Raahi Chaand

महकी हुई सन्नाटों में वो चाँद आहें भरता है आज भी 

महफ़िलों के उन चँद रंगों को वो निहारता है आज भी 

हैं ये दिन हसीन और शामें जवाँ अब भी मगर 

नर्म मुस्कानों में वह बातें याद करता है आज भी 

थे कुछ अनकहे से लफ्ज़ अब भी बाकी शायद 

उन लफ्ज़ों की शिकायत निगाहों से करता है आज भी

नज़र की नज़ाकत चाहे पलकों से घिरे रहें मगर 

तारों को रोशनी के किस्से बेबाकी से सुनाता है आज भी 

किस्तों में बादलों से मिलना होता है कभी कभी मगर 

उनसे समंदर का हाल-ए-दिल वो पूछ लेता है आज भी 

वह लहरें जो बेक़रारी में क़रार ढूँढती थीं तब 

उनके शिकवे में दास्तानों की गूँज सुनता है आज भी 

कुछ कहानीयों में राहों का आगाज़ रहता होगा शायद 

हर कहानी के मोड़ में जाने क्या राह तलाशता है आज भी 

रास्तों मे अक्सर भटकते होंगे राही मगर 

पर क्या भटका राही मंजिलो से ख़फ़ा रहता है आज भी? 

Copyright © 2025 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

Third Or First?

>>You may listen (and watch) it here.

When you are an observer, 

A third person in a world of two, 

You witness the story unfold,

You witness the things said,

And the things too,

That has been left to be sensed.

You see the love, the happiness, 

You see the wounds, the scratches,

You see the gaps too in dreams and souls,

You see what has been shown,

And that, which was has been left

To be felt in a land unknown.

You see the world that was created,

A world morphing into another...

You see the jigsaw slots fitting in

And those that could have fit,

If not for that unfitting stray bit,

Waiting to be cleared off

But stays on,

Seemingly invisible enough,

To be lifted off.

You witness the hands

That reached out,

And those too that stretched,

But had shackles on

That no one knew about.

You witness the world that was shown,

The one, that once under the sun shone,

You feel the one too, which existed

On the eclipsed phase,

Or dark end of moon.

You crave, you long, you pray,

"If only... " is all you can say...

But are you just the 3rd person,

With no more role,

But to observe,

Or is there more to it,

Perhaps any other purpose to serve?

Can it be an untold notion,

To let you know of the stray pieces,

That may have been in motion

In the world where you exist,

And your puzzle pieces too,

Have been trying to resist?

Are you the third person 

In that universe unknown,

Or is that universe

Just another piece

To let you explore 

The unseen in your own (universe)?

Letting you to make sense

Of what has been left

To be sensed, seen, heard, or felt...

To water the flowers,

That might seem parched,

Even if some parts have been drenched,

The others might need to be watched?

That universe might have been an assisting piece

For the universe of your version,

To let your senses bloom,

And thrive in the world,

Where you have always been

The first person.

>>Listen/Watch:

Copyright © 2025 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

Not To Be Read

DO NOT OPEN THIS.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO OPEN THIS.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

CHECK THE NEXT POST. That one is fun.

STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE.

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If you have been in darkness for quite some time...

And are probably still in...

And there's not a single beacon to be seen anywhere 

Not now nor in the foreseeable future

When it feels that all hope is lost

And your soul isn't even yours

I pray you never know

That you never know

That you have been in the dark

For that's where meanings fail

And the world that never was

Starts to crumble to pieces

Pieces so fine that can't even be seen

With eyes that have been pretending to be blind

I pray you never smell the putrid ashes

Even if that is what all that remains

And the ashes have the remnants of your every prayer

I pray you never know

That you never know

That you have been walking on ashes of wishes

For that's when your breath burns

And the air that never was

Starts to choke you down

In the very silk thread

The thread that once held your dreams 

Now those dreams drown

In the stench of those puddles

That once held life like koi

Koi that have long gone now

To places that never exist 

And hence won't ever be found

Like the light that have lost its way

To nothingness 

Never found on any sky

A sky that never was 

Or would ever be

It was darkness all along

I pray that you never know

That you never know

Darkness is all you have bestowed upon

Even though light is all you have

You have thought to have seen

Maybe someday that light will manifest

In a form none around you had ever seen

or could attest

Wait till that day

But before that

I pray that you never know

Copyright © 2025 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

The One I Have Waited For

For over 2 years now, a lot of people (and not just me) have been waiting for 2025. It is for the same reason (or should I say reasons, the reasons being 7). However, there is another reason why I have been looking forward to this year. 

