overjoyed and deeply honored to share that my poetry will
be published for the first time, thanks to the wonderful team at Thoughts
Hymn Publications. This milestone is incredibly exciting for me, and I am
thrilled at the opportunity to share my voice and stories with a broader
audience. I hope that my readers find a sense of connection and meaning
in my words, and that they love my work as much as I enjoy creating it

4
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

BROKEN DREAMS: A TALE OF LOVE AND DECEPTION

She was optimistic

A hopeless romantic
She loves a fictional character, how dramatic.
She wants him to be real, as if her life is cinematic.
But truly all this feels so Ecstatic

She always crave to be cherished

To be someone's special was all she demanded
She was jealous she was possesive
How can it even seems to be repressive
When these are the two things that makes love exclusive

She tried and tried so hard

Finding that one person who would keep her close to his heart
Who in love, will equally play his part
But she was just losing hope, torn apart
But that one person, maybe a fresh start
Make her feel that he will build her dreamy love chart

Is he the prince?
Nah he is just deceiving
He will make her wince
Her heart, he will surely be breaking
Her trust he will be overturning
Oh poor she, will never know he is pretending
Cuz she is so loving!
Dirty tricks he is playing
To win her heart he will be crushing
He was nothing
but a "fake prince charming"

Her heart and brain were in trance

Brain said no, but heart has some other plans
It urged to feel a genuine romance
His "fake love" played his game
And she decided to give it a chance
5
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

He showed his true colours

Make her shattered
Her love in pieces, scattered
Her trust tattered
Her heart cluttered
Her feelings smothered

Now she just wants to remain unseen

She no longer wants to be special it seems
That hopeless romantic started hating love.. that used to make her gleam
The devil played wicked game, lowered her esteem

She has nothing to let her love regain

She can't handle more pain
She is scared to love again
-Divi Purashwani

6
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

Kamali Tamilselvan hails from Pondicherry. She pursued her

undergraduate degree in English at Bharathidasan Government College
for Women (affiliated with Pondicherry University) and completed her
Masters in English at the Central University of Gujarat. An ex-Cadet
Sergeant in the NCC (Air Wing) and an NSS volunteer at the Central
University of Gujarat, Kamali has a rich background in leadership and
community service. She has completed the A2 level in French and is
proficient in French, English, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam. In addition
to her academic and linguistic skills, Kamali is a certified Bharatanatyam
dancer, blending her passion for the arts with her scholarly pursuits.

7
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

REMINISCENCE OF RAINS OF AUGUST

Somewhere peaceful in the cosmos

Let the rhythm of soul aid you
In peace and poetry,
While forsaking the stain
Mesmerized by the echoes of green
Thicket and nightingale together.
Where the sky and trees cuddle,
Be the quest unresolved;
Prevailing its beauty in the liaison
Of warmth and cold
Out of drenches in the rains of August.

-Kamali Tamilselvan

8
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE LOST ECHOES OF AFFECTION

The memories of the enchanting past,

Lingering smell in the rains and the winds,
In the energies of the sun and the moon,
The lost echoes of affection.

Feeling you in the serenity of cosmos,

Witnessing your presence,
In every blossoming flower,
Amidst the boulevard of the lost echoes.

Calmly enduring a life together,

The promises you made, so aesthetic,
The intentions we set, so surreal,
Only to find the echoes of affection in solitude.

While walking a lonely path of silent echoes,

Crossing a gateway of unseen realities,
I see the shadows of someone waiting,
While I approached to get a glimpse.

Was it a dream or a reality to endear,

Thousands of emotions echoing aloud,
Embracing me, as if to never let go,
The echoes of affection, I finally found.

-Usha Shree V

9
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ZINDAGI EK SAFAR

Zindagi phoolon ka nahi hai

Zindagi hai kaanton ka Safar
Kab kahaan kaise chubhenga
Adami hai bekhaber

Waqt rahte hi manale

apne bichhdon ko abhi
Kal na phir mauka milenga
kal na honga phir asar
Zindagi phoolon ka nahi hai

Jo tere apne hai unki

kuch Zara tu rakh fikar
Ek bar jaayenge woh toh
Phir na aayenge nazar
Zindagi phoolon ka nahi hai

Tere dil mein pyaar honga

toh hi honga in baaton ka asar
iss daudti duniya mein warna
kaun karenga kiski kadar
Zindagi phoolon ka nahi hai

Ye haseen lagta hai manzar

par bada hai khaufnak
Tu bas apne carvaan ke saath
chal raah mein hona jaana juda
iss haseen manzar ke piche
kya chhupa hai kya khaber
Zindagi phoolon ka nahi hai
Zindagi hai kaanton ka safar

-Fakir Saab

10
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

BUZURGON KI DUAAYEIN

Buzurgon ki duaayein leta jaa

Jaa tujh ko sukuno karaar mile
Iss jeevan path mein pyaare
tujhe kabhi na koi khaar mile

Maa baap ne hi tere

teri zindagi sawaari hai
teri khushiyon ki khaatir
khud apni aahuti chadai hai
Maa baap ko gar tu bhulenga
Tere bachche bhi tujhe bhulayenge
Maa baap ko gar tu rulayenga
Tere bachche bhi tujhe rulayenge
Buzurgon ki duaayein leta jaa

Unka ahsaan bhula kar tune

Tune apni duniya basaai hai
Apni khudgarzi ki khaatir
tune unko thokar lagaai hai
Maa baap ko gar tu thukrayeinga
tere bachche bhi tujhe thukrayeinge
Maa baap ko gar tu rulayenga
tere bachche bhi tujhe rulayenge
Buzurgon ki duaayein leta jaa

Chahe laakh ibadat karle tu

chahe laakh parastish kar pyaare
Kabhi tera khuda na khush honga
gar maa baap ho tere be sahare
Maa baap ko gar tu dhutkarenga
tere bachche bhi tujhe dhutkarenge
Maa baap ko gar tu rulayenga
tere bachche bhi tujhe rulayenge

Buzurgon ki duaayein leta jaa

Jaa tujh ko sukuno karaar mile

11
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

Iss jeevan yudh mein pyaare

tujhe kabhi na kabhi haar mile
Buzurgon ki duaayein leta jaa

-Fakir Saab

12
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE WILTED ROSE

In the quiet sub-urban town of Jalandhar, Rupa had lived what many
would consider an idyllic life. Married for twenty-five years to her distant
cousin, Anand, she had devoted herself entirely to supporting him and
their family. The once vibrant, ambitious girl who dreamed of becoming
a writer but her parents financial conditions slowly transformed into a
Homemaker .But she was considered as the epitome of a dedicated wife
and mother, her own dreams tucked away like the old manuscripts
gathering dust in the attic.

Their home was a testament to Rupa's labor and sacrifice—a picturesque

two-story surrounded by lush gardens that Rupa tended to with the
same care she gave her family. Inside, the walls echoed with rarely
laughter , peace and arguments became hum of everyday life. Rupa's
existence was interwoven with the fabric of her family's needs, each
thread pulled tight to maintain the illusion of perfection.

However, beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect life, a storm was
brewing. It began with whispers, fragments of conversations overheard,
receipts for dinners not eaten together, and the faint trace of perfume
clinging to Anand’s clothes—a scent not her own. Rupa's heart fought
against the reality these clues suggested, but denial could only stretch so
thin.

One crisp autumn evening, as red and gold leaves danced playfully
around the porch, Rupa confronted Anand. The setting sun cast long
shadows in the kitchen where they stood, a room that had witnessed
decades of their shared life.

“Is there someone else?” Her voice was steady, belying the turmoil
inside her.

Anand's silence was a cold blade. When he finally spoke, his words were
more piercing than the chill in the air. “Yes,” he admitted, his voice
barely a whisper, yet it thundered in Rupa's ears.

The pain was immediate, sharp like a slap. Not because he had sought

13
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

comfort in someone else’s arms—though that betrayal was sharp and

deep—but because he had shattered the very foundation of their life
together. The trust that had taken twenty-five years to build had
crumbled in an instant.
She weeps not for his infidelity, but because he shattered the love and
respect she upheld as a devoted wife for a quarter-century.

As the truth sank in, Rupa felt as though she were watching herself from
afar. The woman who had given her all, who had shaped her life around
her husband and children, who had quietly set aside her passions, her
wants, and sometimes her needs, to be the bedrock upon which her
family stood. And now, that bedrock was fractured.

In the days that followed, Rupa moved through her home like a ghost.
The rooms felt different, colder, as if they too recoiled from the lies that
had been whispered within their walls. She found herself standing often
in her garden, amidst the roses she nurtured, their blooms wilting as
though in sympathy with her heart.

Then came the confrontation with the other woman—Sailaja, a name

that would forever be etched in her memory. The meeting was not
planned; fate cruelly pushed them into each other’s paths at the local
market. Sailaja, vibrant and carefree, the stark opposite of Rupa in her
current state.

The encounter was brief. Rupa looked into the eyes of the woman who
had entangled herself with Anand, searching not for malice, but for
understanding. Sailaja, perhaps sensing the depth of Rupa’s anguish,
offered nothing but a shallow apology before retreating.

It wasn’t the apology that stung—it was the realization that Sailaja saw
herself merely as a participant in a fleeting affair, not as a destroyer of a
family. To Sailaja, the affair might have been a chapter; to Rupa, it was
the book of her life being torn apart.

Weeks turned into months, and the frost of winter settled in, mirroring
the chill in Rupa's heart. The festive season, once a time of joy and
togetherness, became a stark reminder of what was lost. The house was

14
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

decorated, more out of habit than desire, and conversations around the
dinner table were strained, punctuated by the elephant in the room.

Rupa’s journey through pain and betrayal was a solitary one. Her
children, grown yet still dependent on the idea of a ‘perfect’ family,
struggled with their own feelings of betrayal and disbelief. They
gravitated towards their mother’s strength, yet could not fully grasp the
depth of her sorrow.

It was during these long, cold nights that Rupa revisited her old
manuscripts, her fingers tracing the dreams of her youth. The stories
were filled with hope, adventure, and characters who overcame great
odds. Inspired by her younger self’s resilience, Rupa began to write
again. The act of putting pen to paper was cathartic, each word a step
towards healing.

Spring arrived with a promise of renewal. Rupa's garden, once neglected

through the winter of her despair, bloomed with vigor beneath her
attentive care. The roses thrived, as did she. Her writing, once a
forgotten dream, had blossomed into a potential novel. Her children
noticed the change in her—a return of her smile, less brittle and more
genuine.

The journey of healing was long, and forgiveness even longer. Rupa
learned to forgive not for the sake of others, but for herself, to release
the burden of betrayal. As for Anand, the future was uncertain. Trust,
once broken, was not easily mended, and whether it could be restored
remained a question mark hanging over their heads.

In her heart, Rupa knew life would never be the same. Yet, she
embraced this change with a reluctant optimism. For the first time in
years, she was not just the caretaker of others but a woman who
nurtured her own spirit and dreams.

As the first anniversary of that fateful autumn revelation approached,

Rupa stood in her garden, surrounded by the vibrant blooms of her
roses. She was not the same woman who had been shattered by betrayal;
she was stronger, wiser, and more alive than she had been in years.

15
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

For Rupa, trust was not just given; it had to be earned, and love was not
an obligation but a treasure to be cherished. With these truths, she
stepped forward into a new chapter of her life, one written by her own
hand.

-Amoghavarsha Sharma

16
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

SILENT HEART ECHOES

Your eyes are windows to the soul

An ancient story yet untold.
A touch of silk, a breath of grace
A dance of shadow pure delight.

In the quiet of moons embrace

U whisper threads the night
She is the blank page and u are that ink
Who can fill her up.

You are the spark in her wild night

The chaos that keeps her word alight
Your touch ignites a fire in her
Oh her whimsy, magic and boundless hope.

A shadow of hope in a heart unknown

You wander her thoughts when she is alone.
For u are the music of her dreams,
The melody of love's scared themes.

A whisper of love in the quiet night

A distant star, just out of sight.

-Shailja

17
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE AUSPICIOUS BEING TERMINATED

The time elapsed too fast

Like we were at our one's salad days
And now we are elderly ,too
conduct oneself as youngsters
Now it seems as the
Clock is just ticking and each second is painful
The crazy part of life is now only in the memories.
The part of life where u don't wanna breath
But u have to pretend.
The innocence and puzzle
The dreams and stories that we had in our heart
All became a memory of childhood.
U lost your composure
It Feels hard to smile a bit
As life went astray...

-Shailja

18
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

EVEN IN ODDS

In this world where people drink and smoke,

Those people who make you feel nothing but low,
People that betray and can never be trusted,
In this world that is filled with injustice,
Where stress and anxiety roam on the street,
where words like Kindness and loyalty
are just found in the dictionary.

You found someone, right there,

Someone who is neither of them,
the one who is different from the people here,
the one who is Against all injustice of this world,
the one that is none but someone in this world.

