लघु कथा: परिहास और ठेला

लघु कथा की श्रृंखला में चौथा हिस्सा, “परिहास और ठेला” रोज़ाना की ज़िन्दगी से निकला एक हिस्सा है जिसे हम रोज़ जीते तो हैं, पर शायद ध्यान कम देते हैँ। यह कहानी ठेले पर बाप के साथ काम करते उस बच्चे की है जिसका जीवन ठेले का बंधक है, उसके आस-पास रस तो बहुत हैं, पर जीवन-रस से वह वंचित दिखाई पड़ता है। जीवन के काले पक्ष को दिखाती यह लघु कथा।

मोहाली सेक्टर ७०(sector 70), सत्यनारायण मंदिर की गलियों से गुज़रते, पीoजीo के खाने से तंग, पेट-पूजा करने निकले, मैं और मेरे २ साथी, एक बर्गर और पानी-पूरी के ठेले पर आ कर खोज थमने को आई। चादर से पैर बाहर न पसारते हुए, १५ रूपए( 15 rupees) के टिक्की बर्गर में तृप्ति ढूंढ ली। १५ रूपए में आज मिलता ही क्या है? 

तेल में तल्ला बंद और चीज़(cheese) से भरपूर। जेब में पैसे न हों, तो ठेले और मैकडॉनल्ड्स(McDonald’s) के बर्गर में अंतर कर पाना मुश्किल नहीं, नामुमकिन सा लगता है।
बर्गर से हटकर ठेले वाले पर नज़र पड़ी, उसका बेटा बिरले ही ठेले से ऊपर पहुँच रहा होगा पर उसकी यह विवशता उसके काम के आड़े आती न दिखाई पड़ी। तेज़ी से प्लेट साफ करने से लेकर खाना प्लेट में पेश करता वह बालक कुछ भिन्न था। जिज्ञासा उठी तो हम भी पूछ दिए “कहा से हो?” लज्जित-मुस्कान देकर बोला “यूoपीo।” मौका मिल गया अपने यूoपीo वाले मित्र पर तंज कसने का। ऊँगली उसकी ओर की “देखो! ऐसे लोग यूoपीo का नाम बदनाम करते है।” परिहास की चेष्टा सफल रही, बच्चा भी मज़ाक समझ गया। वर्ना, हास्य की कला लुप्त हो ही रही है। दोस्त लाल-पीला हुआ, उसने भी दो-टूक, खरी-खोटी सुनाई। बाप-बेटे ने नोक-झोंक में तनिक भी दिलजस्पी न ली। बड़ी बात नहीं है, पर छोटी भी नहीं। ज़िन्दगी की दौड़ में सब इतने लिप्त हैं, कि दो पल रुक कर कुछ देख भी नहीं पा रहे हैं, उसके रंग और रस का मज़ा भी नसीब न है। चिंतापूर्ण ये नहीं कि ठेले वाला भी इस से वंचित है, बल्कि १२ वर्ष(12 years) के बालक का जीवन भी नीरस-ठेले का बंधक है। उसके ठेले पर रस-मसाले तो बहुत दिखाई पड़ते हैं, पर उनका मज़ा शायद उन्हें ही नसीब नहीं। वह दिखता तो बाप के समान ही है, पर उसकी मासूम-मुस्कान कुछ और ही कहानी बयां करती है।

लघु कथा : प्रेम और फाटक

लघु कथा की श्रृंखला में तीसरा हिस्सा – प्रेम और फाटक, दो भिन्न धर्म के युवाओं की प्रेम कहानी है।दोनों अपनी मान्यताओं में दृड़ एवं पक्के दिखाई पड़ते हैं, पर प्रेम कैसे एक दूजे के लिए उन मान्यताओं को भूल जाने और एहम को तोड़ने पर मजबूर करता है| सामाजिक दकियानूसी सोच की सीमाओं के बंधन से परे प्रेम की अनंतता को दर्शाती यह लघु कथा|

पालम विहार रेलवे फाटक पर रोज़ उनकी नज़रें मिलतीं। इस सिलसिले को अब २ हफ्ते होने को आ गए।

“सुन! वो लड़की क्या इधर ही देख रही है?” “हाँ भाई” बाइक पर बैठे दोस्त के इस वाक्य ने आग में जैसे घी का काम किया। देर न लगी और उसे लड़की के बस स्टॉप और कॉलेज का भी अंदाज़ा लग गया। 
नैन-मट्टका कब प्रेम में तब्दील हो गया, मालूम न पड़ा।
“तुम्हारा जामिया(Jamia Milia Islamia University) हमारे मिरांडा(Miranda House College for woman) से क्या मुकाबला करेगा।” 
“देखो! यूँ चिढ़ाया मत करो”