The primary reason is its close association with the number 9, a number I have always been entranced by. In addition, 2025, in itself, is a special number, (at least like many other numbers if not more). Let's unwind it a bit more, shall we? 

I would skip the obvious ones which most would already know. For example, 2025 being a perfect square (the only one for this century), or it being the sum of the cube of first 9 numbers, or it being the square of sum of numbers from 1 to 9.

I will also skip the very visible aspect of it, that is how by multiplying its component numbers (20 and 25) results in the year 2025 (that is (20+25)x(20+25) = 2025), or how it is the result of the multiplication of two perfect squares (81, square of 9 and 25, square of 5) or the sum of three perfect squares (1600, 400, and 25). It's relation with 3, 6, and 9 (the magical trio, as I believe them to be) is very apparent even from these obvious ones. 

Let's explore some actual interesting ones, the less commonly known ones. (Please note the connect with 3, 6, and 9.) First, if we go on writing digits from 1 to 45, the number of times corresponding to their values, that is 1 once, 2 twice, 3 thrice, upto 45 forty-five times (1223334444...45454545 (45 times)), the total number of digits is 2025! And this doesn't happen for any other number greater than 1, except for 45 (and 4+5 =9). Coincidence? I don't think so. 

Let's explore some graph theory for the second fact. If we go on to color the sides of a rectangle, using at most 9 colors, distinctly, should we take a guess how many ways there can be? Surprise, surprise... 2025 essentially distinct ways! And if you want more, try finding out how many spanning trees could be formed in a complete bipartite graph with 3+5 vertices.

If we go for figurative numbers, again a personal favorite, and just touch upon a bit of geometry (oh! the elegance), we can visualize 2025 in terms of triangular numbers and centered octagons, as it lies so elegantly in their intersection. We have studied triangular numbers in school, grade 5, if I am not mistaken. 2025 is the sum of two consecutive triangular numbers, T44 and T45. (T44 = (44x45)/2 = 990 and T45 = (45x46)/2 = 1035). For centered octagonal numbers, if we choose 23 levels (22 rings plus 1 central point), we get a total of 2025 points.

The true beauty comes up when we plot T44 and T45 in their triangular positions and rearrange the 2025 points to form the centered octagon, a beautiful match in two worlds! It thus signifies growth and prosperity (for the consecutive triangular numbers), and balance and equilibrium (as a centered octagon)... a year of transition, if you will. 

Coming to the whimsical aspects, if we write the results of multiplication tables of 1 through 9 (that is 1x1 through 9x9), essentially a 9x9 matrix, the sum of all results would be 2025. Another silly but interesting aspect is that if we add 1 to each digit of 2025, the result 3136 is still a perfect square. And 2025 is quite possibly the only positive square to have this aspect. Additionally, if we add 1 to just 1 digit also (resulting in 3025), it still remains a perfect square. Interestingly, 55 squared is 3025, and 56 squared is 3136. (Did we notice the 3 and 6 aspects?)

Those were 5 aspects. Let's add 4 quick silly but fun ones to make it 9. For all numbers from 1 through 9999, with the last digit strictly greater than the other digits, there are exactly 2025 numbers. If we cube 2025 and omit the 0 in the result (8303765625 becomes 833765625), the number so left is also a square (square of 28875). Did we observe that the sum of the digits of is 9 and that of 28875 is 3?

Keeping its close association with 9, it can be written as a sum of positive squares in only one way, that is 27 squared + 36 squared. And to end it with how we started this piece, let's see something associated to 7. If we take the set {A, B, C} and find the number of strings of 7 letters (that do not contain AAAA or BBBB as a substring), the number is 2025. 

Even though there are a lot other special things about 2025 as a number, and I really am looking forward to discuss it in details... even so, we will pause here... for this already has been way lengthier than I initially expected it to be. However, if you are looking forward to a discussion about this year or the number 2025 (royal, purple), we can always find opportunities. Or we can make our own. Have a happy 2025!

Copyright © 2025 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

Repeated

Warm moments in the blaring cold 

A shared laughter and few repeated lore 

Jingling, mingling, with smiles we adore

It all comes together 

With the warm desserts in store

And that was our day,

Would you tell about yours?

Copyright © 2024 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

What to Say

Sheldon is a complex character, like any other. Or maybe exactly not (if you would like it that way) considering how predictable he could be. However, complimenting someone using him as a synonym or reference is possibly the trickier part. More so than many may like to think or agree. 

Hear me out on this. If some aspect of someone reminds you of Sheldon, I would suggest to specify that aspect. Because being called Sheldon, in general, might not be the compliment you think it should be. 