-Aashi Singh

19
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

KUCH PYAR DIKHTE NAHI

जब मााँ ने चलना तो,

पापा ने उठकर दौड़ना सिखाया,
जब मााँ िे दयालुता, तो पापा िे सिम्मत और िौिला पाया,
जब मााँ ने बोला की लग जायेगी अब,
तो पापा ने लड़ना भी सिखाया
वो पापा िी िै सजिने मुझे उड़ना सिखाया ।

बचपन िे जो थामी हुई ऊाँगली ,

उिे न कभी छूटने सदया,
अपने सलए न ििी, पर िमें िब कुछ सदया ,
वो पापा िी िै सजिने मुझे उन कटे हुए पंखो
को भी वापि जोड़ कर सदया।

किते िैं वो सपता िी िै ,

जो अपना प्यार कभी जताता निीं,
किते िैं वो सपता िी िै ,
जो अपना प्यार कभी सदखता निीं,
तो स़िर क्ों एक बार मााँ गने में वो खखलोना,
लाकर आपने मुझे सदया।

भले िी स्कूल के काम िे जल्दी उठना िो,

या सिर उि रात भी आपको दे र िे िोनािो,
उििे आप ने िकक पड़ने निीं सदया,
क्ोंसक उि िन्डे भी आप ने अपना पूरा िमय िमें िी सदया।

खुद की सजंदगी में इतनी कष्ट िोके भी,

आप ने िमारी सजंदगी को िरल बनाया,
िर रात थके िारे आकर भी,
आपने क्ा हुआ किकर वक्त सबताया।

20
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

सकिने किा सक एक सपता का प्यार अंधा िोता िै ,

वो सदखता निीं तो क्ा मििूि िोता िै ,
मेरे सपता ने कभी ये ़िकक जताया िी निीं सक एक
सपता का प्यार भी मााँ िे अलग िोता िै ।

-Aashi Singh

21
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

UNTIL THE VERY END

I wield this pen

with none other desire
than to encapture your soul
and entrance your sight
keep those magnificent eyes on me
deeper than the deepest blue
I got lost in the depths
of such a beautiful soul
when you brought up the light
I should have conjured my own
and no words could ever describe the beauty
you've sacrificed your scares
and loved them into art
only for you I would say
that this melancholy feeling
holds no permanence
when I felt hopeless
you would craddle my pain
even the ghosts carving my insecurities
whisper that I don't deserve such a beautiful attempt to put me back
together
I’ll wish upon all the stars
that could gather the strength
to hold on tighter
to what I desire
for you
I shall do everything
and of I soon fall apart
go easy on my eyes
and even easier on my heart
for you I know full well
you will be by my side
until the very end.

-Abiya Sajid

22
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

MUTED HEARTACHE

"May I shed tears?" I asked, my voice

soft and shy,
But they simply shook their head, no tears in their eye.
"Can I show weakness just this once?” I pled.
Yet again, a silent shake, filling me with dread.
"Keep your fears locked away, hide your pain deep inside. For strength
lies in silence,” they sternly replied.
Lips sealed tight, eyes shut against the storm,
No room for release, in this emotional reform.
But oh, the burden of secrets too heavy to keep,
The heart silently weeps while the facade remains steep.
In the quiet, lonely night. I yearn to be free,
To embrace my vulnerability, and let my tears be.

-Moonie

23
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

HEARD MIND

I don't want a gold bracelet, a diamond necklace adorned with gems, a

Kanjeevaram saree and this world.

If you want to give then give.....

The right to fly with wings spread in the open sky. ,

The bracelets on the hands look like chains.

If you want to give then give..... your affectionate love, this house world
seems like a prison of prisoners. Bring love in your heart and change
your thinking by standing near me.

Just look at me once. If I am half, you are complete without

understanding, you are also half as much as I am half......

-Prerna Jha

24
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

RAIN
The tears of the cloud flows the ground,
The echo of the thunder strikes the roof of house.
Loneliness feels solitude and sorrow forward.
Half round-the-clock, near the balcony seat when immense thoughts
runs through the mind,
Shuffling of solutions of monster thoughts with each droplet of rain
makes life seems easy in a blink of an eye.

The dancing leaves of the tree dazzling in grace,

Considering the weather that it obeys.
The moist road seems to be in glee,
As it shines throughout the straight and silvery.
With thunder and cry of cloud gets company of storm,
The magical weather is artic indeed but retains the spirit warm.

The smell it brings,

The peace it carries,
Makes one omit all his grief.
With touch of lofi the aura turns tranquil,
Half round-the-clock passed almost and starts drizzle.

By and by the cloud stopped sniveling,

Nature proves how snapback it now feels.
Grey to glowing white floating in joy,
Cried it's heart out without any destroy.
The droplets of tears, pleasant atmosphere, the rainbow that reflect,
shows how freely it now enjoy.

-Dyuti Barua

25
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

तना हूं, कोई फूल नह ूं

तना हूं , कोई फूल नहीूं

जो तोडोगे टू ट जाऊूंगी।
अब नहीूं सजावट मैं वो,
जो तुम्हारा घर मेहकाऊूंगी।
चाहे ना हो कोई साथ मेरे,
तब भी खडे हो दिखती हूं ,
तना हु कोई फूल नहीूं
अपनी दजूंिगी खुि चलती हूं ।

िू सरो को सहारा िे आगे बढ़ती जाती हूं ,

अपनी फूल, पदियोूं का खुि सहारा बन दिखलाती हूं ,
पूरे पौधे तक पोषण मैं ही पहुूं चती हूं ,
दफर पूरे पौधे का सहारा भी मैं ही बतलाई जाती हूं ,
और एक एक पौधा करके पूरा सूंसार चलाती हूं ।

तना हूं , कोई फूल नहीूं,

अपनी दजूंिगी खुि चलती हूं ,
िू सरो को सहारा िे आगे बढ़ती जाती हूं ,
आगे बढ़ती जाती हूं ।।

-Anmol Kaur Walia (अनमोल कौर वादलया)

26
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

TAKE ME TO EDINBURGH

this weeping heart is numbed from the soul-less solitude I've been
though,

Oh! take it out and mitigate with the love of you,

take me out, break the chains of chaos I'm clinging with.

take me anywhere now, to the city of lights, some freighting heights,

village of flowers, an empty pasture where we can sit and talk for hours.

Oh! take me out to Edinburgh, city of charms,

we could buy a ragged old house,
and work all day at farms,
have a nice warm coffee and watch the sun melt at the horizon,

Oh! take me anywhere, just not here.

-Shakthi.J

27
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

I LIED

Told you I be the same as I was before you,

told you I'm taking me to place I was meant to go, but I lied.
I vowed I would never look upon your eye,
vowed that I would never show my love and I hide.
I made a claim I would that I'll be with you till danger subside,
now you are just an stranger with known secret aside.
told you I will tell you all the reasons why,
and my love would live a million years but I died.
Told you once, you were an angel of kind, I lied,
how kind it is to give and take life and I cried.

-Shakthi.J

28
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

LUNA'S NECKLACE

Below the horizon, the Sun lays,

Ready to assist another for days.
Then he closes his eyes and dips his head-
To welcome that one with an elysian silhouette.

The moon rises from the sun's bed,

A soft caress upon his head,
She sits up to extend her rays-
A celestial glow upon the earth's maze.

All around me, a new dawn breaks,

When the sun wakes up from the slumber it takes.
Oh, but my day- that's when he goes to sleep;
When the moon and I- together we weep.

She touches my face, a gentle breeze,

When the sands shudder, and the winds cease.
Oh, the Sun, are you not jealous-
When you see her neck, adorned with my necklace?

-Rajrita Misra

29
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

A LETTER TO MY FUTURE LOVER

It's funny to think that we're strangers

and you're sitting in some other room,
in some other house,
possibly even in some other country
thinking about things that won't even cross my mind.

It's funny to think that you're out there

dreaming, loving and wishing
upon the same stars that I do
when darkness descends like a veil over the horizon.

It's funny to think what that day will look like,

and how the pieces will fall together.
I wonder which street I’ll be walking on,
what indie band I’ll be listening to,
and which black dress I'll be wearing.

It's funny to think how our conversation will start,

how the words will fill the air and leave my anxious mind to yours.
Your thoughts on my poems and paintings,
whether you’ll observe how I put on fake confidence,
or how I become incredibly passionate about the things I like.

It's funny to think that I'm falling for someone

who is only a speck of my imagination at 16,
but darling, I'll buy you calendulas flowers from 1970,
and I'll be the rainbow after the tears are gone,
wrapping you in my colours and keeping you warm.

It's funny to think I desire knowing your flaws,

your weaknesses, your darkest moments, and your tiniest victories.
I want to scream the lyrics of our favourite song with you.
And I want your tangled words and mixed-up feelings.

It's funny to think I want to be with you through my anxious nights,

depressive episodes, and the joy of my written words.

30
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

I want to hold your hand through the flame of relentless grief,

kiss you every night with the affection you deserve,
and be called "love." (In a British accent)

It's funny to think if we’ll enjoy the same music

or whether you'll introduce me to a universe of lyrics I'm unfamiliar
with.
I'd like to know your favourite 2 AM song
and know the way you like your body traced.
I’ll give you everything that my soul has to offer,
and it won’t be perfect, but it won’t be a disaster.

It's funny to think that someday you will love me

but today, you have no idea who I am.

P.S. when the time comes,

I will love you too.

-Arohi Khandelwal

31
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

थोड़ा सुकून च़ाहिए

एक जहाूं चादहए
थोडा सुकून चादहए

थोडा सुकून चादहए

इस जहाूं में कहाूं जाएूं हम
पररूं िा बन के उड जाए मन
ऐसा
थोडा जुनून चादहए
ख्वाबोूं को मुक्कम्मल कर जाये हम
चाहे आये दफर कोई दसतम
ऐसा एक मुकाम चादहए

थोडी हूं सी चादहए

पल भर के दलए भूल जाये गम
मुस्कुराहट को ही बना लें मरहम
ऐसा एक हुनर चादहए

खुदशयााँ मेरा हाथ थाम लें

दजूंिगी मेरी खुशी का जाम ले
ऐसी ज़मीन, ऐसा आसमान चादहए
थोडा सुकून चादहए

-प्रीनू शाक्या

32
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHISPERS OF LOVE: ECHOES BETWEEN MOTHER AND

DAUGHTER

In the calm of morning's hug,

Mom's love settles like a snug.
With soft words, gentle and sweet,
Our love, in whispers, does meet.

Daughter's grin, Mom's caring stare,

In a maze of love, we both share.
Every touch, every sigh's sigh,
Love's song will never say goodbye.

Through laughs and tears, we find our way,

In each other's arms, we'll stay.
In each moment, big or small,
Between Mom and me, forever new.

-Allam Meghana - Anju Diana Dsouza

33
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHISPERS OF LOVE

In every touch, a story told,

Echoes of affection, never grow old.

Love's language, pure and true,

Forever echoing, me and you.

Heartbeats match, like a song so sweet,

Love's tune, a raindrop's gentle beat.

Whispers ride the wind with ease,

Across the land, over oceans, and trees.

-Allam Meghana - Anju Diana Dsouza

34
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

MUTED HEARTACHE

"May I cry?" I pleaded, vulnerable and meek, But they shook their head,
no comfort to seek.
"May I be weak, if just for a while?"
Their answer unyielding, in stoic style.

"Keep your fears buried, let no tears show,

Strength in silence, this you must know."
Lips pressed, eyes closed, emotions held tight,
Yearning for solace in the depths of the night.

-Moonie

35
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

GOODBYE

the last thing you said

the last thing i felt
in a puddle of sadness, my heart melts

from everyday conversations

to you being a memory
a memory of hope
and i had to find a way for myself to cope

from saying 'i love you'

to leaving me on read
said you were proud of me
made me believe in myself

in the darkness
you made me find stars
but what was the use of orbiting around a star
that's already long dead and far

in the quiet chambers of night

the memory of us lingers
said i was perfect
but you still left me feeling deject

you said that out of all the people with my name

i was your favourite
for no one could ever compete
with the love that i gave

and lets just consider

we were meant to meet and never meant to be
in every ending, a new beginning starts
in the melody of goodbye, love imparts

lived for the hope of it all

never thought there would come a day

36
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

where we said ‘goodbye’

kept me wondering, ‘was it all a lie?’

‘i wont let anyone come between us’

but you did
asked me to stay friends
a question i couldn’t comprehend

and for that, im sorry

sorry for the fact i couldn't say yes
i wanted us to be more
just like before

so i wrote this as a reply i never sent

for everything’s fair in love and poetry
i was never good at saying goodbye
and you said, ‘ig this is goodbye then’

-Naisha Mehta

37
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

NANI KA GHAR

Woh mehak si nani ke ghar ki hawa mein,

Woh TV jisse dekhne ke liye uske remote ko hazaar baar maarna padta
tha,

Sunday ko jaldi uthna taki Shinchan ki movie na miss ho jaye,

apna pasandeeda khaana banwana aur phir raat ki thandi hawa mein
apne cousins ke saath walk karna.

Inn cheezo se pata chalta hai ki hamari zindagi kitni acchi cheezo se
bhari hai.

Zindagi ki race mein bhagte bhagte hum present ko enjoy karna bhul
jaate hain,

Yeh wo waqt tha jo shayad ab kabhi wapas na aaye, filhaal, present enjoy
karte hain bina past ke soche aur bina future k soche.

'Time is a storm in which we all are lost.'

-Shyona Kulshreshtha

38
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

YOU ARE ONLY MINE

Hy listen
I have written something.
some feelings of this heart
some beliefs in these eyes
Thirst for some of this beat
And the feelings of being only yours.

you are not my wish

if the wish comes true
There is no craving.
you are not even my habit.
habits are bad
for whom a bad day
the thought will come.

you are not my world

the world is easy
one day to end.
you are not even my dream
which does not come true without luck.

you are not my night

which ends in the morning.
you are not my moon
which hides as soon as the clouds come.

you are not even my hope

which breaks in a moment one day.
you are not my dream
Which changes in a matter of minutes.

you are my favorite

top of the line
I will not get angry because of your anger.
I will not get angry because of your displeasure.
you are my beloved heart

39
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

there is unconditional love

have immense love
who wants only mine.
Not the whole world.
Because above all else
you are special for me ...

you are my sky

whom I can see with closed eyes.
You are the fragrance of my flowers
which remains fragrant till every birth.
You are only mine
You are only mine ..

