Theme 60 - Friendship

We haven't talked since the day I denied his kiss. Little does he know of how I'm battling against myself, holding the urge to kiss him. I never thought it would turn up this way. Could this really be more than friendship?
- Jaya Kataria


I want to be red.
Oh! You are so beautiful as white. Why do you want to become red?
No, I want to be red. If our friendship is true, then make me red.
Okay!
A parrot cut himself with thrones and made that white rose, red.
- Vishal Lokhande


Girl: I want a boyfriend. Find one. You know the type.
Boy: Oh, the one who would be absolutely mad. His screw should be little "dheela". Smart. Dashing. And most important, he should never hurt you. The most loving person you deserve.
Girl: It's exactly you my friend. But I want a boyfriend. Find. Haha!
- Sanchi Bahrani


"Please don't go na... I'd be left so alone here..", she frowned to her bestie.
"I AM going to be all lonely in that new country babe & I want you there this time next year! Bestest luck for GRE… Crack it & you know what.. I'm going to miss you like hell… Love you.."
- Apoorva Ranka


First day of class when she got late and missed the lecture, Maira went to her and shared her notes. Since then, their friendship tied a great bond.
- Khyati Jain


They high-fived! They laughed hysterically; shared dark secrets! He gossiped about sexy girls, she went all gaga over hot boys! They imagined to wake up together, went to dates, slept in each other’s arms! They were far, yet so close. Relationship couldn't define them; they were best friends, and in love!
- Osheen Shrivastav


I shared a strange friendship with him. I knew every corner of his home, every lane of his city.
He mentioned them in detail. In fact, we knew about each others’ every life story.
But, he was a friend nobody in my world knew about.
I guess, pen friends are like that.
- Priyanka Dharamsi

Theme 32 - Home

While she was packing her bags & moving out of their home, he was still lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts unable to take up even his own responsibility.
- Priyanka Dharamsi


It was the day after my wedding; I picked up my bag and took a final look at my home. A home full of memories. I remarked every corner of my house as if it was forcing me to stay more… But that corner, where I weaved my after-wedding dreams, bid a warm goodbye.
- Simran Chandwani 


I had to leave home for my graduation. Started living in a hostel. I felt lonely. Mumma was tensed, worried and insecure too. Then I met you and realized it’s not home that made me feel secure but the feeling of oneness and safety. Yours was a home away from home.
- Ankita Methwani

And somewhere I hear a voice that makes me feel special, comfortable and loved. MOM who makes house a home to live, who makes me feel I am born to be loved.
- Nayan Pandya


As the gate was opened, he ran outside. I shouted "come back", ran behind him. He went so far that he was out of my sight. Upset, I came back home. Suddenly, felt something wet on my feet…I saw Neo licking me. He had come back to me, to home. I hugged him tightly.
- Shruti Singh


She spent 20 years of her life in a four bedroom bungalow in Mussoorie. Home!
Now, she lives with her husband. He often gets transferred and so does the home, for her.
- Priyanka Agrawal


One could hear temple bells ringing in unison, smell the fragrant earth on a typical rainy evening, sit under a tree to celebrate an autumn day or simply gaze the moon from the terrace.
I was still 100 miles away from home and had already started to feel its warmth. It made me happy...
- Charu Rawat


Her homecoming had to be an extravagant affair. After all, their only daughter had come after 3 years.
But the bash and all the riches couldn't satisfy her. Deep down, she missed her small rented apartment at her workplace, which she could actually call home.
- Jaya Kataria


The withered leaves fell upon the now dead and lifeless structure. Wait… buildings are always lifeless isn't it? Time had taken its toll on the surroundings. It used to be once a lively, almost breathing place. A place that had defined the word HOME for me. If only, it could ever be the same again.
- Smit Patel


The cage is his only home; the others are either lifeless or long gone. He keeps spinning in there all day long, for it’s not the place where he belongs. People pay to see him and get entertained, but verily it’s his misery as he’s detained. It’s sad how people can buy their happiness, at the cost of his cadaverousness.
- Ashwary Sharma


ये ठंडी हवा तू ले चल मुझे अपने घर,
जहाँ अपनों का प्यार है,माँ-दादी की दुलार है|
माटी की खुशबु है, मिट्टी के खिलोने है|
बड़ो की सिख है, उनका आशीर्वाद है|
खेत खलियान है, खाने को स्वादिष्ट खाना है|
ले चल वहाँ जहाँ मेरा दिल बस्ता है,जहाँ मेरा अपना घराना है|
- Sanchi Bahrani


Second Entries:

I was brushing my teeth when I felt the earth move. I thought I was still dreamy.
The next moment, the earth shook. I ran outside for my life.
But within a few minutes, that earthquake took away the house, my mum and dadima.
And without both of them, how would any other place be home?
- Priyanka Dharamsi

Theme 29 - Box

She has always asked daddy about that box and he has always told her that you'll know about this box soon. One morning he called Niyati, gave her that box telling this box contains our best time together for you to cherish for lifetime; kissed her forehead and took his last breath.