मासूम-से नोकझोंक के विषय कब गम्भीर मोड़ ले लें, क्या मालूम? “देखो लड़का हुआ तो नाम ज़ाकिर(zakir) होगा”
“नाम तो अभिजीत ही होगा, वरना मुझसे मिलने या बात करना भी भूल जाओ” यही सुनते साँस अधर में लटक आई। “यह धर्म भी हमारे बीच पालम विहार के फाटक की तरह है, हरदम हमें दूर करता है, “अच्छा! अब्राम(AbRam) के बारे में तुम्हारा क्या ख्याल है?” 
उसके सवाल की शरारत से चेहरा ख़िल उठा “धत्त! बड़े आए तुम शाहरुख़ खान!”

लघु कथा: बी.ए. के दिन

लघु कथा की श्रृंखला में दूसरा हिस्सा ‘बी.ए. के दिन‘। मीना, एक पढ़ी-लिखी गृहणी की कहानी है, जो हर-रोज़ के घरेलू कोलाहल में अपने सपनों को अपनी बेटी द्वारा रोज़ थोड़ा करीब से देखती है।

मीना सुबह-सुबह अपनी बेटी की चोटी बनाकर, उसे तेज़ी से स्कूल भेजने की दौड़ में जुटी हुई है। अब इस दौड़ को १२(12) वर्ष होने को हैं। 
उसी रफ़्तार से लंच पेक करने से लेकर सबके सामान का ध्यान रखने में सारा दिन निकल जाता है| सहसा तभी आवाज़ सुनाई पड़ती है “मीना मेरी टाई कहाँ गई?” सरपट दौड़ती हुई टाई पहनाकर, बेटी का इंतज़ार करते ऑटो में उसे सवार कराने निकल पड़ी। 
हर रोज़ विदा करने पर हाथ हिलाती हुई वह अपनी बेटी द्वारा अपने सपनों की जीवंत स्मृति अपने दिलों-दिमाग पर हावी पाती। 
दोपहर घर ख़ाली पाती तो बंद अलमारी में पड़ी किताबें उसे खींच लेती। ‘बी.ए. के दिन भी क्या कमाल थे!’….

लघु कथा: आई ऍम ओके

लघु कथा की श्रृंखला में पहले संस्करण का हिस्सा  ‘आई  ऍम ओके!‘ , उस लड़की की कहानी है जो प्यार के मतलब और उसके मायने ढूंढ रही है |

आजकल का प्यार भी कुछ अजीब सा मालूम पड़ता है।  वीरान कोनों और खम्बों से लदकर जो होता है, क्या उसे प्यार समझा जाने लगा है? क्या प्यार की परिभाषा इतनी क्षीण हो गई है?

जिनसे जन्म–जन्म साथ देने की बात की गई थी, उनसे आज आँख मिलाना भी दूभर लगता है। क्या इतना कमज़ोर और दुर्बल है वर्तमान का प्रेम?
जिनके विपक्ष में एक शब्द न सुनते थे, उनकी बात करना भी त्रासदी से कम नहीं। 
एकाएक प्यार में मशगूल हो गए , प्यार में कई तराने पढ़े और नए आयाम हासिल किये, गलती बस यही हुई कि उसी को जीवन का आधार बना बैठे। प्रेम को नहीं उस व्यक्ति को। 
आज अपना अकेलापन भी कानों में ‘हैडफ़ोन’ लगा कर छुपना पड़ रहा है। हर दूसरे व्यक्ति के सवाल पर वह एक नकली मुस्कान देकर कहती ‘आई ऍम ओके’।

Read आई ऍम ओके on Wordpress

The New Sun

<<<***Read WordPress: The New Sun***>>>

There I was, strolling alone at night,
sleep deprived, as thoughts wavered the mind

with no human awake, and quietude spread around,
few still welcomed this new guest with friendly barks aloud

In my thoughts, as I moved one end to the other,
my partners followed, as if the child followed the mother

As we matched our steps, I lamented for I'd nothing to offer,
leaving both with no choice but to suffer

Fatigued, as I sat on the side,
one came up, looked as if he knew what I liked

His eyes craved for love, as I caressed his soft tender fur,
Surrendered to me like I his master, and he my son

Contended we both left, satisfying our hunger
with unconditional love that now had won,
and then came the new sun.