-Mohan Kumar Behera

40
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE REBELLIOUS SOUL THAT YOU ARE

The Rebellious soul that you are, the vigorous fire that burns inside you.
Don't you think of calming it down honey. The conflict between the
angel and devil,
the ferocious lion that completes you
Never stop these brawls
Ain't nobody can match your existence even if they pour out infinity.
Your nightmares are their dreams.
Your cool is their reprimand.
You ain't gotta reach someone else's peak because your phenomenal
soul is out of everyone's reach.
The beauty that blends easily isn't the real one
Real beauty doesn't point at your physique, it points at your soul, your
heart, your mind.
It's the existence of your soul in the canvas of injuries.
People admiring the fake beauty ain't your real well wishers, they gotta
hold the hoax to get things done.
The fairytale you create with them is so volatile, so honey stay far away
from these fake ones.
You deserve to be filled with hope, motivation, and love.

-Ummehaani Zahir

41
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHY AIN'T I ABSORBING THE REALITY?

Why ain't I absorbing the reality? I'm absolutely devastated because the
way is just unprecedented.
Never thought before that this could be as strenuous as this.
I think I'm diffident to face it.
Walking anonymously on the street,
I'm alone with a mountain of dreams and hopes.
Want to create a perfect existence but my own doom is the absolute
resistance.
Do I overthink about everything?
Because the perils are ripping me apart in million pieces.
You cannot see the creases
Maybe I'm too good at defending.
-Ummehaani Zahir

42
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

MIRROR OF HOPE

She is standing in front of the mirror

Thinking about the past and future
Remembering the beautiful moments of her life
Remembering the beautiful days of her life
When she could laugh
When She could smile
When she could play with her children
When she could hold her children
She remembered the days
Her hands are empty
Her eyes are full of pain
But
She has hope
That one day, her land will be free
She can walk everywhere,
without the fear of bomb
She can have dreams
She can rebuild her home
And bring happiness,
To the faces of her companions
One day, she will be free
One day, Palestine will be free

-Aliya Sayyed

43
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

कहाूं ले जाने लगा है

तेरा नाम मेरी जबाूं पर हर वक्त क्योूं आने लगा है

तेरी सूरत का परिा मेरी आूं खो के सामने क्योूं छाने लगा है
तेरी सीरत का असर मेरे नजररए पर क्योूं आने लगा है
तेरी यािोूं का िररया मुझे हर रात क्योूं बहाने लगा है

क्योूं मेरे हाथो का छु अन तेरी जुल्ोूं को चाहने लगा है

क्योूं तेरे इश्क का दनशान मेरी डायरी बनाने लगा है

लगता है मेरी इश्क की िास्तान का हर लम्हा

मेरे दिल के खूबसूरत पन्नो में छाने लगा है
लगता है मेरा दिल यहाूं होते हुए भी तेरे साथ हर रात कहीूं जाने लगा है
चल छोड सारी बातें
मुझे तू ये बतािे
ये तेरा गुस्ताख दिल मेरे नािान दिल को
हर रात हर दिन
कहाूं ले जाने लगा है ।

-Somya Verma

44
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

MONSOON

waiting eyes of farmers

Swirling clouds, sporadic sprinkles of electricity, rays of hope awakening

in the eyes of farmers.

Rain of rain drop by drop, sometimes shining of pearls, sometimes

thunder of clouds, swinging rain as if giving the message of greenery
everywhere, see them singing and plowing, it is bursting on their faces
like the music of happiness, cloud dancing like a peacock - Barkha, look
how the fields are swinging together, swinging, drizzling, drizzling like
India.

-Prerna Jha

45
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

JEALOUSY

I held hands with those green eyes,

We gave in to each other's lies.
Oh, I knew he wasn't good for me,
But I couldn't just let him sit alone by the sea.

He fueled those sins I feared,

But it felt so right when he was near.
He was a part of my heart and soul,
Now, he's there wherever I go.

Was he the one who killed everything I had?

Yes, he was. But I couldn't be mad.
He controlled my smile, my sight, my tears,
And now with him gone- his return I fear.

He wasn't a person; a friend or a foe.

He wasn't a truth, a lie, tale of woe.
He tried to grasp my future and legacy.
He was the one we call the 'green-eyed jealousy'.

-Rajrita Misra

46
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

FADING LIGHT

It wasn't supposed to be like this,

I whispered in thoughts, a dark abyss.
You made a new friend,
leaving me behind.
Leaving me alone,
with memories confined.
I gazed from afar, a bitter sight,
Of you both laughing, making me spite.
I wished it was me, in her place instead,
told myself it was fine, as I bled.

Like a moon foolishly revolving,

but you the earth, spun around the sun.
You were the only one in my view,
reflecting my light, only to you.
Yet you turned towards the sun,
seems like I wasn't truly the one.
My light didn't made you all bright,
nowhere near the sun's radiant light.
Maybe that's the reason why,
you left me to fade in the sky.

I yearn for an eclipse,

To hide the sun's glow,
To be the focus of your gaze,
Just for awhile, just once more.
And after that, I'll finally let go.

-Anwesha Garbyal

47
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER

The strongest I know

The kindest I know
The only one I truely trust
The only one I truely believe
Fine lines adorn your face
Most beautiful you are
You have lived for over four decades
Spending half of it taking care of me
Sleepless nights for when I get sick
Comforting me for when I am in pain
Your dreams forgotten
Making mine top priority
In your embrace
I feel warm and safe
Thank you for everything
Mama ❤
Your's truely

-L.N

48
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

शुभच ूंतकोूं

ररश्ता कौन नहीूं बनाता है

कोई आपने फायिा के दलए
तो कोई आपने लाईफ का साथ गुजारने के दलए।
इन सब में ऊपर है किर
कौन कैसे और दकस हि तक दकस वक्त तक किर कर रहा है ।

सायि सवालोूं के समुद्र का लेहर हो सकता है

दफर भी वो सवालोूं के लेहर को
जवाब ढू ूं ढते हुए दकनारे तक आना ही पडे गा।

इस िु दनया में हर एक इूं सान

कुछ ना कुछ ररस्थो में जोडा रहता है
कुछ ना कुछ खुि को भूल के
िू सरो का खयाल रखतें हैं
दकयूूंकी उनको पसूंि है
हमारी तराकी िे खना
हमारी सफलता और अधूरा ख्वाब पूरा हो जाए ।

हम चाहे दकतना भी तकलीफ दकयूूं ना हो

वो हमेसा तकलीफ िू र होने का रास्ता बोलते हैं ।
हर वक्त में एक फररस्था बनके आ जातें हैं
हर एक मुसीबत में शाूं त और सक्त रहना का तरीका बताते हैं

वो लोग माूं बाप भाई बहन या िोस्त या कोई जान पहचान लोग भी हो सकते हैं ।

अपना टू टा हुआ सपना

अधूरा रहा ख्वाब
हमारे आूं खोूं में िे खते हैं ।
पर हम ही उनको नहीूं समझते ।
बहुत नजरूं िाज कर िे ते हैं ।
बहुत कुछ बोल िे ते हैं ।

49
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ये सब मेरे सारें
सुभदचूंतक के दलए
जो आज तक मेरे पर भरोसा रखें हैं की
में सफलता हादसल कर
ूं गा
कुछ ना कुछ करके दिखाऊूंगा ।

-Mohan Kumar Behera

Also writer of "ALONE "& "MEMORIES" of your last published book " The
verse unleashed".

50
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE TEARS OF THE TREES

What if the trees shed leaves like we shed tears?

What if the leaves turn yellow with exertion?
What if it's their emotion?

What if the clouds rain to feel insouciant?

What if the rains are the weeps of the clouds?

What if we become a history?

-will everything we are doing go in vain?

What if we are too scared to know?

What if.....
we are too hopeless to find it out?

What if this humanity-less world cease to exist,

will the death be beauteous then?
or
Will it be painful as customed?

-Vipassana Lama

51
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE EDGE OF CHILDHOOD

I've reached the edge of childhood

An aching heart desperately trying to hold on
Trying to relive the memories in that one special candy
But realising that the time is long gone

Laughter buried in a childhood friend's home

Hallways filled with mindless chatter
Everything that I'm meant to leave behind to move ahead
Everything that made life better

Now I'm packing up my entire life in boxes,

How am I to pack all those moments I wish to never let go of?
How am I to pack the warmth of comfort and familiarity surrounding
me?
How am I to plunge into the unknown leaving everything I know of?

I've reached the edge of childhood

An endless sea of opportunities waiting for me they say
But a part of me is scared to leave and get lost in the world outside
A part of me just yearns to stay
-Ayanika

52
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

MY FEMININE LINEAGE

Sometimes I see my mother in me

Unending kindness piercing through the harsh exterior
A smile that lights up cities
The urge to make all my fears feel inferior

Sometimes I notice my grandmother

In the way I excitedly spin tales
How I love cooking meals with love as the main ingredient
How I practice self-restraint when I'm about to go off the rails

I maybe my own person

But I am also the embodiment of every women in my lineage
I am what they were and thriving to become what they couldn't be
That is why I can never be confined by the people in their small cage

Generations of love are woven into my soul

Experiences that become stories and then opportunities for me to see
Are the ones passed down from these powerful women
They are what makes me, me.

-Ayanika

53
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

SHE

I look at her,
I wanna keep looking at her,
'nd it feels like her sunlight is gonna burn my eyes down.

She turns her head, stares at me,

'nd I realise, I don't have the capability to look at her anymore.
-her golden eyes scare me more than death ever had.

She comes nearer, pulls my head towards her,

-her golden eyes, saying it all,
and then I grasp- "she is gonna be the death of me."

Days pass, memories stay,

She becomes the world to me,
from an unknown bee.

But as they say- "Nothing is fair in love and war"-and thus, the world
shatters,
as I catch her kissing the other guy.

She catches me staring at her,

-but not with love this time, but with agony,
filled for her.

I turn the other side and walk away,

-as I hear her footsteps behind me,
I halt,
-nd I exclaim- "I thought for a second you saved me from my demons,
but who knew, you were the demon from the beginning."

'nd I walk away,

-leaving her motionless,
-leaving her with her guilt,
-nd I realise,
I don't trust in love anymore.

54
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

I still love her,

-when I look back on those days,
-but that love is not enough,
-to claim her mine again.
-Vipassana lama

55
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

EK DIN M BHI JIYUNGI

Ek din m bhi jiyungi
Mt nikalo mujhe bhaar
Band krdo in pinjro m
Kaid ka Daaman tod
Jhat s m udjayungi
Dekhna Ek din m bhi jiyungi"

"Choti si khwaish ki gullak h meri

Aas k drwajo k piche sanjayungi
Jis din mauka milega udjayungi
Naye safar k dhaage piroyungi
Dekhna Ek din m bhi jiyungi "

" In Thandi purwayo m jhilmila si jayungi

Fir khi bethi khud hi khud m btlayungi
Jis din mauka milega 2 guna jiyungi
Dekhna ek din m bhi jiyungi "

-Pranshi chandel

56
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

OH, MY SOLITUDE

The vibration of his mobile wake up his eyes. He picks up the call and talk
with his manager regarding his work. After the call cuts-off, he checks the
time in phone. It is a quarter past 5 o clock in the evening. He stretches
his body with yawning mouth. he leaves that place with wallet, mobile and
flat key. Slowly entered into the lift from flat to street road. A sloth walk
takes exactly seven minutes to reach a coffee shop. He ordered, coffee
with butter biscuits. When the tea reaches his place, he takes a sip of tea
with heartfelt taste of coffee and dip the biscuit in a coffee to take a little
bite. Something rushes his mind. Every sip of coffee tells something about
his thoughts. He leaves that place with wandering thoughts. He reaches
the flat within fifteen minutes. His wandering thoughts comes to an end
with made a small trip. So, he decided to go Kerala. He packed three tees
and two blue jeans with white sneaker and black jacket. Also, two boxers
with flipflops. Remaining all must need things are also packed. He set the
alarm at 4.30 AM and go to sleep. Within few hours his mobile started to
vibrate, he wakes up, brushed up and take his Honda CBR 150. The trip
started with strong and hot coffee. He started from Coimbatore which
enroute Kerala. The wandering mind again kick start the thoughts. He
stops his bike and seeing the reddish orange rays with sun rise. He deeply
looking at the sky and notices the sun rises and the birds travels from their
nest to other place to search food. He normalizes himself and again
started to ride the bike. After few hours he reached Alappuzha. The
greenly land in both sides in-between the lake freezes the wandering
thoughts. The boat house engaged him for few hours. He stayed that night
in boat house. The breezy night hugs his loneliness. The warm of his palm
make him to sleep. The sun rays enter into his eye ball. He slowly opens
his eyes and slowly take off his hands from pillow. He stands in the boat
and his soulful mind searches hot coffee to drink. He came back to take
his bike to reach Athirappilly water falls. The way he travels towards it
sprouting his buried positive thoughts. Finally, he reached the falls like a
baby elephant finds out his mother. His mind craving peace and quiet to
think. He started to feel heavenly and slowly walk towards falls. A group
of boys leave that place with fun. He thought, now his turn to live that
heavenly movements for a while. He inward that moment to live. He
stands on the rock and slowly touches the water by his right foot.
Suddenly he back dive into the water. He is enjoying with swim and he is

