Its getting a little hot in April
The year feels distraught in April

Gola & Ice-cream replace hot chai pakoras
Alone in my balcony, I've iced beer shots in April 

Adulthood & appraisals don't bring as much joy
I miss summer vacations a lot in April

With friends leaving, my workplace feels lonely
Our fun banters seem like a rot in April

Linkedin & Shadi.com, both feel like a blob
Anxiety grins, "You’re caught in the knot," in April

You've lost so much - what's more to chase, Nandini?
Atleast you gave writing ghazals a brave shot in April.

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Love was not the handsomest guy. Love had small, brown colored eyes, crooked teeth, and freckles on his cheeks. The world told me I was short, and sometimes skinny, but Love made me feel I was perfect. Love was not attractive, but when Love wore a checkered shirt, and a watch, I could not stop myself from falling for him. Love was a late-comer, and I would scold him for keeping me waiting. Love would never say a word, and wait patiently for me, when I was late. Love was a foodie, but he made sure that that he saved the last bite of cheese and chocolate for me. I would controll Love to wake up early, work out, eat healthy food, and manage his finaces well, and make good habits. But Love would never tell me a word of preach. Love never wanted to change me. Love was very liberating for me. Love just let me be. Love supported me. Love comforted me when times were rough.

Love taught me how to love.

But Love was also fragile. So fragile, that I ended up breaking him.

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Winter peaks as the year comes to an end in December
A piece from the warmth of sun, I crave to fend in December.

2024 pushed me to my limits, leaving me broken and battered
Finding my feet again, I wish to heal and mend in December.

The people who once lit up my world have slipped away
Their beautiful remnants, I shall hug and befriend in December.

I made peace with some choices, some choices, I still regret
More of "Can't go back and forth in time", is what I intend in December.

Amidst this chaos, why do you welcome December with a ghazal, Nandini?
It calms my anxiety. Towards hope, I wanna transcend in December.

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Mom telling you, "I am your best friend" is a SCAM.

First she becomes your best friend.
Later, she becomes your dad's best friend.

-

Give people the kind of
kindness that you seek.

-

You call it Poetry.
I call it Pain.

You call it beauty ~
when all I see is
scars sealed in syllables.

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On Surat.

-

it felt as if
my city has left me.

Lonely. Abandoned.
Empty.

-

You.

-

From texting each other
"Hey, what's in YOUR tiffin today?"

To
"Hey, what shall WE pack in OUR tiffin today?"

They made it.

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