- Disha Joshi


As soon as I boarded the train I found an abandoned box under my seat, terrified, I immediately called the TC and other people to check what it was. Suddenly, from somewhere a child came running and shouted "leave it, it is my toy box." All my fears vanished seeing his innocent smile.
- Divneet Kaur Walia


I got so many gifts on my Birthday but my eyes were on that box, very simple still demanded attention. I could not wait anymore and just opened it; I was living the happiest moment of my life. That box held so many good memories.
- Khyati Jain


She put everything in that little black box of hers. They were the memories they shared. Movie tickets; concert passes; gift tags; birthday cards. The last thing she put in was the relationship they shared; the perfect memory.
- Priyanka Agrawal


7 boxes stacked up in the corridor. Each filled with an year of memories, of their togetherness and love. All she wanted was to unpack them. To relive them. And create new ones. Years later, here she stands in the same hallway, all beaten up, heart bruised. 14 boxes and an envelope of divorce papers.
- Meenal Bhatia

Her eyes beamed looking at the gift in her granny's hand. It always has been a serendipitous moment for her. Opening it with utter amusement she used to devour all the happiness. Now, there is a time when living in trepidation, all she wishes is to clear the cobweb in her head and unravel the mysteries behind.
- Pragya Dubey


And she kept staring at the box of chocolates all day long, coz he had promised to come back and eat them together.
- Jaya Kataria


When I turned 20, he gave me a present. I unwrapped it. It had a box. Opened it. Another box. Opened it. A box again. Again opened. It finally had a key and a note which read "Just like this, you have to work like anything to earn something".
Thanks Dad!
- Mohit Kalra


Nancy's face grew grim as she heard orphan Bablu crying for a cheap silver plated chain, which was a memory of his dead mother; taken away by Montu, a brat. She was moved and desperate to help him. Hence she decided to trade the box of her favorite candies. The deal made Bablu smile.
- Neha Manghnani

She kept it in the locker. A midst all the other assorted elements in that jewellery box, lied a locket. The neighbors thought it was the box she was attached too. Well, of course. The box was a gift from her mother.
But the locket? It was from him.
- Priyanka Dharamsi

It was her 18th birthday. Living with her grandparents, she went to take their blessings. Like every year. But today was different. They had a gift. A box. A letter addressed to her, a watch meant for her, from her parents whom she never got to see.
The box was an entry to a world she never knew.
- Harshit Bhatnagar

Annoyed with a mediocre life, Piyush passed his son setting up a tent from a cardboard box. He noticed that the refusal to buy an expensive tent didn't bother the young lad.
On completion, the smile on his son's face made him realize, that satisfaction with his cardboard box was his key to happiness.
- Lokesh Dugar


उसकी बातें, उसका अपनापन,
मेरा रूठना, उसका मनाना.

जब वह उदास हो तो मेरा उसे हंसाना.
जब भी मुश्किलें हों तो एक दूसरे को कहना-
मैं हूँ तुम्हारे साथ....
आज हम दुर हैं पर अकेले में
"यादों की डिबिया" जब भी खुलती
तो चेहरे की मुस्कुराहट कहती
हम आज भी करीब हैं......
- Nikita Kumawat


कमरे मे बंद डिब्बे सी ज़िंदगी में किसी अपने को पाया था. मेरे हर लम्हे का साथी बनने लगा वो. एक दिन उसे पाने की कोशिश की, तो एहसास हुआ, वो शक़स उन शीशे की दीवारों में मेरा ही अक्स था.
- Vibhor Upadhyay

1 मार्च 2014
लड़की: मे तुमसे जल्दी शादी करना चाहती हू, क्या तुम भी ? बताओ कब करोगे ?
लड़का: तुम्हारे हर सवाल का जवाब इन 3 बॉक्स मे हे
            पहला बॉक्स की चिट्ठिया तारीख बताएगी
            दूसरा:महीना
            तीसरा :साल
लड़की ने पहले तीसरा बॉक्स खोला जिसमे चिट्ठी मे 2014 निकला
फिर पहला :28
दूसरा :02
- Parag Mukadam

Theme 26 - Distance

"I am feeling lonely.."
Why baby? Come in my arms. "Your arms work as cocoon, I feel so safe."
Be in your cocoon always.
"I love you"
Baby, I won’t be wrong if I say, You define my existence. I love you, too.
"Baby, your love is the reason I never realize that you are 600kms away."
- Rashmeet Kaur Bedi