He is smart, nay, genius. However, his emotional intelligence is quite not there in the map. He could be unavailable and unbothered (sometimes, though not always) when it comes to supporting his best friend emotionally. He loves them in his own way, but if it comes to a turmoil (as per Sheldon standards), he would give up on them without a second thought. (He is still a likeable character, but there are nuances to him like any other human being.)

So, when it comes to give a compliment based on Sheldon, it is better to tread carefully. The recipient of the compliment might not prefer just their intelligence to be highlighted as a part of their being. They might want their emotional intelligence or humane aspect to be a major aspect of their identity, rather than just their intelligence or smartness. Comparing them to Sheldon, without specifying, might be anti-climactic.

I came across a conversation with someone regarding this. He is very smart, witty, and kind. Most often, many would praise him for his smart brain or presence of mind. He would smile, say a note of gratitude, and that's that. However, when he spoke about the best compliment he received, it wasn't what would generally be expected or perceived. 

He was told this by a friend of his: "You are one of the few people I would introduce to others because that would be a good representation of who I am... as a person." He couldn't speak for a moment trying to grasp that. Someone had "seen" him as a person with compassion and other human qualities than just being smart. Sometimes, people prefer to be acknowledged for their humaneness, or for their wit/wisdom, and overall personality/individuality rather than just one aspect.

While I say this, I also know how difficult the art of complimenting could be for some. May be not difficult, but tricky. One must at the very least try to understand the recipient's preference, what matters to them, and/or how they want to be identified as. It's not as difficult if you invest a little attention to them. Because every person reflects their priorities, a little bit investment of your attention would tell you clearly. It shows sincerity of your words, and that is what matters the most. 

Having said all this, never shy away from a compliment. A few words of kindness could make somebody's day. It might be their only ray on a grey cloudy day. Your few words/action might be the force that could switch on the lights on their darkest moments. 

If you are looking for a time, it is now. The opportunity is always there. Grab it and let the people around you know how much you value them. Let a stranger know that their efforts are seen and heard. And most importantly, give yourself the compliment that you deserve but may have always withheld. Go ahead, spread the magic of words.

Copyright © 2024 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

Muted Ramblings

What's social about social media? If it was intended for making global citizens more "social", then perhaps it didn't quite fit the bill. Or maybe the definition of being social is a bit different in these platforms.

I kept introspecting, retrospecting, and all the other forms of reflective thinking involved (well, most of them atleast), and I couldn't think of a single "social connection" through the social network.

Of course, I joined the game quite late, my social media presence is laughable at best, and I find myself unable to "devote" the requisite number of minutes (or hours? is it possible though?) towards the platform. On the other hand, when I think of the new people I have met, it has always been through mostly conventional means. Of course, technology has helped and has done its part.

It certainly is helpful when we consume it, but when it consumes us, that's when the framework falls apart, perhaps.

I wouldn't say social media hasn't helped me at all. Because it has. I converse with friends and acquaintances, with whom I would have conversed anyway, even if social media wasn't there. It's just a bit more convenient sometimes. I have seen my friends meet new people too, though I am unaware about the degree of connectivity. It certainly is helpful when we consume it, but when it consumes us, that's when the framework falls apart, perhaps.

I witness multitudes of isolated islands, or mostly unreachable islands of individuals, in the conventional social gatherings. These islands are individuals engrossed in the grasping networked hands of these platforms (apparently socializing virtually) while the real gatherings see minimum to no socialization at all.

I witness individuals alienating themselves even in their home planets. Wasn't the intention to bring people closer? But as I see it, if anything, it is making us farther and further from every being and everything.

...it is making us farther and further from every being and everything.

Virtual Reality (a hilarious oxymoron) might be another add on. Even though I was late to the social media game, I boarded the VR bandwagon quite early. I bought my first VR headset in early 2016. I explored different games and experiences, though there weren't as many back then. (Being named after eyes, it didn't help them at all.)

However, within 2 weeks it scared me. I still held on, trying to convince myself that I just need to get used to it; new things are tricky anyway. However, within the next two months, my fear converted into concern, and I stopped using it. I just couldn't understand the need of that kind of attachment-detachment combination.

Now, as the twilight days of another year on this planet is upon us, I wondered what aspects were tricky (personal understanding wise) for me and to reflect upon them. There were a multiple number of aspects, and this was one of them. That's why, I thought of putting words into those thoughts.

...the twilight days of another year on this planet is upon us...

It's all just based on personal experience, which is limited to say the least, and hence shouldn't be read too much into. If you have been patient and kind enough to read these muted ramblings (muted? really? *my brain scoffs on that word usage*), please let me know of your thoughts and experiences. It might be helpful for social-media-challenged people like me.

