अब पहले जैसी बात कहाँ रही होगी
वक़्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी,
बदल गये होँगे उन पैमानों के मायने तेरे
और लबों की सुर्खी भी हल्की सी ढल गयी होगी..

ज़ुल्फ़ें रुख़सार पे आकर उतना ही तँग करती हैँ क्या
तेरे गालों से होकर लबों को छूने की शरारतें करती हैँ क्या,
अब तो शायद गेसुओं की फितरत बदल गयी होगी
वक्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी...

हवायें खिड़कियों के रास्ते तेरे करीब आती हैँ क्या
बदन पे तेरे मखमली फ़ाहों को सहलाती हैँ क्या,
अब तो शायद हवाओं को मंज़िल मिल गयी होगी
वक्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी...

गुलाब अब भी तुझसे उतना ही बैर रखते हैँ
देखकर गालों की लाली तुझसे अब भी जलते हैँ,
या फिर तेरे जिस्म की रँगत भी तुझ सी ही बदल गयी होगी
वक़्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी..

क्या हाल है तेरी पीठ के उस काले तिल का
तिल पे ठहरे मेरे हज़ार चुम्बनों के असर का,
अब तो शायद साँसों की खुशबू भी बदल गयी होगी
वक़्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी...

क्या अब भी तेरी आँखों पे लोग मरते हैँ
रात भर जाग-जाग बातें तेरी करते हैँ,
या फिर शहर भर की निगाह बदल गयी होगी
वक़्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी...

क्या अब भी चूमती हैँ पाँव साग़र की लहरें
कोई है जो उम्र भर तेरी एक छुअन को ठहरे,
लरजते इश्क़ की सिहरन अब तो बदल गयी होगी
वक़्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी.

क्या कोई शाम डूब कर तेरे पहलू में अब ठहरती है
बिन पिये ही कोई रूह तेरे इश्क़ को तड़पती है,
तेरी फ़िराक़ में रहने वालों की कुछ कमी तो हुयी होगी
वक़्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी..

अब भी चर्चे होते हैं क्या शहर में तेरे
लोग मरते हैँ क्या अब भी हुस्न पे तेरे,
या फिर रक़ीबों की चाहत अब बदल गयी होगी
वक़्त के साथ शायद तुम भी बदल गयी होगी...

I know it gets little scary at times, but being alone is good for your soul. Look, in this new world of a life lived in the fast lane, people and everything have become superficial. We talk to people because we go to the same class, same office, or same gym. We hang out with the people we end up with, not with the people we want to. And when that happens, there is no deepness in anything. It's all just convenient company. You laugh, you smile, you talk, and you party with them, but do you think about them when you go home? No. You just get done with your social life and hit the bed, tired and empty. And then you wish to feel something more worthwhile. Maybe, the things that you wanted to talk about for so long. Maybe, the things that scare you. Maybe, you just want to connect again with your core. And you don't end up doing that because you have a social circle, many people, to take care of. And that's fake living, my friend. That's a compromise that you have made. And that's just a lie that you are living to let people believe in your truth of happiness.

Look, I am going deep here. It won't make sense to most, and I know that. But sometimes, we need to go to the dark places to hug the light that our soul has been craving for. Okay, let's do one thing. Let's count how many people you really want in your life. No, do it right now. Just think about the people you want to be with, if you have just one month to live. Go ahead, count. I bet you could count that on fingers. Now, think about the time you spend on other people. Just a rough estimate, let's say 3-4 hours, daily. This time can be the time you spend hanging out with a big group at the bar. And that time is time wasted, my friend. That time can be given to you, yourself. And don't you dare tell me that you get bored too soon, with yourself. You don't get bored, you stupid. You just are blind to your potential and life. You are just wasting this precious life on being nothing and nobody. So, sit with yourself, talk, face the mirror, write down what you want, think about ways to get there, and swear to move ahead.

The naked truth is that you have lived many years already. You have had fun with friends, lovers, and all that. But, where do you stand right now? Are you happy? Could you have done more? Are you living that dream? Or are you just breathing a compromise? Ask these simple questions to yourself and be honest. Look, you need to stop this sad routine. You need to do more with yourself, with your life. And for that, you will need time, more time at hand. And how to do that? Well, cut the time on wrong people, temporary people. Don't allow any ******* in your life in the name of chill. Enough chill, just go and set the stage on fire, I say. Grow up, now. Keep only those people who want you to succeed. Be with people who give positive vibes. Cut the whining ****** people out. You are not here to solve other's mess. Your life is a mess, in itself. Sort yourself out, focus. Let loose of everyone, who is chaining you from flying.

And when you are done kicking people out, spend more time with yourself. Just notice the little things that give you peace. Maybe a walk, movies, book, painting, writing, or playing a sport, just find out what sparkles you, and then do that, daily, at least often. Just sit with yourself at night, slow music, dim lights, a cup of coffee in hand, and then ask yourself "how's it going?". Look, no matter how much anyone loves you, if you allow, then only you can know yourself, the best. So, be honest about what makes you happy and strong. And once you get used to being in your own company, doing things you always wanted, then you will realize how peaceful this solitude is. You will become addicted to this calmness and serenity. You will leave other things to keep this me time for yourself, always. I know that you see on social media, all those pics of enjoying with this, that and blah blah blah. But most of them are lying and cry to bed, every night. The truth is that only you yourself will be there for you, always. So, better work on that relationship more. Please make this love story between you and yourself, the best love story. Please give yourself more of you.


~ Ankit Dubey