We entered the crowded club. Distinct expressions on every face. Some rejoiced on seeing the long lost friends, some tried to rekindle the rusted bonds. I walked towards him, our eyes met.. He turned and walked away.
Moment of realization.. Not just long years, but even a few months have the ability to beget distances...
- Nishita Goyal


And suddenly one day he turned his back towards her and never returned. Cried many nights to bed but didn't say a word to her. He knew walking the same distance back alone will be tough, but every time he saw her, he could only see that moment rewind in his head.
- Jaya Kataria


Lunch was now totally different from the times when they were colleagues. Opportunities had ripped them apart. Months later she called him and said, "I don't feel like eating!" to which he spontaneously replied, "Just shut up and say AAAA". These conversations over lunch made them relive the old days. Distances had brought them closer.
- Lokesh Dugar


We both are standing at the two opposite ends of a bridge which is broken from the mid. We cannot meet. You cannot hold me in your arms. The war between two castes has broken down the bridge. Though, the distance is societal, it cannot separate our hearts. You will be loved and cared for "always"!
- Sanchi Bahrani


Two months of sitting in opposite cubicles, trying and peaking over the four feet wall every now and then, only to realize how beautiful she was. Always finding her engrossed in her own work, he hoped for their eyes to meet and for the distance to vanish.
- Rohan Bapat


It took me 7 minutes to figure out what to type next. Another couple of seconds to realize how some day in the past, we could tell how one was doing by the choice of words and emoticons. And a sleepless night calculating and analyzing what created so much distance.
..He was a good friend.
- Sahil Chandwani


Eyes, locked in a gaze.
Hearts, beating faster than ever.
He moved in.. and the distance between their lips ceased.
- Priyanka Dharamsi


23rd February, Sunday:
Stanley called Nik for a game of Volleyball & his reply was negative.
When asked about the problem, he replied-
"Problem to hamesha ek hi thi yaar… par ab wo kuch nai bolti…”
His Mother was suffering from cancer & attained peace just after the day of this conversation.
Only distances make us feel the importance.
- Shashank Mehta


Covering the distances. . .
To get 1st position in Class. . .
To get freedom in teenage. . .
To get the hottest girl in college. . .
To get the highest package in placements. . .
and at last
To get our parents back, so that we could spend some time with them!!
- Mehul Newaskar


A heart in a shell was trying hard to break through
For a long time it was kept in dark
Something was missing
That beam, that lark
Finally a day when ray falls
Mournful, it was still dark
Million colors around
Yet so alone, yet so far.
- Avinash Kashyap


She could feel him come nearer now. The air around her had shifted, as if trying to accommodate the bodies of two souls as one. She’d always heard that distance had made the heart grow fonder. She’d known that distance made the heart grow weak in its longing for that missing piece, so far away.
- Smit Patel


Distance never matters...When he was close to me I couldn't express love to him ,when we were far apart then too and now again when there is no distance between us then also I am unable to express my love to him.
- Divneet Kaur Walia

The moment I came close, she went far away. Next day, as I came close, she went away again. Today, I was far away from her and she was there at her place. Finally, I could to capture her, the so colorful butterfly. Thanks to Mumma, who got me a macro lens.

- Shruti Singh

She looks into his eyes; they are no more the same. The look that yes 'we are meant to be', once so prominent is nowhere to be found. The charm is lost, maybe inadvertently but it has. Are they oblivious of the fact that they are so near, yet miles apart?!
- Pragya Dubey

एक लम्बे वक़्त के बाद जब वो अपने शेहर आया.
उसका प्यार...
दूरियों में कहीं खो चुका था.
फासले और परिस्थिति इंसान को बदल देतें हैं
पर वो नहीं बदला था.
हॅसते हुए उसने अपने पहले प्यार का हाथ थामा
जैसा की हर फ़ौजी करता है
उसने भी अपनी पूरी ज़िंदगी देश क नाम करदी थी......
- Nikita Kumawat


कैसा ज़ुल्म यह सरहदें कर रही हैं,
हमारी सुबह शाम में भी दूरियां आ चली हैं |
- Priyanka Agrawal


यूँ तो आज हम जाने पहचाने बेगाने है..
पर जब आँखों की गुफ़्तगू मे फासले घटते जाते है,
दिल की धड़कनो का क्या हाल होता है...
- Zoya Warsi

किस्मत का खेल था उन पलो का यूँ दाग़ा देना...
की अफ़साने तो बने..
पर फासलो की गहराई मे कहानी दफ़न हो गयी...
- Divya Bharti


