From The Quill of Suranya

 I won't be awake in bed, shedding tears  For yet another stranger of my tribe  If only I felt less human.  I would be happy in my bubble  Of festivities and joy,  Of food, friends and frolick  If only I were less aware.  Is it a boon or a curse? Here I am in a crowd,  That celebrates the homecoming  Of their daughter  While thousands of parents mourn theirs. Here I am, heart full of fear  Hope flickering in despair  As the Goddess is awake;  Waiting for Her to strike  With vengeance on miscreants  Untouched by humans, With every hour that goes by  The sky is gloomy, heart heavy  As we pray,  May such a Pujo never see  The light of day. © Suranya

 The city was dark even in the shimmering lights, Almost like it was evening at midday. The rain poured incessantly.  Like someone cried from the skies above. She watched the crowd, Amidst the cloud and downpour, Looking frantic in joy Cheering for an idol  That was quite a lookalike. They chanted Mantras, Offered the best of fruits  Paid their respects, hands folded Yet she sighed, unimpressed. She turned her back to the crowd, Walked away from the light, Into the darkest alley Of a city that barely survives. Hungry eyes asking for help, Homes washed away, identity at stake. A teardrop blurred her Kohl-drawn eyes, As she turned again in a corner That led to an end. There stood silhouettes  Of tortured souls wailing; Grasping at her, hoping. Young, old, rich, poor, Every soul tormented by touch; She, who is Justice Stood shocked and helpless at first; Anger and agony aligned, As She knelt before them Weeping in despair, asking questions, Could she help those who...

Having grown up hearing the stories of Agomoni from our grandparents' generation, how Maa Durga is but a daughter returning home to us, for five days, and the blue sky and white clouds being a reflection of her happiness on her impending homecoming. Then suddenly clouds begin to gather, and my grandmother would often say, Oh look, there it is, Shiva seems angry. Why, I would ask, the eager child in me, always having a love for stories. And love stories. The clear blue sky and the fluffy white clouds are another natural thing that preludes the Dhak of Durga Pujo. Every time I see it, no matter when and where, it reminds me of her. Having grown up hearing the stories of Agomoni from our grandparents' generation, how Maa Durga is but a daughter returning home to us, for five days, and the blue sky and white clouds being a reflection of her happiness on her impending homecoming. Then suddenly clouds begin to gather, and my grandmother would often say, Oh look, there it is, Shiva se...

Like the clear blue sky and cotton clouds after a spell of grey clouds and thunderstorms that often prelude Agomoni, happiness reflected in Kanai's eyes. There was lights, Dhak and celebration in the City of Joy. After two years of despair and struggle it seemed like Ma Durga was truly home. He watched the streets crowded with eager onlookers, people waiting as the aroma of the freshly made egg rolls hit his nostrils. The day ended at dawn for them. Baba counted the money in the box with a smile. Maybe it meant Maa wouldn't have to go back to working her "night shifts' and return home teary eyed, reminding Kanai to stud harder than before. With eyes full of hope, Kanai folded his hands, She smiled back. © Suranya

Gauri was a very beautiful and wise young girl. A perfect combination of beauty and brains. Pampered by her doting father, her mere presence attracted a lot of attention. And like every young girl her age, she dreamt of Love. Gauri was a mere teenager when she first met him. The widower. The older man. Eyebrows were raised. Questions asked. Why was She trying to in over such a man's broken heart? Didn't She deserve to be someone's first? She had broken the stereotypes by marrying him. Gauri was strong and independent. She decided for herself. She didn't want a father, brother or husband to protect her. She could do that herself. She fought for her own rights. She made her own rules. She lived life in her own terms. She decided what she wanted to do. Where she wanted to go. She decided to have kids when she wanted. Gauri stood up against the bossy men who dictated the society. She came home when she wished to. She questioned everything at her own free will. She didn'...

 A crowd was gathered, busy making idols of clay;  She placed her luggage down there, looking for a place to stay. "Excuse me, can you help me out?" They scrutinised her in doubt.  Hair unbound, curls falling back on her waist,  "Tie it up, good girls don't let their hair loose." They said. Her skin was dark; she didn't care.  They told her, "Oh, true beauty is always fair!" Her attire was short and sassy,  "Clothes often make a girl easy." Her opinions strong, her determination fiery,  "Opinionated feminists are intimidating and scary." She stood strong, ready to do a man's job.  "You can't do what nature has decided as a man's work." She smiled at them, ready to take their leave,  "Oh, wait, where are you going, giving up so easily?" She stared back at the idol, almost ready,  "I will come back in a few days,  Or when you are less heady anyway." They frowned at her, got back to work, u...

History is proof that  Every time you insult Her  The Fire in her destroys you  And the Storm in her Destroys your society. - Suranya