हिंदुस्तान एक सपना

टुकड़ों मैं बटा-सा यह देश तो देखो, जिसे कोई न बदल पाया वास्तविकता में |

चाहता न था कोई इसे एक बनाना, 
डर गये थे वे इसके प्रभुत्व से,
बन जाता अगर यह देश, कहलाता महाशक्ति इस विशव में |

मज़हब ने तोडा, अंग्रेजों ने बांटा,
समझ न पाया कोई गैरों की चाल | 
गिर गया हिंदुस्तां का ध्वज, बन गया श्वेतों का दास,
चाहते थे वे हमें सभ्य बनाना, जाना न था हमारा इतिहास |
गैर चले गए, फिर अपनों ने लुटा, छोड़ा न जिसे अपनों ने, उसे कैसे छोड़ते वे गैर | 
सोने की मुर्गी थी जो लगी हाथ, यह अपने आज भी लुट रहे, पर न कभी डाले इस देश ने हथियार |
चलती रही समझकर इनको अपना,
पर सब्र का बांध एक दिन तो टूटेगा, माँ लगाएगी अपनों को फटकार, 
मत लो इसका इम्तेहान, यह प्रेम करने वाली माँ है देखो, समर्पित होकर करो इसे नमन, इस माँ ने हैं सहे कई जुर्म |
अगर होते न इसके भाग , न होता मज़हब, धर्म, जात |
टुकड़ों मैं बटा-सा यह देश तो देखो, जिसे कोई न बदल पाया वास्तविकता में |

A Journey to South: Part 4

Part 4: 'THE DILEMMA'

Read : Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

It appeared as if the soil, the air, the sun, the heat, everything was different. Wherever you saw, nothing but paddy fields stretched across the lands. No wonder it is called 'Rice Bowl' of Tamil Nadu. It was route no. '767' , beautiful small temples graced our way to 'IICPT'. At the entry, guard knew 'Hindi', I can not tell you how happy I was. The first word I uttered in front of him was "Hindi!!!!!" :D , more out of relief than surprise. He was from Uttar Pradesh. He knew I came for counselling, he guided us to the reception. We relaxed there for a while, and then took a stroll around the campus. It was not a big campus, only a few acres, a small playground on which it looked nobody had ever set his foot. I knew where I had come, a 'premier institute' where you do nothing but 'study'. Campus was beautiful and had all the hi-tech labs. They both looked quite convinced and happy, I was still anxious and unsure.

We met few students, most of them were local or from south, Kerela or Tamil Nadu. They looked quite happy, or maybe they had accepted their fate. Northerns were still no where to be found. Soon the counselling started. They took us to a room where queries and doubts were cleared. This is where I felt uneasy and vexed. My feet and hands felt cold and sweaty, I was panicking, I knew it was going to be tough but the thought of staying so far south was frightful and intimidating.
The next thing I know was sitting in the conference hall waiting for my turn. 6 faculty members sat in front, checking all the documents and verifying every detail. Some problem had to upheaval, I didn't have copies of all the certificates, this is so me. But, this time mom and dad were at fault, as they had all the documents. The apprehension of staying in south plus this problem added to my fury and it all came out on parents. My name was called out, I went up to the faculty team wished them with a fake broad smile. Mom and dad knew I was pissed as they sat along with me. "How do you feel here, Deepansh?" Kavitha Mam asked. When I am pissed, I reply promptly and bluntly. "Good" I said to which one of the faculty member laughed, this 'Good' was real quick and so fake that even child could tell I was pissed. Kavitha mam is an Associate Professor at the institute, She looked quite dominating and authoritative. She introduced me to all the faculty members. On her left was Nandini Mam an Assistant Professor, the most beautiful lady I had seen in past few days, beautiful and serene face which showed not much emotions. Her face made me forget my worries for a moment. Sometimes pretty faces can help. On her right was Indira mam, senior most in the clerical staff, a north Indian and expressive. So, this was a female dominated staff.