बंबई दफ़्तर मे कार्यरत एक नौजवान, हिचक़ियों से परेशान..
थोड़े वक़्त बाद मोबाइल पर इन्दौरे से माँ का संदेश देखा "आज शिवरात्रि है दोनो समय का उपास, कुछ खा तो लेगा ना तू? दूरिया हैं पर लग रहा है दौड़ के दफ़्तर आकर खिचड़ी दे दूँ.."
लेकिन दूरिया थोड़ी ज़्यादा हे एक खिचड़ी के लिए...
- Parag Mukadam


काग़ज़ की कश्ती में वह बैठे हमसे कहते हैं की यह समुंदर का फासला हम तय करेंगे!
- Gaurav Salvi
Second Entries:

She didn't see it coming. She never thought this would create perpetual distance between them. And how could she. She was so drunk at that moment that she didn't even know the guy she was kissing was not him.
- Jaya Kataria

Theme 25 - Diary

When I’ll sit down to write tonight, there will be a lot of stuff to write, but nothing to remember. 
Still, I would write it all and then tear it apart, just to put an end to the excruciating pain. And the absent page would remind me of the love that I had for her. 

- Rohan Bapat


There was something very special in those lines
That kept me awake all night, asking myself
Am I the dead ringer or it’s just a thought?
That anyone can relate
I didn't go deep, until I saw the reflectionOf those words in her eyes

Perky Fairy Girl don’t know

Somehow I found the pearl.
-Avinash Kashyap


She had so much in her heart but she could not utter a word in front of him. She always took an initiative like a starving lion but returned empty stomach.
She finally wrote it down in the diary, and never turned up to him.
- Khyati Jain


Rashmi always used to think why she was treated as an unwanted child after her brother's birth, by her parents though she was the elder one. One day she got her mother's personal diary which answered for their behavior ­- she was an adopted child because her parents were childless after many years of their marriage.
- Divneet Kaur Walia


Weird day. She cried my name at the hospital's parking. It was my 7th, and her 4th session. They call her Hope Watson, what promise that name holds. We exchanged digits, words, I found my confidant, which feeds back. This might be the last, but I am sure you are happy for me.

February 24th, 2014.
- Sahil Chandwani


Aditi found it randomly while cleaning her almirah. A pink colored diary having flower print, imbibed with photographs, smileys, stickers and untold stories. She went back to those times when she used to have all the fun, the craziness of those moments. She wished to relive each moment!
- Sanchi Bahrani

With tears in her eyes she complained, "Mom !! Even Payal ditched me for the science project and there's no one who would help me now. Will you help me out?"
After an hour of waiting, she closed the diary, kissed her mom's photograph on the cover and said, "I guess even you didn't like science."

- Lokesh Dugar


People called her 'crazy'. Her liking had turned into an obsession.
She wrote and wrote and wrote, hoping that her wish would be fulfilled.
A mad aficionado, she went crazy. But her wish remained a wish.
After all, it is only in Harry Potter's magical world that a diary writes BACK.
Real world is different.
- Sahiba Bhatia

If you have yours, you should use it often.
If you stole it, you are a dead person.
If you have mine, you have me.
But if I give you mine, you are someone really special!

- Mohit Kalra


Standing behind, she was reading silently what her daughter was writing in her diary. Flashed before her the days when she used to write.
Even while reading her daughter's feelings, all she could think of was her own diary.
- Jaya Kataria


An unnoticeable kid in the classroom; an anonymous popular blogger on the internet.
A professor in the college; a drug dealer by the street.
A married woman at home; a lover in the library.
Nobody knew their secrets, but their diaries.
- Priyanka Dharamsi


I am sorry. I know I’m selfish, always remember you when I’m alone and enclosed within the walls of negativity.
You don't talk but, you give me the liberty to write & express without any limitation.
On this last page, I’ll write a secret -
I can lie to anyone but you.
16th Jan 2014.

- Rashmeet Kaur Bedi


"Tortured for 17 long years, his wounds exposed to salt water, almost lost his eyesight to pepper sprays, nightmares never allowed a sound sleep."
Lieutenant Colonel Ravindra Kashyap's daughter never saw him. Everything she knew about her father & his days in captivity was through this blood written diary, posted to her secretly by a Pak soldier.
- Shashank Mehta 

१६ दिसम्बर २०१२ की उस रात तो मेरी डायरी के सफ़ेद पन्ने खुद ब खुद काले पड़ गए।
- Gaurav Salvi


कभी बेमन से लिखने तो कभी लिखने की नाकाम कोशिश है मेरी ये कच्ची-पक्की सी डायरी जिसके कुछ पन्ने उखड़ते से लगते है, जो जाने किसके खाली-पन के शिकार है। कहीं हाशिये लापता तो कहीं हर्फ़ बेपरवाह और ‘आप लिखे-ख़ुदा बांचे’ को मौज़ू करती लिखावट। इसके पन्नों में दबे कुछ-सूखे-धडकते गुलाब आज भी महक रहे है…
- Rahul Jharia