57
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

feeling energized by solitude. He starts to swim in under water. Each time

he came from under water, he gets refreshment by both physically and
mentally. He came out from water and sit on the rock to see the amaze of
the nature. He spent an hour in that place and left that place mindlessly.
But this time, he rides bike with passionately. He loves to eat that food
and started towards Wayanad. The place is famous for its large amount of
camping and trekking trails, breathtaking waterfalls and caves. Also, for
bird watching sites, flora and fauna and overall plethora of magnificent
sights. He is trill to visit adventures trip and animal sanctuary. The animal
sanctuary is worth watching for our national animal tiger and Asian
elephants. He skipped his heartbeat for a second when tiger roars. The
elephants are easily snatched human heart by doing crazily, especially baby
elephant. The time spent in that place was not enough for his heart. He
had his lunch and reached adventures trip. He takes rest by sitting on the
wooden house. The prepared tea and snacks given to him. He drinks tea
with soulfully and he bite snacks with every sip of tea. People surrounded
by him are invisible for him. He just recalls the moments that he spent in
waterfalls and sanctuary. The time gone with these thoughts. Suddenly he
hears the laughing smile of two children and they are making fun of each
other. He heard that I smiled, it was noticed by their parents. The father
of their parent introduce himself to him. He introducing himself to their
father. After that they talk about their journey. Then he had dinner with
that family together. The children take two pieces of big stone in the place.
And told their parents to sing a song. They planned to play musical chair.
They consider that stone as chair. They invite him and his father to play
with them. And the song was sing by their mother. it was new to him to
get such feel. He played joyfully and give company to those children. After
that, they are together sitting in camp fire. Such a beautiful moment. He
captured that moment with his phone and heart too. The sound of
animals threatened his soul. He silently watches every moment of
surrounded people and animals. The next morning, he left that place by
saying heart-missing bye to those children and their parents. He rides bike
by sighting nature. He travels back to reach Coimbatore. The long journey
doesn’t need a conflict between a mind and heart. He just rides that bike
joyfully. He sees a man who is standing near the street coffee shop and
drinking tea with cheese biscuits. He is sitting on the bike which is similar
to his bike. He crossed that man by a little hidden smile. Its not that much
hard to being an introvert. Its actually a biggest thing to survive or live in

58
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

new place without any companion. The bike stops at his flats parking area.
He reached his flat soon by using lift. He removed his sneakers, jackets,
tees and pant. He just lying on the bed by wearing boxer. A long breathe
said, its enough to take rest for few hours. And he was mentally ready to
do the next day routine work. His, that night ended with

I’M NOT ALONE, I’M JUST LISTENING MY ECHO VOICE OF

MUTED THOUGHTS

-Jems

59
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

तेर यादो को साथ लेकर

तेरी यािो को साथ लेकर,

जा रहा हु।
अपने अश्को में कुछ बात लेकर,
जा जहा हु।
अधूरी रह गई जो, वो फ़ररयाि लेकर,
जा रहा हु।
एक वािा था, हर वक़्त साथ रहने का,
जो तोड दिया तुमने;
उम्र भर के दलए ,
एक घाव साथ लेकर जा रहा हु!

-Rohit

60
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

एक च ूंगार भड़क थ स ने में मेरे

एक दचूंगारी भडकी थी सीने में मेरे

अब लगा हु अूंगारोूं की तरह जलने

एक दिन वो सब होगा मेरे पास,

दजसके दलए रातोूं की नीूंि त्याग िी हमने

लोग कहते है , सपने बडे िे खो,

लो, ख्वाबोूं की िीवार लाूं घ िी हमने।

हर रोज नई िु दवधाओूं से लडते है ,

लगे है खुि ही खुि से लडने।

अकेले रहते है अब, िु दनया की नजरो से िू र,

दफर भी उनकी आूं खोूं में लगे है खलने ।

इस सफर में कई लोग आए और गए,

जो अूंत तक साथ िे , बस वही है अपने।

-Rohit

61
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

I'M JUST A TEXT AWAY

When you feel lonely or betrayed,

Got some problems, feeling weighed.
You know I'm just a text away,
In your corner, come what may.

When you feel tension or afraid,

Got some issues, feeling dismayed.
You know I'm just a text away,
In your corner, come what may.

So fear not, for you're not alone,

Together, our spirits will shone,
Through thick and thin, I'll always stay,
Just a text away, come what may.

-Mahak Bisht

62
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

GLIMPSES OF YOU

Certainly! Here's a refined version of the poem while maintaining its

essence:

You visit my dreams

nightly, don't you?
You were there,
wasn't it you?
Who are you?
Are you me,
someone I once knew?

I glimpse you in the mirror.

Shadow: unmistakably you!
Are you present here too?
I fled through the darkest rooms.
You meet my gaze.
Are you someone I knew?
That lost smile, restless,
a little blue.

The bird sings, and I hear you too.

Silences scream.
You sit like someone I knew,
speaking few words,
letting me sway with you.
Are you the daydream
I glimpse in the lanes too?

-Jyoti Prasad

63
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

PROMISES UNDER THE NIGHT SKY

Promises to be kept,
Uttered under the dark greyish night.
It was silly and funny, eyes shines bright,
With hopes of tomorrow, spoken with depth.
Shallow as the dead sea and
As heavy as the mountains.

With love had had, for each

Our eyes glitters brighter than the sands of mariana beach.
To achieve something is what we sought,
That night has changed and deepens our thought.

One must reach to what we seek,

To walk alongside is what had we promised.
Deep we know is impossible within a week,
Miles to go, movements not to be ceased.

We promised to keep going, no matter how far,

To hold onto faith, like a guiding star.
One day the flower will bloom, we said with delight,
Yet miles and Miles to go, to see the light.....

-Biswandar Phangcho

64
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

नन्ह बच्चियााँ

नन्ही नन्ही बच्चियो को चार दकताब पढ़ने िो साहब

कोख से बच आई हैं , िहे ज से भी बच जाएगी
अपनी सोच को इनके रास्ते का कूंकर मत बनने िो
आगे चलकर ये अपनी बुलूंदियो की पतूंग उडाएगी
रीत जो बडी पुरानी है उसको कुछ तो अब बिलो साहब
आगे चलकर आपका नाम ही िू र तक पहुचाएूं गी
कूंधे से कूंधा दमलाकर क्यूाँ बेटा ही चले हर बार
थोडा सफर तो तय करने िो इन्हें भी अबकी बार
सफर भले ही मुच्चश्कल भरा हो इनका हर डगर पर
दफर भी हर राह को अपना साथी बनाएगी
ना डर हो हार का ना बाधा हो कोई रीत
हर फ़ासले को दमटा कर अपना परचम लहराएगी
ये बेटी ही आपको जीवन में कुछ कर दिखाएगी
िहे ज प्रथा को हरा कर अपनी कीमत सबको बताएगी
ये नन्ही बिी आज की नारी बनकर सबको सशक्त बनाएगी

-Nishu

65
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

औरत

खुि की ख्वादहशोूं से दमलने के सफर में

मुसादफरोूं से बडे दगले हुए हैं
दकस तरह कहाँ अपने मन की अनकही बातें
इस चुप्पी पर हमेशा ये होठ दसले हुए हैं
उडते पररन्ोूं की तरह आसमान तक जाना था
लेदकन इस बात पर भी सवाल खडे हुए हैं
सबके मन के घर की स्त्री हुई शायि
इसदलए मेरा वजूि सबने िबाया है
अकेले नहीूं चल सकती तू कभी िु दनया में
इस बात को कई िफा समझाया है
कभी बेटी बनकर पराया होने तक
िु दनया की बुरी नजरोूं से मुझे बचाया है
जहा बचाने थे सपने मेरे हक में
उनको ही आहुदत की भेट चढ़ाया हैं
रुकना नहीूं था मुझे बस चलते जाना था
दफर भी हर िहलीज पर एक पहरा लगाया है
कभी िू सरोूं की मूंज़ूरी में दसर झुकाया है
कभी िू सरोूं की खुशी में मन मुस्कुराया है
ना मूंज़ूरी फरमाने पर लोगो ने
तू औरत हैं हर बार ये बताया है

-Nishu

66
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

LOST ETHOS

For a second, I believed,

I believed in the 'I love yous",
he threw in my face.

I believed in the 'lifetime',

he virtually mentioned,
Quite frankly,
I gave credence to every little thing,
he said
-like an avarice gulper.

Yet, the 'lifetime' transformed into a momentary lapse.

Yet, the 'I love yous' turned into 'I used you.'

Yet,
My belief, My trust was decepted
by a swindler,
-whom I once trusted
-to whom I gave my whole part
even during the times I was broken.

Even if the reality is acrid, it ultimately is the legitimacy.

But what torturers more?

I lost myself within it,
I lost myself giving everything that was left within me to him,
I gave him so much that my ethos no longer belongs to me,
-it belongs to him.

-Vipassana Lama

67
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHAT TO SAY HOW I’M FEELING?

Inside me there's still a part which is healing

Too tired to speak about,
With what I am dealing?
Inside me there's still a part which is healing.

There's ample room for past

Not for present; and the future,
There are the boxes of all bad memories
Wanted to burn them,
Yet the flames of anger and frustration are so strong
Frightening me; might burning of good ones .

Voices seem loud with which I am dealing

One says 'you can do it ' , they'll appreciate
Another says ' leave it ' , no one's here ,
Varieties sound good when given a choice
But who will wish to choose these night mares .

When I have to choose a safe place

Why anyone of them can't be one ,
When I call for help
Why all they do is left me on seen ,
As if I wasn't realizing
Who was being good , who was being mean .

Again , when I have to choose a safe place

Why anyone of them can't be one,
Making tough for me to choose as;
I was never introduced to the meaning of "safer one".

Why they leave on my special days

Finding ways to hurt me ; and let my breath go away .

Make me weak to express

Yet i have to put up a smile and get dressed,
Messed up me still trying to say all is well,

68
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

When all I know is , what I am dealing with is hell .

Cause, inside me there's still a part which is healing

Too tired to speak about, With what I am dealing.

-Arshdeep

69
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHEN I WANTED YOU

You gave me distance ,

When I wanted you to be with me .

You gave me those stupid excuses

When all I wanted is your attention ,
You gave me detention .

My love for you was so pure

But your was contaminated with pebbles and dirt ,
The pebbles which you throwed at me as insecurities and the dirt which
came with your lies .

Loving you was not easy

The dizziness, shivering and the heartache
But oh my I forgot that to feel the feeling a heart is needed too .

When all I wanted a truthful person you were being bogus

I gave you the love as if I own a river
You on other side you gave me the sandy water came across the banks
of it yet I still took it in my hand and took a sip
Yes it was bitter
Yes it was hard to swallow as was filled with broken promises and the
flakes of my ideal type disappearing .

This poor girl still thinks you will come back holding her in your arms
you will make her twirl all around .

It will be you and her against this whole world ,

But lil she knew in the coming phase the flowers will stop blooming, the
trees will shed its leaves, remembering season was of summer ... the
battle become u vs me, why so? As I always wanted just love and time
But yeah, but you said I am busy and my phone's dyin!

-Arshdeep

70
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ADIEU

If I were to die
may the last visage upon my eye,
be none other than yours, standing by,
in your presence, may I peacefully lie.

And if you were to die,

I'd wish for my own goodbye,
For in a heaven without you near,
Even hell's flames, I'd prefer to bear.

But if you and I both were to die,

I hope I go first, without a sigh
For I'd rather close my eyes before you feel pain,
Than linger in a world where you suffer in vain.

So when my time comes, and I bid adieu,

Don't linger near, my dear, please do,
For in my absence, I may not console,
Or wipe your tears, as I once did whole.

-Shreya

71
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

LONGING

Water body like longing has its own reach

It is a large sea having zero beach
The food like longing has its ordinary taste
It is sweet till it's expiry date
The heart of a man in longing is just like a burning cigar
It constantly gives a hope same as a desertic Mirage
Longing also has its simple trend
The person far from you will be lost as your that sweet, innocent and
naughty childhood friend
Longing can be considered as a typical play girl
Which can convert your thoughts from a large diamond to a small pearl
Longing is a race in which you run until your drop of sweat drain
But at the end on destination you find someone else and describe your
efforts all in vain
Even after knowing all these facts
I am still hopeful and acting like every Oscar winning actor acts

-Somya Verma

72
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

FROM THE LAST FEW DAYS

From the last few days, I have been someone that I was never
My whole peer knew the reality only I was the person who's was
ignoring them and saying. Oh, shut up! And whatsoever.
They told me indirectly that listen!
Oceans look amazing, but we are not meant to deep dive in them.
And today I exclaim and appreciate their words without taking their
name.
Life and person always give the right advice. If not; then probably a right
lesson.
Take their advice or else the lesson and don't be someone else just to
love someone whole heartedly or to build your so-called impression.

-Somya Verma

73
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

SADNESS: A FEELING SO EASING YET HAUNTING

melancholy soothes me,

on the days I die within.
filling the voids,
which freckle my heart.
oh! how it feels like to be embraced by emptiness
the feeling which has fastened me,
for eternity.
oh! how I wish I could tell
the chasm stifles me
but calms me at the same time
how I love it but I hate it at the same time.....

-Janya

74
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

गलत फिमी

दिल सब से जोडे बैठे है

ना जाने दफर क्योूं सबसे मुूंह मोडें बैठे है
साथ दजनका खोए बैठे है
दिल अपना रोए बैठे है
सालोूं से प्यार के बीज बोए बैठे हैं
जागे हुए है दफर भी क्योूं सोए बैठे हैं
पलके दबछा कर आूं खें खोले बैठे हैं
जीतकर भी दिल हारे बैठे हैं
दिल िोनो के लडे बैठे हैं
िोनो ही अपने बातोूं पर अडे बैठे हैं
आहूं कर िोनो के चढ़े बैठे हैं
पर प्यार कहीूं गडाए बैठे है
गुरुर सर पर चढ़ाए बैठे है
आूं खें अपनी झपकाए बैठे है
दिल एक िू सरे का तोडे बैठे है
दवश्वास एक िु सरे पे छोडे बैठे है
प्यार अूंिर िबाए बैठे है
क्या करे तुम्हे अपनी दजूंिगी बनाए बैठे हैं
घूंटो तक बात करने वाले आज शाूं त बैठे है
क्या ररश्ता वो अपना खोए बैठे है ?