Before this, they were very serious and strict with every student they came across. But, they knew I was different, a bubble of energy waiting to burst out.  I told them about my situation, about JUIT. I never spoke better in my life. Sometimes, worst situations can bring out the best in you. Mom and dad waited me to shut up, till they spoke of their doubts and apprehensions. I was enjoying this conversation. It was difficult to stop me. Professors kept smiling and laughing, parents too had given up. :P Before me, there was no hint of smile on their face. One achievement for sure, I made south Indians laugh and smile a lot more than they usually do.
"Deepansh, You have got the admission. Forget about your private college, those things don't work here". I was handed over the admission letter by Kavitha Mam. We had to submit fees in the branch 3-4 KM from college." As we and faculty talked about how was I going to adjust in the new surroundings, mom broke down. I was expecting this. For her, it was more harder than it was for me. She quickly recovered, and smiled to show me a brave face. "Boy, you have got a lot of energy. You need to channelize it" Nandini mam told me. I still could not get over how beautiful she was. I asked them about minimum attendence. I thought it was quite a valid question. But, they all looked at each other as if I had said something which seemed abnormal. "What attendence! han? It is 100% here " Kavitha mam almost roared at me. "How can it be 100%?" I asked with my mouth half open in amazement. They refused any further queries and Kavitha mam ordered,"From tomorrow, come in formals, (Pointing at my jeans) no jeans and T-shirt."  This was just too much for me to swallow, as I looked at her in disdain. Other professors laughed and enjoyed my tussle with the most dominating figure of their institute.
Now, we had to submit fees in an SBI branch "Pattukotai". We took an auto, driver barely understood where we wanted to go. We showed him the address but he couldn't read. We didn't even get the pronunciation right, so he understood whatever he wanted to. We left it all on him. As expected, he screwd up. He took us near some private school which spelled near to where we had to go.Some strangers helped us to get to the branch. By then, the driver was pissed and wanted to get rid of us aliens.

As we entered the branch. My heart started pounding, the thought of staying there for the next 4 years came haunting me again. Mother always knows how uncomfortable you are, no matter how well you hide it. She asked,"Reh lega na yahan tu?". I gave her an unsure and faint look. The smile dropped, marks of stress started appearing on my forehead. I took deep breaths to calm myself down, but were of no help. "This alien city, I don't even know their language, how'd I survive. Parents would be 3,000 KMs from me, whom would I turn up to in troubles." Thinking about all this, I found myself crying. I hadn't cried in the last 2-3 years but this was worth crying for. I got my courage up and told her to submit the fees. I almost forced her to do it. She cried as I stopped crying, she knew the time had come.

We made our way back to the campus. Was there a last twist in the tale? You'll soon find out. Mom found a fair guy sitting in the canteen, he looked much like us. His eyes too caught us, he came upto us."Hello, aap log itni dur se, yahan? admission ke lie? Kyun?". He had a lot of questions, we wondered why. He also turned out to be Himachali, introduced to us as 'Rakesh' from Una district. Dad and he started talking in 'Pahari' :P, his pahari was perfect. The south hadn't changed him a bit. He was an M.tech student there. He was not convinced with the decision of admission there. Although, he spoke highly of faculty and facilities there, he wasn't too pleased with the administration and local city conditions. He regarded Jaypee and CS as a better option. My head started to burst by then, I didn't want two mindedness any more. A Phd scholor from Guwahati, came to our help as he joined the conversation while it rained outside. He looked more sure, logical and philosophical. This "Deepansh-career choice" had become a huge issue, as another north Indian 'Shailesh' approached us, he hailed from Delhi. He worked as a scientist, who came for his 6 months project. He was expressive, aggressive and frank, much like me. He had nothing but hate for south. It was his last day in south, he had a bus to Trichy in few hours. Last day in south and he spoke everything he could ,"Ladkiyon se bat karo to inko problem", "Rough notebook, Fair Notebook", "No theatre, No sports", "Kamm kro or padho bas","Terko dekh ke bol raha hun, 2 mahine mai bhaagg lega tu yaha se". He was right, I'd do that. I can't stand mundane life, although I am living one right now but still that was too far from my capabilities of bearing. Out of nowhere these North Indians appeared and changed the whole game. I had now given up, I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.
We decided to move to Banglore first, and then decide what to do. We were hungry, entered a south Indian restaurant "Annamalai" near old bus stand. The food was delicious or maybe our hunger made it. We left 50 rupees as 'tip'. South Indians don't tip too much, the waiter was joyous and bowed 2-3 times as we made our way out.
Returning to Bangalore, everyone had their thinking caps on. Everyone had their own set of opinions which changed every single hour. I had enough, I wanted no degree, nothing. I wanted to sleep and not think. I knew I was not ready for such a drastic change, somewhere parents too knew it. We decided to cancel the admission. It was hard, but that was it. I wasn't to be, South and I never got along.

Part 5: Sorry due to my end semester exams, I have not been able to write and post it. It's coming!