Theme 24 - City

Every night he dreams of a city with bright lights. Fast paced life, running for the unachieved, intense competition and dire needs. An awesome night life, going bananas with the music and drinks, and exploring the unexplored. He knows living there is living in extremities.
Yet, every night he dreams of a city with bright lights.
- Jaya Kataria


Name, fame, reputation, he had everything any individual would desire for, a big house, a family, a profitable business. . .
He was happy; still the picture was not perfect. He wanted to show his success to the people of his home-town which he had left decades ago to become someone, he is someone, but don't know who.
- Mehul Newaskar


Walking with hundreds of unknown people..No freaky stares..Street food..Street shopping..
But, the best part is when I lean from the local train, holding the pole, feeling the cold breeze on my face and wind blowing my hair; that’s how all stress drains out in seconds! That’s when I realize I am in love with Mumbai.
- Shikha Sharma


You kept demanding, I kept denying. Bits by bits, I gathered courage. More so, because I hated the fights we had. Rather, fights your hurt ego used to put up. So, started telling you a yes. Started fulfilling your wishes. Escaped from home. Today, when I stand in your city; I realize, I've come a long way.
- Priyanka Dharamsi


An ambitious school graduate was lured out of the village borders for a job. She thought that her education could earn enough for her father to quit farming. While being booked for her first customer, she realized that the pay was decent but, the job wasn't. The dealer just said "Welcome to the CITY".
- Lokesh Dugar


No big colonies, a population of around 3-4K with no bifurcation on cast.
People fought sometimes, not because of jealousy or grudges but, innocence.
Life was simple, calm and love was all around.
Elderly people were respected; new generations pampered, loved & taken care of.
This heavenly city, for me, was named "St.Paul's"; generic name "school".
- Shashank Mehta


Recently Mumma had opened old albums and her childhood pictures. She was telling about the city, how it was and how it is now. Nothing changes suddenly but, when you turn back everything is changed.
From their lifestyle to ours.
- Khyati Jain


Things in a metro were different from his home town – people, language, food, everything.
New friends were not loyal. They were brutal and vicious. And, among them he lost his innocence.
Now, life gets satisfied by pleasure for him and not by the real goal with which he came to this new city.
- Sanchi Bahrani


Your voice echoes inside my head, shakes my soul and the heart shatters.
I hate CCDs, the winter breeze is daunting, no more bike rides, no more VIP road.
You where never mine so I let you go. Now you'll never know how much I love you and how much I hate Bhopal.
- Paridhi Mahendra


"तुम्हें दस दिन के टूर पर कोलकाता जाना है।" बॉस के ये शब्द सुनकर विधि कि आँखें चमक उठीं। उसे मालूम ही ना चला कब वो शहर कि उन गलियों कि यादों में खो गई। अरसों बीत गए थे उस मिट्टी को छुए, जहाँ उसे ये ज़िन्दगी तोहफे में मिली थी। अपने बचपन के उन हसीन पलों को जैसे फिर जीने का मौका मिल गया था उसे।
- Tanya Jain 

वो जो नदी में गन्दगी और ज़हर मिलाता है, विकसित शहर कहलाता है।
और वो जो नदी को पावन मानकर उसकी पूजा करता है उसे देहात का दर्जा मिल जाता है।
- Gaurav Salvi



Second entries:

I've seen mountains, touched clouds, roared in the adventure, dived in the sea, flown with the wind and basked in the sun. I've experienced everything a new city could bring me.
Yet, my quest to find the city of peace stays incomplete.
- Jaya Kataria


"अब मैं यहाँ और नहीं रह सकती। विनोद, चलो यहाँ से!" नुपूर अपना बैग पटकते हुए चिल्लाई। "माँ, तुम भी चलो ना," विनोद बोला, "यहाँ अकेले कैसे रहोगी?"
लाचारी में हामी भरती हुई माँ अपने आँसुओं को चुपके-से पोंछकर कमरे कि ओर बढ़ गईं। मन में बस एक ही सवाल था- क्या शहर में इस घर कि यादें भी होंगी?
- Tanya Jain

जब खुले आसमान के नीचे सोना मजबूरी हो तो वो शहर है।
मगर जब खुले आसमान के नीचे सोना प्रकृति के करीब होना हो तो गाव।
- Gaurav Salvi

शहर: जहाँ पढ़े लिखे, देश के प्रति जागरूक लोग बस्ते है, बस उन्हें अपने पडोसी को हो रही तकलिफ की खबर नहीं होती।
- Gaurav Salvi