-Harshita Subhash Halemani

75
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

OCEAN

I went to the beach, other day

When storm came
The waves were dangerous yet calming
Soaring across the beach
The water was cold
Sent shivers down the spine
The depth of the ocean were unseen
Yet fear didn't come over me
As if something waited in the depth
Something familiar yet not remembered
My body wanted me to go down
Till my lungs gave up
Let me go down
To find this unseen aura
That brings me closer
I swam
Till the water became dark
My body gave up
My hands felt numb
And my lungs started filling with water
Yet the calmness there
Did not leave me unseen
So I waited there
To drown

-Alishba khan

76
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE CONUNDRUM

The heart wants what it wants,

But mine always wants more.
choose rush over comfort ,
forever walked through the wrong door .

It pretends not craving money,

but treads paths which lead it to gold..
It meticulously plans,
but does what it'll regret least grey old .

It wants to change the world,

But find solace in routine.
As carefree as a grazing sheep,
But always questions which grass was more green.

-Nandini Sethi

77
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

DELHI WALI LOVE STORY

It was a beautiful spring day in Delhi when Sourav first laid eyes on
Hansi. They were both attending a local street festival in Connaught
Place. Sourav, a dedicated writer and journalism student at a prestigious
college, was in awe of the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere of the
festival. As he was admiring the street art, his eyes caught sight of a
young woman with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes – it was Hansi, an
engineering student at a nearby college.

Sourav couldn't take his eyes off her as she moved gracefully through
the crowd, her laughter echoing through the busy streets. He felt drawn
to her energy and presence, and before he knew it, he found himself
walking towards her. With a nervous smile, he introduced himself, and
to his delight, she responded with warmth and enthusiasm.

Over the following weeks, Sourav and Hansi began spending more time
together, exploring the hidden gems of Delhi together. Sourav would
take Hansi to his favorite bookstores and coffee shops, while Hansi
would show him the lesser-known parks and gardens scattered
throughout the city. They would lose track of time engrossed in deep
conversations about literature, engineering, and their dreams for the
future.

As their friendship blossomed, Sourav found himself falling deeply in

love with Hansi. He was captivated by her intelligence, her passion for
her studies, and her unwavering kindness towards others. Hansi, too,
found herself drawn to Sourav's creativity, his unique perspective on life,
and his ability to make her laugh even in the most challenging moments.

One evening, under the twinkling lights of India Gate, Sourav finally
mustered the courage to confess his feelings to Hansi. With a trembling
voice and a heart full of hope, he poured out his love for her, laying bare
his emotions for the woman who had stolen his heart. To his delight,
Hansi's eyes lit up with happiness, and she embraced him tightly,
reciprocating his love with equal fervor.

From that day on, Sourav and Hansi became inseparable, their love
78
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

growing stronger with each passing moment. They graduated from their
respective universities, celebrating their achievements side by side, with
dreams of a future filled with endless possibilities. Together, they
navigated the bustling streets of Delhi, hand in hand, writing their love
story against the backdrop of the vibrant city that had brought them
together.

Years passed, and their love only deepened with time. Sourav continued
to write and publish his work, while Hansi pursued her passion for
engineering, making significant contributions to her field. They traveled
the world together, exploring new cultures, and creating memories that
would last a lifetime.

And as they sat on a bench in Lodhi Garden one evening, watching the
sunset cast a golden hue over the city they called home, Sourav took
Hansi's hand in his and whispered, "I never knew that a chance
encounter at a street festival would lead me to the love of my life. Delhi
will always hold a special place in our hearts, for it was here that our love
story began, and it is here that it will continue to grow, forever and
always.

" Hansi smiled, tears of joy glistening in her eyes, as she leaned in to kiss
the man who had captured her heart, grateful for the love that had
brought them together in the bustling, chaotic, and beautiful city of
Delhi.

Their love story continued to evolve, with Sourav and Hansi facing life's
challenges together with unwavering support and love for each other.
Sourav's career as a writer flourished, with his works gaining recognition
not just in Delhi but across the country. Hansi, too, made strides in her
engineering career, working on innovative projects that made a positive
impact on society.

Despite their busy schedules, they always found time for each other,
whether it was sharing a quiet dinner at a cozy cafe in Hauz Khas Village
or taking long walks along the tree-lined boulevards of Rajpath. Delhi,
with its myriad of sights, sounds, and flavors, continu

79
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ed to be the backdrop of their love story, each corner of the city holding
a special memory of their journey together.

As the years passed, they faced trials and tribulations that tested the
strength of their bond. But through it all, their love remained constant, a
beacon of light guiding them through the darkest moments. Sourav's
pen weaved tales of their love, immortalizing their story in words that
resonated with readers around the world. Hansi, with her indomitable
spirit and unwavering belief in their love, stood by his side, a pillar of
strength and support.

One rainy evening in Delhi, as they stood under an umbrella, taking

shelter from the downpour, Sourav looked into Hansi's eyes and knew
with certainty that she was his soulmate, the love of his life. With a
trembling hand, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet
box, opening it to reveal a shimmering diamond ring.

"Hansi," he began, his voice filled with emotion, "from the moment I
saw you at that street festival in Connaught Place, I knew you were the
one I was destined to spend my life with. Will you do me the honor of
being my wife, of continuing our love story together for all eternity?"

Tears welled up in Hansi's eyes as she nodded, her heart overflowing

with love and joy. As the rain poured down around them, they held each
other in a tight embrace, sealing their commitment with a promise to
stand by each other through life's ups and downs.

And so, in the heart of Delhi, amid the chaos and beauty of the city they
loved, Sourav and Hansi began a new chapter in their love story,
embarking on a journey of marriage and lifelong companionship, bound
together by a love that was as timeless and enduring as the streets of
Delhi themselves.

-Suprava Priyadarshni

80
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

HIDDEN TRUTH

Many will adore your smile

thought you were in heavy heart!
It's very easy to mourn but it's very hard to forget!
Sometimes longing to hang nowhere but You may not to be allowed!
All the things are possible if we care about other people's feelings more
than yours.
-M. Sathyaprabha

81
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

LOVE ECHO OF PEARLY SOUL

In the scars of deity I went to snatch the pic of it rather than to gasp the
time of sew
Even though I was in with pretty little devil,
My fate turned into night full of moon

-Mohith Pinninti

82
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE CLOWN

Sir, please let me go.

So that I can see my wife joe
Sir she is about to die,
Can I go there to cry?
Sir, the doctors have lost all the hope.
am requesting you please free me from
this rope
Can I go there and see her at last?
Oh my lord, With the heart so vast!

Oh My dear. You can go there,

but before please read the condition
here!
Deposit me my 1 lakh with interest.
Now it's your decision what you would
like to do next!
It's better to do the show first,
otherwise my vessel of anger burst
Remove your sad facial expression.
Otherwise I will give you a hasty retreat
and you will go in depression!
Try to get ready by eight,
Remember I The audience can't wait!

The clown sadly went ahead,

with tears from his eyes shed!
By wearing the nose as red as rose, he
makes his eyes close.
He remembers his wife face
and quickly went to backstage.

The anchor made the announcement and

called joker jumpy.
Who comes to trampoline, a surface so
83
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

round so bumpy
He makes the faces and cracks the joke.
But who knows about his heart, so
Broke!
The boss congratulates other employee
for grant success.
Clown has not the time to listen, he is
running like a horse in a race!

He reached the hospital and ask the

doctor,
Where is my wife, want to see her?
The doctors very
sadly replied, very best we have tried.
But she dies by leaving her baby.
She want to send her in navy!
The expression of clown's face can't be
expressed,
For he is now both happy and sad
He lift his baby and promised him to give
all sorts of happiness in life..
And we will surely watch you from earth,
my dearly wife!

-Aryan Arora

84
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

MISPLACED ELEMENTS

The Polaroid lays there

Portraits of memories we made
Words you soothed me with
The smiles we exchanged
They haunt me now

Every moment- a blissful memory

All I can do is watch
As they disappear into the void
Diminishing as time passes by

I try my best to hold on

To the bits and pieces
But they strain to scramble away
With every transient moment

How do I move on to new ventures?

When the ones I had with you
Were all that mattered?
Because in that abyss of darkness
Your smile could spark up what I'd lost

-Fathima Valliyangal

85
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

TELL ME A STORY

Tell me a story
A story about you and me
A story that ends a little differently
The one where we do not have to walk away, where we just stay
One where we watch the night sky and lose ourselves in each other's
eyes.
Where I felt secure in those dark nights
Where your finger entwined slowly with mine
Where we are together in front of those northern lights,
where flowers are blooming, trees are dancing,
and the wind gives approval for our love,
And
we are walking while holding each other's hands tight.
Just tell me a story like
Before I close my eyes.

-Prachi Chauhan

86
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

मैं ढू ाँ ढ़ लुूंग तुझे

मैं ढू ाँ ढ़ लुूंगी तुझे

पर क्या इतने सालोूं बाि भी वही दमलोगे मुझे ,
दमलने पर कह सकोगे वो सब जो कहना था तुम्हें ?
दमलने पर सुन सकोगे वो सब जो सुनाना था मुझे ,
कर पाओगे मेरे ढू ाँ ढने तक का इूं तजार तुम ?
लेकर आ सकोगे मेरी पसूंि के गुलाब तुम ?
शाूं त कर सकोगे मेरे ज़हन का तूफान तुम?
क्या दनकाल सकोगे मुझे उन अूंधेरी राहो से तु म?
क्या, दफर से ,
वही घूंटोूं बैठकर साथ िे ख सकोगे वो ढलता हुआ सूरज तुम
अगर हााँ , तो वही दमलना मुझे ,
इतने सालोूं बाि भी मै ढू ाँ ढ़ लुूंगी तुझे !

-Prachi Chauhan

87
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

बेमौसम बरसात

बेमौसम बरसात के मेघोूं को िे ख

दिल घबरा उठता है ; बडी तेज,
कर रहे ये; बस गजजन ही हैं ,
दफर भी हो रहा आघात तेज।

ज्ोूं-ज्ोूं प्रकट होती जलधार इनसे,

त्योूं-त्योूं ह्रिय तल कााँ प उठता
निी तो पहले ही भर चुकी थी; उफान से,
ले अब इस जलधार को वह क्या करे गी ?
करे गी; अब वह भी ताूंडव नतजन ही,
लायेगी बाढ़, औ बहायेगी सब कुछ,
हुई मनमादनयोूं पर, रोक वह लगायेगी।

उठा पटक कर; मेघोूं के जाते ही,

लौट कुछ दिन में वह भी जायेगी।

बसेंगे; दफर से घर
लौटें गी सारी खुदशयाूं एक दिन।
जैसे ही होगी मनमादनयाूं दफर,
वैसे ही लौटे गी, बेमौसम बरसात भी एक दिन।

-गुमनाम "अ"

88
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE BEAUTY OF EXAMS

I was sitting on my study table an evening,

Learning for my exams
When all of a sudden I realised,
That I was on a roller coaster ride.
"The Roller Coaster Ride Of Emotions"
We often think that exams are just about studying getting good marks,
getting prizes and our parent's appreciation.
In all these things we fail to understand it's actual beauty.
From the joy of getting an answer right
To the disappointment of getting an answer wrong.
From the feeling of being trapped while not being able to use our
mobile phones
To the feeling of freedom after submitting our papers.
This one word takes us through a roller coaster ride of emotions
Due to our exam pressure we are never able to understand the real
beauty of Exams.
So this exam season,
Let's forget all the pressure and just enjoy this season, because once we
grow up we will always

-Zaynah Ali

89
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

LOVING ONESELF

There have been so promises to die together,

But maybe love is to live instead
To live another moment amidst sorrowful darkness
To see the sun once again when all hope begins to fade

Maybe love is treating yourself to a cup of coffee on a bad day,

It's waking up another day just to know everything good still exists
It's smiling a little more
Even when the darkness persists

Love is perhaps stolen moments from time

Moments that just for a moment make every sorrow fade
I may have a million reasons to push me over the edge
But, I'll find one reason live instead

-Ayanika

90
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE NINTH SYMPHONY

I can see your footsteps on the way you once walked,

Wish you could see me walk on them for a sight of yours,
Let me pick the tulips you left behind to plant one of your scent,
I could still hear your laugh and want to keep every part of it,
Humming your favorite song while pressing the tulip on my face with an
essence of smile,
Is it just me or the butterflies are awake for you today.