P. S. Please don't try to guess which generation I belong to based on my thoughts and words. That seems to be a trend these days, especially upheld by millenials. Thoughts and experiences are not generation dependent.

Copyright © 2024 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

Innate Expressions

"What are you going to gain out of it? Are you going there? Then, is it not a waste of time and money?" These questions are not new for anyone who starts learning a new language without the commonly accepted agenda.

When I started learning other languages, among other questions, I was also often asked if I don't like my mother tongue anymore or if English feels too generic? The questions were so baffling that I would be too stunned to even grasp that such questions too can exist.

I have also often come across questions when I write in my mother tongue. Some questions have been put forth with just a good willed inquisitive intent (thankfully), while some others felt as a sizing up tool. That primarily came associated with a statement regarding my school's medium of instruction and conveniently assumed biased perceptions.

Even if my mother tongue was not the medium of instruction for me, it still is my mother tongue. It doesn't exactly feel nice/comforting to hear things like, "even though your medium of instruction was different, you still write (stories and poems) and read (novels and other literature) in your mother tongue!" What has medium of instruction got to do with that?

I never gave up on my right and duty towards my mother tongue. It still is very much mine. I started with it, probably will end with it too, and will very much keep doing so. Why should my writing in it come along with an addendum?

It still is very much mine. I started with it, probably will end with it too, and will very much keep doing so.

Writing and reading in my mother tongue, irrespective of any other languages I learn or use, is only natural. A T&C star mark alongside it sometimes feel like a stigma, it is not the high praise as few try to (subtly) imply it to be.  

That, however, is not the entire story. There have been kind souls too who have acceptance as their nature. They understand equity and equality, where to apply it, and most importantly where not to. They do not see anything else but just the love a person bears in their heart. 

Love knows no bounds. Though this statement may seem platitudinous, its value cannot be discounted. Learning a different language or writing and reading in it doesn't mean your love for your root language can be treated differently or perceived differently. You are just loving a bit more... if that makes sense.

So, irrespective of what your background was, irrespective of what other languages you have liked and learnt, irrespective of anything, nothing can (and should) inhibit you from expressing yourself in your mother tongue. It's yours. It's your right and your duty too. Literary freedom is just like Love. Express the Love in your heart. 

Copyright © 2024 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved

How Are They Related?

"How much did you get in ABC (name of a subject, name changed for obvious reasons)?" That was the question I was asked the most that day.

The first couple of times the question was asked, it didn't quite register with me. However, anybody would notice a pattern if it is being hovered right in front of their eyes, let alone me. Especially when it came assisted along with a follow up statement, and a quizzical reaction/response.

The jist is I loved the subject ABC. I would keep waiting eagerly for its lab classes and I would feel happy solving the assessment questions. I was also fond of other subjects that we had that semester, however, my interest towards ABC might have been a bit more evident to others. 

So, that day when the aggregate internal marks for all our subjects were published, their curiosity might have led them to ask the question. Some just asked about the mark, while with a couple of friends the conversation went on a bit more.

It went somewhat like this: (Fr: Friend)

Fr:    How much did you get in ABC? 

Me:  I got "y" marks. 

Fr:    It must have been the highest among all you other subjects' marks.  

Me:  It isn't. It is the lowest as compared to my marks in the rest of the subjects this semester. 

Fr:     So, now you must not like ABC anymore. 

Me:   I still do. Why wouldn't I? 

Fr:   Still? Why? But your marks in other subjects are higher than your marks in ABC. Why do you still like it? 

Me:    How are those two aspects related? 

The conversation would mostly stop after that or take a different turn. I wondered, if I had scored average (or less) marks in that, would I have been expected to stop loving it? Or even worse, would I have been expected to hold a grudge, dislike it, or say mean things about it? Even the thought of such a transactional aspect is concerning.

Often times, your affinity towards something is associated with the level of your success in that aspect. If you are fond of something, if you feel happy (or have ever felt happy), shouldn't that be enough? Why do we have to ask for something else in return? Why should liking/feeling towards something change based on its accessibility (like marks or ease of understanding and the likes)? Should we show our affinity only when we excel in it the most or certain conditions and expectations are fulfilled?

If you ask me the reason, I wouldn't know. I have not come across every individual on this planet, hence my understanding is based primarily on my personal experience. Since that number is meagre when compared with the world population, nothing can be generalized, and hence I do not have an answer. I didn't understand it then, and I still do not. 

When you love something, you just love something. There can be no calculation involved. There could be no objective. If we love doing something, if we love learning something, wouldn't it be great if we could focus only on that? I wish and I hope that it would be wonderful if we start considering Happiness and Love as the greatest factors. Wouldn't it be? 

Copyright © 2024 One Life To Live. All Rights Reserved