शहर : जहा तुवा वतानिकुलित व्यायामशाला में जाकर खुद को कढोर बलवान कहते है और गाव, जहा युवा मिट्टी खोद कर खुद चट्टान बन जाते है।
- Gaurav Salvi

I just want to fly high as a free bird, limitlessly wandering to every place of my city with Kites. To all good and bad lanes.
But… it’s just a dream!
- Khyati Jain

Today forget about the deadlines, word-limits, break up and gym. Don't stress upon the future. Don't curse the dumb people around you.
Walk along the VIP road. Wonder why shades in the dark; why 'Miyan' before every sentence, why females in veil but jeeps are open.
Breathe easy and smile.
Bhopal means vacation.
- Paridhi Mahendra

Theme 18 - Gift

Gifts have never thrilled me; I have always received so many expected gifts on my birthdays..!
But one day even though it was not my birthday, I met him on Face book, and as time passed by I realized that He is the Gift from the Universe, the gift for the lifetime - My Beloved.
- Disha Joshi


And for all her deeds and prayers she got the ultimate gift from God - a ‘daughter '.
She got a new life, world and reason to smile. Now she can see herself in everything, from the curve of her daughter's lips to the curl of her hair. 'Thank you' was all what she said.
- Nayan Pandya


It’s been 5 years, when I recited my last prayers at the school assembly. And since then, the only reason I join my hands and bow down to the Almighty, is to thank Him for GIFTING me my personal GOD in the wrapping of a MOTHER...
- Lokesh Dugar


He was sure that he won’t be seeing her again. Cursing himself each moment for what he has done. There was no life in him.
00:47 “Wish bhi nahi karega?”
After two months of dead silence between the two, she gifted him his life back again.
Though the birthday was hers.
- Piyush Kumar


Unable to die, unwilling to live, I lie on the bed; immobile and helpless, I curse god to poison me. “Let death be the perfect gift for me, this birthday.” She trots over, climbs the bed and plants a kiss on my cheek, teary one. She gives me love; a better gift.
- Smit Patel


They had everything in their lives – Love. Care. Smile. Laughter. Tears. Fights...
They lived with a feeling of togetherness. A feeling of belongingness. A feeling that made both of them complete.
They had it in their hearts. They had it in their souls.
All that lacked was the best gift they could possess – Expression. Of those feelings!
- Mohit Kalra


After 18 months of postponing plans to later or never, changing diapers, being plucked on, getting punched several times and 12% less hair due to harsh snatching; today he came around searching for me, calling out my name shyly, “Sittyyy”.
I got my return gift after all, I guess.
- Priyanka Kabra


He could travel all around the world, but he would never find a gift as precious and as perfect as his wife gave him.
Their newly born daughter. 

- Harshit Bhatnagar

And tears roll down my cheeks looking at all the presents he gave me. It was time to bid adieu to him and his memories. But a letter holds me back, the one in which he expressed his feelings, the best gift.
I can't let him go. I can't let US apart. I can't... not like this.
- Jaya Kataria


A friend called after a long time to meet somewhere..Surprised, full of questions still excited to meet her, I went to the café. She later took me to her home and gave me a parcel - A box full of gifts, gifts and more gifts.. I was amazed!
HE had parceled the box under her name.
- Anjali Hardia


I desired an unique gift for her birthday, but no material thing could serve the purpose. It has to be special, because that is what she is to me.
The thought made me shiver, I was thrilled, and would she accept, what she couldn't ever have?
The gift was a part of me; my baby, now hers!
- Osheen Shrivastav


Wandering through a second hand book store, I found a copy of Wuthering Heights. A message was scribbled on its first page,-
"This book is a mansion of a high class of haters who carry immense amount of love in their hearts."
It has been the best gift I've ever bought for myself.
- Priyanka Agrawal


She was old, helpless but was forced to earn her livelihood as she was alone.
I, being so young, can't even earn as I am blind and have polio.
I wish either of us could gift a complete life to any one of us.
- Ankita Methwani

The tree loved everyone unconditionally. It was his passion to gift people with all that he had. He continued giving away fruits to the hungry and shade to the tired, even when he was being slaughtered to death. He asked for nothing in return, even while gifting away his life.
- Rohan Bapat

Like always, she went to the old age home to celebrate her birthday.
Few couples there enjoy her company. An old man there, wished her and said "Will you be my daughter? And will never leave me alone?"
She touched his feet, smiled and with teary eyes, nodded.
What could be a better gift for an orphan?
- Shruti Singh

Every year she went to the orphanage to meet the small children.
Indeed smiles and blessings are the best birthday gifts she could have.
- Meenal Bhatia


Her friends were hurt to the core, feeling betrayed.
She was unaware that her talks were getting converted into gossips.
She thought she will lose her friends, lose their trust for ever.
But lucky girl was blessed with friends who gave her acceptance, forgiveness, love and warm hugs.
The best 'Gift' she could ever receive.
- Paridhi Mahendra
After a series of life changing thoughts, YESTERDAY, I started my day with an apology.
“Sorry God for always being so demanding. You gifted me loving PARENTS, trustworthy FRIENDS, HEALTHY body & an opportunity to LIVE this day.. I'll try that every day I spread at least 10% of the HAPPINESS you've added to my life. Thank you!”

