Merlin

Our first meeting was awkward and weird 

At the district veterinary hospital— 

Seeing you playing inside the Bolero, 

I was more excited to see you than my brother. 

Each time I came to your home, 

I looked forward to meeting and playing with you. 

I think you were more excited than me— 

Lonely, perhaps, and waiting for someone like me. 

I felt sad when you couldn’t play during your estrus cycle, 

And I was shattered when they said you had kidney stones. 

The last time I met you, 

You looked so tired—aged, and weary. 

My heart broke the day I heard you were no more. 

It’s been a long time, and no one’s replaced you. 

You were my first love, 

The one I always wished for but couldn’t keep. 

Maybe that’s why I see you in my neighbour’s pet— 

And sneak onto the terrace each evening, 

Just to watch them play the way we used to. 

Maybe that’s because I still miss you.

To my Rohitian

I entered a class where bonds were already formed,

Friends and gangs, their lives entwined.

The first bench near the door stood bare,

So I claimed a seat, without much care.

You came, surprised, to see me there,

A stranger occupying your usual lair.

Yet, with no complaints, you broke the ice, 

Introduced yourself with your usual smile.

I jotted down your name, on the back of my rough note,

As I was terrible with remembering new names.

Little did I know then that, 

Your name would be etched into my heart forever.

I still recall the games we played,

Just the two of us, in between the classes.

The long list of players we penned,

Still lies before me, as a timeless memory.

Even after college, the random meets and hangouts,

Your unexpected calls, texts, and those random pics, 

And everything that reminds me of you,

Fill my world with immense joy.

I dream of a day when we’ll stand side by side,

Cheering our team with unshaken pride.

While the Paltan roars and the Wankhede turns blue,

I’ll be there with you, my Rohitian.

Calangute

In a distant land 600 miles from home,

We wandered through the market squares seeking souvenirs.

Tasting the cool Serradura dessert,

Googling nervously to check if it was laced with alcohol - 

A tradition Portugese used to follow.

The photographer in you came alive again,

Capturing every promising view the place had to offer.

You never grew tired of my endless demands - 

Photo after photo, your phone gallery brimming with moments.

Listening to the songs of Calangute’s waves,

We strolled across the wet sands, 

Barefoot - holding chappals in our hands,

Sharing millions and trillions of stories,

And never once did my ceaseless chatter annoy you.

As the sun sank into the sea,

We turned back, trusting the landmark I’d set in my mind.

But who knew that "I Love Goa" was a recurring sign, dotting every corner?

That’s when I realized - we were hopelessly lost,

Adrift in a place unfamiliar and strange.

You stepped up without hesitation,

Google Maps in hand, guiding - calm and composed.

While I was exhausted from the two hour stride through the sand,

And seamlessly dragging and nagging you back.

Through the abandoned streets we walked,

Haunted by the silence, imagining shadows of Goan dons

And drug mafias lurking with modern machine guns.

Yet, irony weaved its charm,

Getting lost in Goa became my greatest adventure.

From that day onwards, you’ve stood by my side,

Through thick and thin, my guardian angel,

Scolding and consoling me whenever it was necessary,  

Solving life’s riddles with quiet strength,

That only a best friend can do.

To the Guardian of Wild

You were such a weaver of tales,

Your stories spread beyond our classes.

I first heard of those awkward moments,

You experienced near the mangrove roots.

Whenever you shared your journeys wide,

With that enthusiastic enigma inside.

Through your words, I heard the waves roar,

And glimpse the tiger behind that rock.

You took me along on each vivid trip,

Through simple narratives, I'd eagerly sip.

Please don't post those underwater picture of yours,

As those Lakshadweep snaps lives in the dreams I reap.

Now you walk from our classroom walls to nature’s heart, 

Where the wild calls you to keep its secrets,  

But I’m pretty sure they’ll fly off through Tripura’s winds,

To make a legend in Fortune’s lore.

You leave behind millions of thoughts,

Memories woven and lessons taught.

Each growing tree I pass near,

Will echo your voice of carbon sinks.

The Sennas, Lantanas and the Society we live in,

Will forever remind me of your legacy left behind.

A heartfelt farewell to you as you embrace,

A new chapter in your life with strength and grace.

On Your Special Day...

Started as just classmates,

We came a long way.

The day I chose to sit by you—

One of my best decisions. 

Side by side, we shared it all,

Snacks, Jokes, Secrets, and Notes.

Bringing my favorite fries and pickles,

You patiently tolerated my slow-eater ways.

 

Extending our short trips together -

from washrooms to canteens.

The best were those film and book fests,

But our secret Library dates stand apart.

 

Sneaking around each floor and shelves, 

Of various libraries we accessed,

Searched for those books and notes,

A few dared to take till then.

Together we weaved out our precious memories, 

Now our galleries are full of those moments we caught.

Beyond those college walls, we stayed so close,

Our friendship grew and families met.

You even shared your best friends with me,

And that’s a gift I’ll not forget.

Through every high and every low,

You’re by my side, steadfast and true.

As we celebrate your another year of joy,

And so I wish, on this special day,

"Two years from now, we’ll be right there,

Celebrating this day at the place of our dreams".