-Abhijeet

91
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

अनकह बातें

शायि अगली बार तुम कॉल करोगे तो मैं ना उठाउ,

शायि अगली बार पीछे मुडके ना िे खु दक तुम ठीक तो हो ना,
शायि अगली बार मुझे अकेले चलकर जाना पडे घर,
लेदकन क्या मतलब एक दिन काफी था सारी बातोूं को भूलने के दलए,
चलो अब मनाने का भी मन नहीूं है मेरा,
मानोगे भी शायि दकसी दिन सब जानकर ही तुम,
चलो अब कुछ बताने का भी मन नहीूं है मेरा।

-अदभजीत

92
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ह िंदगी

सकि मोड़ िे शुरू की थी और किां ले आई िै सजंदगी

जाने अनजाने , क्ा कुछ निीं सदखाया सजंदगी |

कुछ पल रुलाती िै , तो कुछ पल ििाती िै सजंदगी |

खुसशयों में किे , क्ा कमाल िै सजंदगी

और दु ख ददक में किे , मुझे िी क्ों समली ऐिी सजंदगी

पर भूलो मत,
विी सजंदगी इं िान को कामयाबी की राि सदखाती िे
एक थके िारे को, सगरकर उठकर चलना सिखाती िै
तो सकिी को अंधेरे िे सनकाल कर उजाले की तरि ले जाती िै सजंदगी |

किने को तो बिाने बहुत िै

पर एक बात कहं , मौका िबको दे ती िै सजंदगी
अब कुछ उठकर भागे , तो कुछ सगर कर बैठे
कुछ करें िदु पयोग, तो कुछ करें दु रूपयोग
अब इिमें क्ा दोष सजंदगी |

किे ना किे पर क्ा कमाल िै सजंदगी

वाि! वाि!
क्ा, कमाल िै सजंदगी |

-Meenakshi

93
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

LIGHT OF DELIGHT

In the world of faking madness,

You are the only light that shows me,
the path to delight.
Can you show me the way to love and live?
Just like you do.
I may not be your love nor your friend,
Yet a stranger, whom you knows very well.
Far from the chaos of modern world,
you live peacefully amidst all odds.
Teach me thy lesson of artful living
where colors don't fade in the darkest shade.
-Nidhi V

94
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE BEAUTY OF EXAMS

I was sitting on my study table an evening,

Learning for my exams
When all of a sudden I realized,
That I was on a roller coaster ride.
"The Roller Coaster Ride Of Emotions"
We often think that exams are just about studying getting good marks,
getting prizes and our parent's appreciation.
In all these things we fail to understand it's actual beauty.
From the joy of getting an answer right
To the disappointment of getting an answer wrong.
From the feeling of being trapped while not being able to use our
mobile phones
To the feeling of freedom after submitting our papers.
This one word takes us through a roller coaster ride of emotions
Due to our exam pressure we are never able to understand the real
beauty of Exams.
So this exam season,
Let's forget all the pressure and just enjoy this season, because once we
grow up we will always miss it

-Zaynah Ali

95
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

अधूरी मोिब्बत

बेवफाई के पहले वफा तो करके िे खो

िू सरो के ििज कभी समझ कर तो िे खो
आूं खोूं के आूं सू कभी छु पा कर तो िे खो
दजूंिगी है िोस्त कभी मुस्कुराके तो िे खो
बहार बनके कभी चुनना इस दिल को
ख्वाब बनके कभी दमलना इस जहाूं को
वो है ये दजूंिगी दजसे सजाई इस खुिा ने
ये है वो आदशकी दजसे दनखारी हमारी मोहब्बत ने
टू ट के जैसे दबखर से गए थे
ये मोहब्बत तेरी दजसे फलक तक ले गए थे
ना था कोई महबूब ना थी कोई महबूबा
ये इश्क है गादलब इससे तुम मजाक ना समझ बैठो
हमारी दजूंिगी है मेहर तुम पर
करीब होकर भी जुिा है तुमसे
दिलो के ििज कभी लफ्ोूं पर नही आते
ये दबन मौसम के बरसातें युही सपनो में नही आते
सिा करें गे इस इश्क की इबाित
दकस्मत को नही करने िें गे कोई फररयाि
जब दिल ने भी िे िी है इजाजत
तो रब क्यो नही िे गा हमारा साथ
आच्चखर एक तरफा मोहब्बत आज भी खुिा के पास है सलामत

-Harshita Subhash Halemani

96
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ECHOES OF LONGING

I waited for you with tears in my eyes,

Even though I know all your lies.

You’re the only one I wanted,

but you left me as I was haunted.

I cried, I screamed, I craved for your presence,

however all I got from you was silence.

You treated me as I was an option for you,

but you never tried to know how much I loved you.

When I saw you first time, I was flattered,

while seeing you going away my whole heart shattered.

I am still not ready to live alone,

but all I left with is that fragrance of your sweet cologne.

I wanted my future with you,

Coz you were the only one I knew.

I still hope you’ll get what you wished for,

I’ll always be there for you, as your saviour.

-Vansh Pruthi

97
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

A GIRL IN THE CITY

What has become of me?

I am not alone but always lonely
One who was friends with everyone
Now has become enemy to some
Often I sit outside on my balcony
Pondering upon my wrongdoings
For I know I did wrong
However there was no shame following it
It’s 4:00 in the morning
I can’t sleep nor I’m at peace
Wondering, what has become of me?

What has become of me?

All these people but there was none I could feel closeness to
Wishing sometimes they could see right through me
But how could they when I’m so good at masking my emotions
It’s been days I couldn’t sleep
My mind is blank and there are no thoughts
Even the nights have stopped offering me its affinity
For there are no stars for me to look upon
It feels as if I’m in a constant loop
It feels as if everything is temporary except this loneliness
Wondering, what has become of me?

-Lily

98
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

OBSESSION

This night let me wear your intestines like a scarf

This night let me sew your nerves into a red sweater so that I can wear it
on 12th of August
Wrap your heart around mine
So I won’t feel lonely
Wrap your soul around me
So I won’t feel the pain
The poet prays
Let me eat you up and gobble you down
So at last we can be one
Even if we are not meant to be in this lifetime
I’ll make sure in next ,
You are mine

-Lily

99
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE MAGIC

I can't take off my hands,

when yours holded mine,
there is something that made me forget
myself when you hug me tight,
I can't stop staring at your eyes,
as I fall much deeper for you,
you have attracted me
without any magnet,
and I have attached to you
like a magic!

-Chanit Jaya Auxilia A

100
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHY I WISH WE NEVER MET: MOTHER'S DAY

To the lady I met at an early age.

The warmth of your hands may felt very welcoming
But even my closed eyes could see the disaffection.
The urge which you had to pour some love
But the societal expectations didn't let you.
They asked you to be a mother
Perhaps they forgot to teach you how to be one
Or may be i wasn't the one you were expecting.
While I stand with my winnings, I see you expressionless
In the room full of proud and cheering parents.
My eyes sticking to your face, just to see one smile,
My every win and happiness was only for you.
But my desperation was growing as fast as bamboos
So was my urge of getting your attention.
I started to lose, I lost what I could've won.
Even your harsh words could've made my day
But you remain pale like nothing happened.
Surprisingly, same isn't with your son.
I see you smiling at him during his moments.
His tears are yours, his happiness is yours.
All the things I ever wanted and craved for,
That's exclusively for him.
What did I just want, love and care.
My cravings have turned into hatred now
I have tried to replace it with love outside
But my innocence got broken.
I do not intend to hate you or blame you,
But the child inside me, is.
For what you could've saved,
Is now fully destroyed.
Did I fail as a daughter or you failed as a mother?
I wish we never met, Maa.

-Ananya Mohanty

101
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

SOUL

Hey there, unidentified soul, if you're out there, I hope you know,
That one day, in my life's ebb and flow,
I'll cross paths with you as my journey unfolds,
I'll find you when I chase my dreams bold,
I'll meet you in a moment of surrender,
Where I've nothing left to tender,
I'll find you when I'm bruised and sore,
Seeking solace instead of waging war.

To the soul within this mortal frame,

Do you ever feel a sense of shame,
That this body, this vessel, tends to stray,
From the path you've set, day by day?

To the soul I'm reaching out, can you hear my plea?

I hope my words find you, wherever you may be.
Thank you for guiding us through thick and thin,
For helping us rise above the din.
May our souls unite, may we find our way,
And together, may we light up the darkest day.

-Samay Kushwaha

102
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ALL ABOUT LIFE

Life is like a boat

sailing in the seas
Either get its place
or drown before it reach

May be thunderstorms
or bad weather , it face
May be tidal currents
but sailor should be brave

Life is like a bud

that dreams to be a flower
Either blooms brighter
or drops without care

May be burning sun

or heavy rain , it face
but if the flower blooms
then florist should be praised ...

-Mrutyunjaya Kar

103
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

क्या यह ूं तुम्हार भच्चि है

कहते हो तुम दक हम कलयुग के होकर भी

राम को मन में रखते है और श्याम को तन से जपते है
चलो माना हमने भी दक तुम परमज्ञानी और परम भक्त कहलाते हो
जरा बताओूं हमे भी क्या यहीूं तुम्हारी भच्चक्त है
जो फेसबुक और इूं स्टाग्राम पर केवल स्टे ट्स लगाने को ही झलकती है
जरा बताओूं हमें भी क्या यहीूं तुम्हारी भच्चक्त है
जो दकसी धादमजक स्थल पर जाकर अभद्र दवदडयो बनाती है

कहता है अगर कोई टोकता है तुमको

दक धादमजक स्थल पर ये सब करना ठीक नहीूं
तो दिखाते हो अपना आवेश और गाली गलौच पे उतर आते हो
जरा बताओूं हमें भी क्या यहीूं तुम्हारी भच्चक्त है
लानत है ऐसी युवा सोच पर तुम्हारी
जो अपनो से बडो का आिर करना भूल जाती है
लानत है ऐसी युवा सोच पर तुम्हारी
जो ऐसे कृत्य कर बैठती है
जरा बताओूं हमे भी क्या यहीूं तुम्हारी भच्चक्त है

िे खते है जब वो भक्त तुम्हे जो सिी श्रद्धा मन में लाते है

कभी सोचा है तुम्हारे कृत्य उनको न जाने दकतना िु ख पहुूं चाते है
परमअज्ञानी और आज के युवा हो तुम क्यूूं ऐसा जताते हो
क्या िु दनया को दिखाने को ही दसफज ये भच्चक्त करते हो
मान सम्मान वो सारे सूं स्कार भूल गए
जो तुम्हारे माूं बाप ने कूट कूट कर तुम्हे दसखाए
तुम जैसे युवाओूं के ऐसा कृत्य करने से
इस पूरी युवा पीढ़ी को सरदमूंिगी महसूस करनी पडती है
जरा बताओूं हमें भी क्या यहीूं तुम्हारी भच्चक्त है

ना कमज कहता तुमको ना तुमको धमज कहता है

दकसी से अभद्रता से व्यवहार करो ना ये मेरा सनातन कहता है
ना करो यूूं ही बिनाम मेरे दहूं िू धमज को
ये अदधकार तुमको दकसी ने नहीूं दिया
माना करते हो तुम भच्चक्त पर ऐसे सरे आम दकसी ने ना दकया

कहते हो तुम दक हम कलयुग के होकर भी

राम को मन में रखते है और श्याम को तन से जपते है
104
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

चलो माना हमने भी दक तुम परमज्ञानी और परम भक्त कहलाते हो

जरा बताओूं हमे भी क्या यहीूं तुम्हारी भच्चक्त है

माना करते हो तुम भच्चक्त लेदकन स्टे टस और दिखावे वाली ही क्यूूं

माना करते हो तुम भच्चक्त लेदकन मूंदिर और स्थल की छदव खराब करने वाली ही क्यूूं
माना करते हो तुम भच्चक्त मगर दकसी से अभद्र व्यवहार करके करने वाली ही क्यूूं
माना करते हो तुम भच्चक्त पर िू सरे का अदहत करके करने वाली ही क्यूूं
माना करते हो तुम भच्चक्त पर दकसी बुजुगज को चोट पहुूं चा कर करने वाली ही क्यूूं
जरा बताओूं हमें भी क्या यहीूं तुम्हारी भच्चक्त है

कलयुग के हो तुम अगर कलयुगी भाषा बोलोगे

मन कमज वचन और वाणी से तुम अपदवत्र हो जाओगे
जब आएगा वो घोडे पे कच्चि अवतार दलए
बताओ अपना कौनसा भेि सबसे पहले खोलोगे
जब आएगा वो घोडे पे कच्चि अवतार दलए
बताओ अपना कौनसा भेि सबसे पहले खोलोगे

ना कमज करना तुझको ना तकज तुझको चादहए

कहते हो दफर मुझको वही सनातन धमज चादहए
बूंि करो ये ढोूंगपना और ढकोसला तुम्हारा
क्या िु दनया को दिखाने को ही भच्चक्त करते हो
क्या इसी को तुम अपनी भच्चक्त कहते हो

कमज करना सीख लो अगर

तो धमज भी करना सीख लेना
जीते जी नहीूं सीखे अगर
तो अपने प्राणोूं से चुका िे ना...

-Ashish Sharma (Ashu Gaur)

105
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHISPERS OF DAWN

In the forest's hush, whispers sigh,

Beneath the canopy, dreams fly high.
Nature's symphony, a lullaby,
In the quiet, serenity's reply.

A shimmering dawn, a canvas bright,

Brushstrokes of gold, morning's light.
Hope awakens, in colors ignite,
New beginnings, in the waking sight.