- Shashank Mehta

Gift is love and affection of person to other. It’s a beautiful binding of memory and blessing. One of beautiful gift of my life is best friend, who understands you, listens to all your pains and joys and also becomes a part of your life's events. So was my grandfather. He is no more, but always blessing me.
- Khyati Jain

A chocolate decorated with a ribbon-bow! Yes, she was gifted this from a newly met friend. He wanted to add the sweetness of chocolate in her life; to share a bond of love and trust .And in return; she shared chocolate with him just to show that she "accepts" his proposal! The feelings became a memorable gift!
- Sanchi Bahrani

टुकडो में जीतें हैं दोनो कुछ अधूरे वादों के साथ
फिर भी "तोहफे" में मिली एक-दूसरे की मुस्कुराहटें
ज़िंदगी आसान कर देती है....
- Nikita Kumawat


16 साल हो गये हमे एकसाथ...रूबींना की एक ख्वाहिश हमेशा अधूरी रही...वो भी अपना वज़न बढ़ा देखना चाहती थी..अपने अंदर एक ज़िंदगी महसूस करना चाहती थी..उन चंद महीनो को जीना चाहती थी जो मैं उसे देने मे नाकाम रहा..आज..यतीमखाने से ज़िंदगी का क़ीमती तोहफा पाया था...

यतीमख़ाना-orphanage.
- Zoya Warsi


हर बार की तरह मैं उसे देख कर देखती ही रह गयी..
वो भी मुझे देख बस सर झुका कर निकल गयी..
और करते भी क्या..
377 के इस तोहफे से हमारे प्यार पर बंदिशें जो लग गयी थी..
- Gaurav Salvi

हर जन्मदिन पर सालो से तोहफे मिलते आए है..ख़ास लोगो से..पर वो दिन आम दिन था..और वो तोहफा देने वाला भी कोई आम इंसान...लेकिन तोहफा ख़ास था..और उस तोहफे से वो अजनबी भी मेरे लए ख़ास बन गया..क़्युकि उन आँखों ने मेरी अंधेरी ज़िंदगी को रोशनी का तोहफा दिया था...
-Divya Bharti


शादी के उस रिसेप्षन में, कुछ महेंगे तॉहफ़ों के बीच एक स्टील का डब्बा रखा था, जो मनीष को उनके घर के बूढ़े नौकर कन्हैय्या काका ने दिया था. शायद खुशियाँ बटोरी थी लाड़ साहब के लिए हर लम्हे की, लिफाफे मे क़ैद करना पाना मुश्किल था.
- Vibhor Upadhyay


Second Entries:

All throughout his life, his working parents showered him with presents. Little did they know, the only gift he ever wanted, was their time. 

- Harshit Bhatnagar

He never understood the concept of blessings, that why the elders said these things, while he expected gifts in kind. Later that night, a car missed him by whiskers.
He now knew what the real "gift" was.
- Harshit Bhatnagar


The Christmas eve was all about gifts for him. He'd write a letter a week before the Christmas to Santa, asking for something he wanted. Little did he know, the Santa lived in his house.
- Priyanka Agrawal

Theme 9 - School

It was my friend's birthday,I wished him and he reminded me of an incident,when we were in play school, I told him "Dekh apan ek hee auto mein jaate hain na,to tu meko apne birthday pe 2­-2 toffees dega?" On hearing this I recollected the sweet memories from those heavenly days.
- Divneet Kaur Walia, MBA(MM)­, I Year

The old uniform; torn books; broken English.
The give aways made him his own teacher. School wasn't a dream anymore.

- Priyanka Agrawal, M.Sc., III Year

Bus rides to the school had always been memorable. We used to fight for the window seat in Primary.
Grew up sharing notes and tiffin boxes in the Secondary.
High School made us friends. Last seats always heard our secret crushes and complaints.
We didn't fight for the window seat anymore.