-Neerav Agrawal

106
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

TOOTA DIL

Humne socha tha woh baaki sab se alag hogi

Par aakhir me usne bhi ye sila kiya
Hum toh uske mohabbat me dub rahe the
Usne samandar ko registaan bana diya

Aaj bhi dil me lagti uski khaari batein

Uske diye gum ke aansu ab bhi ruk nhi paate
Phool ki aash mein hum gaye the bagiche mein par
wahan apne hisse bas kaante hi the

Ek sawaal uthta hai mere zehen me aaj

ki kya tumhe hum se kabhi pyaar bhi tha
ya hum jise pyaar samajhte the
woh ishq ka jhalawa ek Mirage hi tha

Toota dil , Use dekha kisi aur ke saath

Fir bhi uski yaadein mita nhi paa rahe hai
Unme hamari jaan jo basti thi
Unke jaane par Viraane me Bejaan se pade hai

Likhte likhte ab sare panne bhar jaate hai

Fir bhi Haal-e-dil ye na kabhi bata paate hai
Logone bataya tha tum bewafa sanam ho
Woh batein samajhne me hume saloo lag gaye

Tum se bhi jyada tumhe chahte the jaana

Iss baat ka hai dukh tum na samajh payee
Thodi der pehle mere saath hi baithe the
Palak jhapak te hi itna dur hogaye

Muskurata chehra ab murjha sa gaya hai

Bina koi kasur ye saza mil raha hai
Najane kitni umeeden mere jo mar chuki hai
Dil me pathar rakh ke un kabron pe khada mein

Dubadi kasti zindagi ki pyaar ki leher ne

107
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

Ab hume kisi se kuch na kehena

Jate Jate bass itna hi kahunga
Jiske saath raho bass tum Khush hi rehena
-Mrutyunjaya Kar

108
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

फकक है

वो शाख पे ठहरे पिे

भी आते ज़मीन पर टू ट कर,
उसको मुरझाने का नाम िे
तारोूं से िु आ माूं गते हो
यही फकज है तेरा मेरा
जैसे मैं वो सूखी शाख,
तू चमक लाए जहाूं बसे अूंधेरा

तू वो िु आ मुकम्मल सी, मैं अधूरी भूली भाली

तू िवा मलहम सी, मैं वो कडवी सी प्याली
तू निी वो खूबसूरत, मैं बेजान सी प्यासी
तू इूं द्रधनुष वो रूं गीन सा, में बेरूंग अनिे खी जाती

यही तो फकज है तेरा मेरा

मैं वो रातोूं का बेज़ार गम - अकेलापन
तू वो ज़मीन से उठता आशा का सवेरा

मैं जैसे वो उिासी दकसी अपने को खोने की,

तू च्चखलच्चखलाती मुस्कान दकसी से प्यार में होने की
जो आूं सू बनके बहते हैं , मैं वो लब्ज़ कुछ ििज के
तू गमी वो शाूंत सी, दमले जो चुभती सिज में
मैं शोर जो दचल्लाता है दकसी मैिान ए जूंग में
तू सौहािज जो झलकता है अपनोूं के साथ के उमूंग में

हाूं , फकज तो बोहोत है हम में

पर तू अलग न लग के, दज़ूंिगी में अधूरा सा लगता है
वो खामोश सी कमी दजसका एहसास होता रहा,
उसकी तू आवाज़ सा लगता है

बस ये फकज नापने का एक मजज है मेरा

मेरे डर को अपनाने का मुझ पर कज़ज है तेरा
तेरे साथ के दलए, अपनी खादमयोूं से तुझे सताना मूंज़ूर है
बस ऐसा ही ये दिल खुिगज़ज है मेरा

-Aarushi Aggarwal
109
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE DAY WE ALMOST KISSED

we sat there in silence- broken by the timely creaks of the swing

no flowers to break into petals deciding "he loves me, he loves me not"
And I tried to speak those words that dissolved in the wind that caressed
your skin and left a smile I couldn't take my eyes off
Hint of cigarettes we smoked to overcome the dizziness we felt in each
other's presence
Stuck in the seemingly sordid conundrum of the thoughts of a touch
and the pathetic truth of shyness, we sat there in silence- broken by the
glare you had suddenly set on me, causing a blush so clearly visible in
this dark
And you, carefully waking up the flowers from their sleep, brought one
to your lips and rest it on my hair
The lips forming the smile I was lost in,
The words that they couldn't say,
The kiss- the ALMOST kiss.
The petals still beautifully together- the broken flower deludes me to
believe "he loves me"

-Aarushi Aggarwal

110
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

I SAW HER

I saw her weeping her heart out

Crying in her unfathomable pain.
Tears rolling down her cheeks
like the rain spreading her silent miseries.
Helplessly Striving to speak
Words trying to divulge her suffering.

I saw her mourning like the world was crumbling tonight.

Wail was echoing inside
Pain which was invisible to every eye.
Hiding her apprehensive thoughts
which was engulfing her inside.

I saw her struggling to fix her broken heart.

Heavy with Sadness of traumatic past.
Walking away from the awful past
Leaving the agony buried deep in past
Carrying fear of ignorant depart
To go through it all again from the start.

I saw her waiting for someone to comfort her with warmth.

Searching for home in others arms
Waiting for her abandoned love with hope in heart.
Wishing for someone to look into her heart through her dark deep eyes
without a flaw.

I saw her happy on one fine day

Dancing like a cold breeze on a winter day.
She became her own dwelling place
Content with the best version she graced
Free from all agony and pain
With a beautiful smile on her face.
-Srinjal Samridhi

111
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WHISPERS OF LOVE

In your eyes, a whole world is unseen,

Beneath the stars our love convenes.
Place your trust in me, My dear heart,
Let's embrace this brand new start.

We'll journey forth, hand in hand,

No fear shall rise with no broken strands.
With each glance, a story is untold,
In whispered secrets our love unfolds.

Will you hold me tight, walk by my side,

In your warmth, my fears will all hide.
A blush upon your tender face,
With you my world finds all its grace.

We'll together weave the fate's design,

Two souls merged, A Love Divine.
So take my hand and walk along,
Our hearts will be entervined

In your embrace, My spirit is free,

With you, There's nowhere else to be.
So lead me on, In this dreamy land
With you , forever by my side.

My Love, My Guide,
Mind if I hold your hand
With a lifelong plan.

-Ritika Khithani

112
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

TANGERINE LOVE

Sun’s orange glow folds in embrace,

Sweet and Sour like tangerine,
The refreshing feeling of,
Joy and happiness,
The breath of fragrance,
The youthful memories of ours,
With colourful world full of melodies,
Shining of glittering stars,
Like the flowing of rivers,
The feelings of us growing stronger,
The sourness of lemon, the sweetness of sugar,
Cherishing the moments we spent together,
Living a life of no worries, like the free birds flying high above the sky!

-Mayuri Sen

113
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

DRIZZLING WITH LOVE

Boat of desire, where everyone is ready to sink,

Rain of love, it’s a wish,
Gentle waves of emotions flowing,
Droplets signifying affection,
Butterflies weaving inside the mind,
Walking under the roof,
Embracing each other in arms,
Two souls entwined,
The rhythm of nature’s song,
Soothing the minds,
Hearts racing, falling for its own gravity,
Love finds its solace,
Flowers blooming in misty haze.

-Mayuri Sen

114
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

SONNET ON AFFECTION

Amidst the whispers of a tender breeze, Affection's gentle touch

ignites the heart, A flame that flickers, warm and full of ease, A love
that kindles, never to depart.

In tender glances, sweet and soft as sleep, It wraps us tight, a soothing,

peaceful keep, A refuge from life's storms, where we can creep, And
find solace in its loving, gentle deep.

With every beat, it echoes through the soul, A rhythm that harmonizes,
making whole, The fragments of our hearts, once lost and cold, Now
warmed by love, and made of purest gold.

Cherish this affection true,

And in its gentle grasp, our hearts renew.

-Santanu Sarkar

115
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

PENNING DOWN MY THOUGHTS ON LOVE

In tender touch, a gentle warmth is found, A love that whispers

sweetest, softest sound, A bond that forms, a heart that beats as one, In
affection's embrace, our souls are won.
The gentle strokes of loving hands that guide, The whispers of sweet
nothings, side by side, The soft caress of lips that meet in kiss, The
tender love that in each other's eyes.
For in each other's love, we find our peace, A sense of calm, a world
that's all release, A love that's pure, a love that's strong and true, A bond
that's formed, a heart that's made anew.

-Santanu Sarkar

116
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

FOREVER IN LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO MOTHER'S LEGACY

That last handhold, I still recall,

Your words, your love, encompasses all.
Never to hurt Dad, was your plea,
To love your sister, like you loved me.

To embrace your elder brother, with all my heart,

Your teachings guide, they never depart.
Every word you said, I remember well,
In my life's story, your love does dwell.

Your wisdom guides, though you're not near,

Your love shines bright, dispelling fear.
In each action, in every care,
Your spirit whispers, "I'm always there."

Though you're gone, your love remains strong,

In cherished memories, where I belong.
Oh, dear mother, you'll always be,
In the love I give, in all I see.

-Dr. Amir Ahmad Dar

117
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

MY GRANDMOTHER

She is a bold woman I know,

with scars hidden deep in her heart.
She kept running from dawn to dusk,
as if she is a clock.

Submerged into the four walls,

The walls of a prison named 'Home',
She was left with no choice but to accept everything...
Happiness and sorrows,
Maybe only sorrows.
She is a bold woman I know.

She was forced to live in a cage,

but her heart desired to fly,
which her broken wings could never do.
She is a bold woman I know.

Still trying to mend her wings,

Still trying to heal her scars,
Trying hard to break the chains,
Still trying...

My dear grandma,
The boldest woman I know.

-M. K. Aarthiha

118
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THE ‘GOODBYE' MONOLOGUE

Why does this have to be a question of choice? It’s a simple question but
my love engulfs me like those waves hitting from the sea, and suffocates
me so much that I cannot see it. I am illusioned by the unconditional
love for them that choice cannot appear in my sight. But my love isn’t a
facade. It cannot be parted. It is given in whole, without a tinge of
reduction.

I can unleash my vulnerability in its greatest form, my self waiting to yell

out of frustration and loneliness in front of her. I won’t hurt her, but I
can be my most authentic self cohesive of all my shades, each shade
expressed intricately, to be truthful. Maybe she cannot reciprocate my
pain and I don’t expect her to, but she is there in open arms, waiting to
hug me who’s fearful of the equivocality of life that I’ve to come to
terms with.

The subtle gaze in her eyes, telling me without telling me that ‘I’m here,
I’m all ears’ is a universe I’m never tired of thriving in. The little sarcastic
laughters on our quirks, self-deprecatory jokes, knowing that I’m never
undermined by her, those indelible memories carved in my mind, I wish
they were forever, but now, what if I will have to leave them in seasons,
never to revive them again?

Why does love have to feel complete but disarrayed? Maybe because
earthly love is circumscribed; where monogamy is the normal; where
love is beyond numbers, where ‘she’ isn’t one but two, where for me,
there is no one at a time; where love is offered wholly, without an inch
amiss to both; where two faces are home and I cannot choose!

Aren’t they both entitled to the profound presence of this man? Alas, I
cannot divide the epoch of life for each of them. Alas, I cannot do
justice to them, my enigma of choice is their enigma of life thereafter,
with me or without me. An unassailable love in two faces with no room
for choice. But unlike my love, justice can be parted on earth. But that
wouldn’t mean justice to me, to them. Even when one tells me to leave
with the other, as the other bears a special place in her heart, a life
without both wouldn’t suffice a lifetime. It cannot be. Live with one and

119
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

break the heart of the other; a life-long guilt I cannot carry. So then, why
not take mine away if I can’t have it the way I want to? If I cannot have
the end I want, I’m annihilating my identity and ending myself, for I may
exist, but I won’t be alive without both.

-Asiya Rahman Puthuppurackal

120
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

DON’T YOU HATE BEING AT THE TOP?

Don’t you hate being at the top? As you can’t be the wind, If you’ll be
silent when you blows. As you can’t be the moon,
If you haven’t seen the most lovely souls.
As you can’t be the Himalayas,
Without seeing how many struggles to reach you.
As you can’t be the topper, Without seeing how failure feels. As you
can’t be the perfect one, Without being perfectly imperfect one.

-Banashree Banerjee

121
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

GUARDIANS OF VALOR: CHRONICLES OF THE INDIAN

ARMED FORCES

Throughout its history, the Indian Armed Forces have been called upon
to confront a myriad of security challenges, from conventional warfare
to counter-insurgency operations and humanitarian crises. In the face of
adversity, they have exemplified valor, professionalism, and unwavering
commitment to safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and protecting its
citizens.

This chapter explores a selection of famous counter missions

undertaken by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing their
adaptability, resourcefulness, and effectiveness in addressing diverse
threats and contingencies. From daring covert operations to large-scale
military campaigns, these missions reflect the indomitable spirit and
strategic acumen of India's military personnel.

Each mission discussed in this chapter represents a pivotal moment in

India's history, where the bravery and sacrifice of its armed forces have
left an indelible mark on the nation's collective memory. From the icy
heights of the Siachen Glacier to the bustling streets of Mumbai, these
operations underscore the Indian Armed Forces' readiness to defend the
nation's interests, uphold peace and stability, and extend a helping hand
to those in need, both at home and abroad.

Join us on a journey through the annals of India's military history as we

delve into the triumphs and challenges of these famous counter
missions, celebrating the courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication
of the men and women who serve in the defense of their motherland.

-Reshib Choudhary

122
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

STRONG BUT MORTAL

I know what you’re,

I know who you are,
I know your origin,
I know your ontological meaning.

Your value is finite, it owes me,

The intrinsic factors are surfacing like a paper on a sea.
You flourish like a gentle bud, but a full without a foundation.
The hand I use, the mind I reflect,
The emotion I control will shape the crown I embrace.

‘People’, the word carries ‘pep’ (peep) and ‘ple’(pale),

What do you want? Just read the onomatopoeia again!
The population has killed the positional phase,
That you need to know, the knock will knot a nought in the chain.

Oh! How far we are to rely on the trend?

As far as the age permits, we will pursue the peak; a Name.
Our innovation and invention will bred and nurtured,
Until the peak makes it a branch of the Main. . .

Still remembering the myth of Tithonus,

I fear of immortality of an old and feeble figure,
We should rather stay strong and navigate the rain,
How one drop from that diverse shear,
Makes it possible to afford immortality of the rented sphere. . .

-Ishani Saha

123
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ELONGATED WOMB

What is the essence of your Room?

Find some time and discover the womb.

The chair you sit down,

The book you read,
The bed you lay down,
The quilt you sleep,
The shelves you stuff,
The cupboard you pack,
Unworn tucks and chaotic stance,
The hectic gesture you hold,
The leisure you mould,
Are they the true means of essence?

What is the essence of your Room?

Do find and discover the womb.
The extended odyssey by train, taxi and plane,
If the completion encounters the sight of your pillow again!
Priceless! Priceless! You murmur aimlessly in a melodious vein.

A glitch in mind and you are in former times,

To savour the sleep,
To conquer the comfort,
To gulp the reverie,
To reflect the solitary,
To indulge in memories,
To tame the hysteria,
Isn’t that the womb of recent you, my friend?

What is the essence of your Room?

Do visit the womb of your growing present.

-Ishani Saha

124
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

TRY TO KNOW YOURSELF FIRST

Try to know yourself first,

You know you lost it;
But every moments are new beginnings–
Believe in yourself first
And do whatever you wanna do with full of trust

You, not only lose the battle

You also lost yourself
Try to find yourself first
Try to think what you were
And what you are–

Fight with yourself first

When you will win it
You will win the whole world;
Your enemy is not others
Try to know who it is first.

Your enemy is you and your fear

Fight with it and say it clear
That you are the winner of your life
No matter what others think about you
You are not a loser, you know it very clear
And now you don't have any fear.

-Priya Talukdar

125
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WAY TO BE FREE

I realise the battle inside my heart

Cause of the war inside my mind
They fought for the freedom and love
Democracy is what they gave me
I wonder what they wanted –
To be free, yet to be caged
To be United, yet to be divided
Gender, caste, religion stayed with me
The invisible barrier which never let me be free
One teaches to fight, one teaches to love
Both are the part of life –

Did I misunderstood, what I was taught,

I hated what deserved to be loved
I gave up where they would've fight
I'm in darkness instead of light
I feel hard and was hurt
The enemy I thought to be
gave me a hand, help me to be free
Again whom I disappointed
Smiled brightly towards me
The enemy I thought to be,
Is the friend of mine.

I broke the invisible barrier

The battle inside my heart
The we inside my mind
Came to its end
As now we both are a friend
They are happy smiling towards me
Delighted to be their emissary
Spreading the love I hold
A warm hug, instead of the shoulder cold.

-Priya Talukdar

126
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

SEASONS

What is my beloved season?

What should I choose First –
When everyone gives me a reason,
A way to my fantasy world of nonfiction.

Winter is cold like death

But gives me the time to rest,
Warm in winter is rare
But the feeling is my desire.

Summer makes me feel alive

Too good to be naive,
Forgetting all the struggle
Making my heart jingle.

Monsoon is the season

Full of melody and melancholy,
Both the dream of sweetness
And the nightmare if harshness.

Autumn gives me hope–

New beginnings are all above,
Death is near, yet not the end
Life is hiding somewhere
To show up again.

Full of life is the spring

Happiness comes when it begins,
I wonder what is my beloved season?
When all of them give me a reason
To keep going on in life
And to feel always alive.

-Priya Talukdar

127
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

पैसे क कहान

नािान कर िे लोगोूं को एक अजीब परे शानी है

यहााँ पैसे की कहानी है |

पैसा सब कुछ नहीूं होता

दफर भी इूं सान इस के दपछे रोता
सब दकस्मत की कारस्तानी है
यहााँ पैसे की कहानी है |

ररश्ते भी बनते है इसके आधार पर

सब पैसे को अपना मानते
जग में दसफज एक की ही बानी है
यहााँ पैसे की कहानी है |

याि रखना िोस्त , ए िु दनया अनजानी है

पैसा मौत के आगे काम नहीूं आता
क्योूंदक , जान तो सब की जानी है
पैसा बहुत कुछ हो सकता है , लेदकन सब कुछ नहीूं होता |

जग में दसफज एक की ही बानी है

यहााँ पैसे की कहानी है |

-Mohammed Fazal

128
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

पर, क्या ह हस न पल होूंगेवो

पर, क्या ही हसीन पल होूंगेवो

जब तमु मेरेपास होगे,
दक स्मत अगर मझु पेनवादज़ श बक्श िे
तो क्या पता मेरेसाथ होगे,
हम भलेही लज़्जत - ए - दग रर या को मतूंुु दज़ र हैं ; जो तमु इनायत बनके दम ले
मझु मेंनर सा आबाि होगे
इन उलझेशब्ोूं में
तम्ुुहे अपना सीधा सािा प्यार समझा िूं गू ुी,
अगर तमु बरुा न मानो
तो ज़रा हक भी जता िूं गू ुी,
येखामोशी मेंबातेंसमझनेमेंहर पल तसल्ली नही है तो ज़रा दह चदक चाके आच्चख र
मेंतम्ुुहे सब बतािूं गू ुी
पर जाना तो तम्ुुहे हैही
तो मेरेजज्बातोूं को नज़रूं िाज़ कर िे ना ज़रा
क्योूंदक , "यही कह
ुू ुूं गी मैं सिा, के दि ल अभी नहीूंभरा”

-Aarushi Aggarwal

129
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

UNSOLICITED

The mystery and wildness

Accompanies
My soul when quandary stirs up
During the adventures of
Spontaneity

-Anoosha Amaris

130
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

NIGHTMARE

I own a vivid essence of evocation

With
Diverse incentive to efface
Howbeit,
Lone reminiscent remains
Exceptionally Perfidious!

-Anoosha Amaris

131
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

A HEART LADEN WITH SHARDS OF GLASS

How does it feel in a world so bleak,

How does it feel to face the truth that not all hearts adore?
How does it feel, wanting to vanish without a trace?
How does it feel, uncertain of life's pace?

How does it feel to watch efforts fade into oblivion's shore?

How does it feel, torn, unsure what's right?
How does it feel, balancing loved ones' needs?
How does it feel to be compared, hearts that bleed?

How does it feel to refuse, dreading the tune of parental concern?

How does it feel to seek a hug, yet affection's gate stays shut?
How does it feel to harm your only solace, in life's race?
How does it feel, free yet bound by wire?

-Sushmita

132
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

।। न ़ाने कब ।।

मैं तैरने िे बचती रिी ,

न जाने कब तेरी आाँ खे िमंदर बन आई।
मैं िारने िे डरती रिी ,
न जाने कब तेरे इश्क में खुद को िार गई।
मैंने किा था सििक मेरी िााँ िे िी मेरी सजंदगी िै ,
मैंने किा था सक सििक मेरी िााँ िे िी मेरी सजंदगी िै ,
न जाने कब तेरी मौजूदगी मेरी सजंदगी बन गई।
और सिर ? सिर ;
मैं पागल चकोर िी ,
न जाने कब तू चां द िा दू र िो गया।
मैं तुझमें िमाई खुशबू िी ,
न जाने कब तू सिरण िा बेिजूल िो गया।
उन गमों का क्ा करू ं अब ,
उन गमों का मैं क्ा करू ं अब ,
न जाने कब तू गुनेिगार िोकर भी बेकिूर िो गया।

-Janu

133
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

WORDS SOME DEEP WORDS

As if playing with the whole world Words that burden the human being
Words that create relationships and also break them
Even when alone, one doesn't feel alone I walk along with the carnival
of words Sometimes I get defeated by these words And sometimes I
fight against them
It's as if I've lost myself in the carnival of words
I'm searching for myself amidst these words.
Words
Some deep words
It's difficult to travel with words
But I have decided
Every day, I meet new words
Instead of telling the world, I keep them to myself
The weight of words falls on the desires of my heart
Sometimes words strike like lightning And sometimes they bring peace
I'm afraid of meeting the wrong words The wound caused by words
never heals.
Words
Some deep words
I am burdened by these unspoken words Sometimes I prioritize my
own safety amidst the carnival of words
And sometimes someone else's Words that have made me a significant
part of someone's life
For better or for worse
I haven't lost to myself, but to the words.

-Muskan Shah

134
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

OH, SURYADEV!

In the morning, along with clear clouds With hopes in my eyes, filled with
enthusiasm
I stepped outside,
Yes, I stepped outside
I was moving forward slowly, just like a little child.
I had a fear with me, as if it was our last moment together
The sun's rays were on my face
It's as if my heart was silent
Yeah, I wasn't alone
Oh, he was behind me.
Yeah, he was ahead of me at times
Yeah, I wasn't alone
Yeah, he was with me
Oh, Suryadev!
Yeah, God has son, The Sun
So, he was sometimes walking with me Like he was following me
Whenever I would stop, he would stop too. It's like someone has turned
into a yellow flower in the sky
I was worried about what would happen next?
He filled my path with the brightness of his rays.
I sprinted quickly
So, I slowly walked alongside him I was returning without any fear No, I
wasn't alone on that journey.

-Muskan Shah

135
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

உள் ளத்தின் உணர்வுகள்

அவள் இல் லலயேல் நானும் இல் லல;

நாமும் இல் லல;
ோர் அவள் ?
நம் பிறப்பிற் கு காரணமும் அவயள...
நம் லம பிணியில் இருந்து பாதுகாப்பதும் அவயள...
நம் பசிலே மறக்கச்சசே் தவள் ;
ஆனால் நம் லம என் றும் மறந்திடாதவள் ...
உண்லமேற் ற உறவுகளுக்கு மத்தியில் ...
நம் லம உண்லமோே் யநசிக்கும் உயிர்
*அம் மா* என் ற உள் ளம் மட்டுயம....

வாழ் க்லகயில் பல சுலமகலள தாங் கிேவர்...

ஆனால் நம் லம ஒருயபாதும் சுலமோக நிலனத்ததில் லல... முகத்தில்
சதரிவிப்பது யகாபசமன் றால் ...
அவர் அகம் முழுவதும் நிலறந்திருப்பது அன் பு மட்டுயம...
உறக்கமில் லாமல் உலழத்துக்சகாண்டிருக்கும் உள் ளம் ...
உயிராக கருதுவது நம் லம மட்டுயம!
துன் பத்தினால் துவண்டாலும் ... துலணநிற் காமல் இருந்ததில் லல...
அவர் எண்ணத்திலும் , உள் ளத்திலும் நம் லம பற் றி நிலனக்காமல்
இருந்ததில் லல...
நிழலாகவும் -உணர்வாகவும் அவர் மட்டுயம
*அப்பா*

இமேம் சசல் வது எளிதல் ல...

ஆனால் உன் இதேம் சசல் வது எளிதல் லயவா !
ஏன் என் றால் உன் இதேத்லத லகப்பற் றிே காவலன் நானல் லயவா!
இதழ் கள் வாடினாலும் உன் இதேம் வாடுயமா?
காரணம் அலத பாதுகாப்பவன் நானல் லவா...
உன் சிரிப்பு சத்தம் என் லன சிந்திக்க லவக்கிறது --
இலசக்கு இலசயூட்டுவது இதுதாயனா என் று... அழகிகள் ஆயிரம்
ஆனால் அன் பினால் அழகு சபற் றவள் நீ தாயனா!
உறவுகள் பிரிந்து சசன் றாலும்
என் லன பிரிோத உன் உள் ளத்லத யவண்டுகியறன் !

-Lokesh.S

136
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

ମାଆ ପରି ହେବ କିଏ

ମାଆ ବ ାଲି ଥବେ ଡାକିବେବଲ ମନ

ଆନନ୍ଦବେ ଭେି ଯାଏ
ତାହାେି ବକାଳ ବଯ ସେଗ ସମାନ
ପେମ ତୃ ପତି ଥାଏ ।

ମାଆ ହାତେନ୍ଧା ଅମୃତ ସମାନ

ବକବତ ବଯ ମଧୁେ ସବତ
ତାହା ଋଣ ବକବ ସୁଝି ବହ ନାହିିଁ
ବେଇେିଅ ପବେ ବଯବତ ।

େଶ ମାସ େଶ େିନ ଗବଭେ ଧେି

ଜନମ ବେଇେି ଯିଏ
କ୍ଷ ଚିେି କେି େୁ ଗ୍ଧ ପି ଆଇେି
ମାଆ ପେି ବହ କିଏ ।

ହାତ ଧେି ଯାେ ଚାଲି ା ଶିଖ ିେି

କହି ା ଶିଖ ିେି କଥା
ଚାଲୁ ଚାଲୁ ବକବ କଣ୍ଟା ଫୁ ଟିଗବଲ
ମାଆ ମବନ ହୁ ଏ ୟଥା ।

ପ୍ରଥମ ସାଥୀ ବସ ପ୍ରଥମ ଶିକ୍ଷକ

ନିଏ ବଯ ାଟ କଡାଇ
ସନ୍ତାନ ତାହାେ ବଯବତ େୁ ଷ୍ଟ ବହଉ
ମମତା ବେ ଊଣା ନାହିିଁ ।

ପଙ୍କଜ ପେି ବସ ପଙ୍କ ମବେ େବହ

ପୋଘାତ କବେ ଅହି
ଅନ୍ଧାେ ବେ େହି ଆବଲାକ ବେଖାଏ
ପ୍ରଭାତୀ ନଳିନୀ ବସହି ।

ମାଆ େ ପଣତ ଶ୍ରୀମନ୍ଦିେ ବନତ

େବଖ ବଯ ଘଣ୍ଟ ବଘାଡାଇ
ମାଆ କୁ ର୍ଣ୍େନା କେି ଏମିତି
ଶବ୍ଦବକାବେ ଶବ୍ଦ ନାହିିଁ ।

-ମୃତୁୟଞ୍ଜୟ କେ (Mrutyunjaya Kar)

137
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

THANK YOU!

PUBLISH YOUR SOLO BOOKS WITH US AND

GET 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL PACKAGES FOR
CO-AUTHORS

138
 ECHOES OF AFFECTION

139