- Priyanka Dharamsi, MBA (MM), I Year

एक दिन शादी, किसी दिन सम्मान कार्यक्रम, फिर अगले हफ्ते नगर पंचायत बैठक, कभी गाँव के दबंगो कि कलाली. . .ये थी बबलू के गाँव के सरकारी विद्यालय में होने वाली दैनिक गतिविधियाँ ।
शहर तबादला होने पर, नए स्कूल में जब लेख लिखने को कहा गया विद्यालय पर, तो बबलू बस सोचता ही रह गया ॥

- Mehul Newaskar, MBA (MM), I Year

डिम्पल के स्कूल जाते ही सना अनमनी हो उठी। चेहरे पर थोड़ी ख़ुशी, थोड़ी घबराहट के मिले-जुले भाव थे। शायद आंखों में कोई सपना करवट ले रहा था। एक अजीब- सीबैचैनी थी, ठीक वैसी ही जैसी उसकी माँ को थी जिस दिन उसका ‘स्कूल’ का पहला दिन था।
- Rahul Jharia, MBA (MM), II Year


आज खुश होऊं या दुखी समझ नहीं आता..
बब्लु सुबह स्कूल जाना नहीं छह रहा था....रो रहा था
लेकिन बस तक उसे छोड़ने गई थी की नज़र उस नन्ही परी पर पड़ी जो धूल की चादर पर बैठी अपने नन्हे हाथों से फटे कागज़ पर कुछ लिख रही थी
उसकी किस्मत पर दुःख जातों या बबलू की किस्मत पर ख़ुशी समझ नहीं आया ।
- Divya Bharti, M.Sc., II Year

बेंच के नीचे काग़ज़-पेन्सिल के कचरे की दुकान लगाना..दीवार पर घीसकर रब्बर को सॉफ करना..उल्टे जूते पेहेन लेना..कॉपी ख़तम होनेपर बहुत खुश होना..राजू की पेन्सिल शार्प करते हुए याद आ गया मुझे मेरा स्कूल..

- Zoya Warsi, M.Sc., II Year

Theme 8 - Photographs

It was on the most unfortunate day for me because I lost him forever.Four years have passed
since that day,the only thing left with me is your memories which are always alive and our
photographs...
- Divneet Kaur Walia, MBA(MM)­, I Year


Memories & photographs were the only things that had kept her alive. . .
After the one, in those two, was not !!
- Mehul Newaskar, MBA (MM), I Year


She lost her memory in an accident. Thank god, he was a photographer.
- Priyanka Agrawal, M.Sc., III Year

It was my demand. And you had agreed to it, like you had agreed to everything in the past one year. 
It haunts me. But I still visit it every night - 

Our selfie. In front of the mirror. Just after we made love, for one last time.
- Priyanka Dharamsi, MBA (MM), I Year

A perfectionist in black and white, he always carried her around in his shirt pocket. She had eyes so blue, he could see the ocean in them; hair so wild, they ran down her shoulders, all open.
"Annie".
Well, Annie had herself photographed in his heart. She never existed.
His love for her sure did...
- Charu Rawat, M.Sc., III Year

मम्मी वो फ़ोटो तब खिचवाने राजी हुई जब पापा ने कहा "कम-से-कम एक फ़ोटो तो हो निर्मला, मेरे बाद जिसे देखकर तुम रो सको।" सचमुच कुछ फोटोग्राफ्स ऐसे लगते है जैसे अभी बोल उठेंगे।
वो फ़ोटो दीवार से हटवाना पड़ी क्योंकि पापा को उस फ़ोटो के सामने घंटो गुमसुम खड़े देखा नहीं जाता था।
- Rahul Jharia, MBA (MM), II Year


वो रोज़ाना अपनी च्चत पर बालों को सुखाने आती थी..
तब छींटे उन बूँदो के आते थे मेरी नीची च्चत पर. जो गिरते थे मेरी किताब पर, जिसमे उसकी तस्वीर को रोज़ पढ़ा करता था.
- Vibhor Upadhyay, M.Sc., II Year


आजकल पढ़ने में मन ज़्यादा लगता है, लगता है किताबों से प्यार हो गया है मुझे
जबसे उसमें तुम्हारी तस्वीर छिपाई है, हर वक़्त किताबों में छुपे रहना अच्छा लगता है ।
- Divya Bharti, M.Sc., II Year


आँगन मे बढ़े चूल्‍हे पर बतियाती हुई बड़ी भाभी और गीता मक्का की रोटी सेंक रही है और छोटी सरसों तोड़ने मे व्यस्त..माँ, सूरज औरश्याम भैया खटिया पर पानदान जमा रहे है..राजू और चींकी मेरी तरफ दौड़ते हुए आ रहे है..वो तो एक तस्वीर थी..आज तीसरे चूल्‍हे परबना खाना खाउँगा..

- Zoya Warsi, M.Sc., II Year