I have no one
But my shadow self.
He's the only person I can count on.
He guides me.
He follows me.
He listens to my crap without judging me.
He does not make me feel insecure.
He does not leave me when he finds someone better.
Above all he teaches me a valuable lesson
That no matter how inseparable
We're in our bright hours,
He's gonna leave me when it is dark.

With heavy breaths
Pounding heart
Perspiring temple
I woke up in the middle of the night.
Was it a nightmare?
Or what?
I looked at the watch.
3 AM it said.
I gulped some cold water.
And let my breaths settle.
I tried to sleep
But in vain.
“I’ll take a walk.”
I said to myself.
“A bad idea!”
No sooner did my feet retort,
I found someone’s still gaze upon me.
I’d never known him.
But something about him
Seemed familiar.
Was he a colleague of mine?
Or my milkman?
I smiled at him.
He smiled back.
Forced smile, noticeably.
With unkempt long hair
Sullen abysmal eyes
Wrinkles of stress
Head loaded down
Wrapped in shabby clothes
Lost he was in his own thoughts.
He looked troubled.
Did he lose someone special?
I decided to talk to him.
I started to walk in his direction.
Astoundingly he too moved in my direction.
“He too wants to talk to me?”
I thought.
We kept moving towards each other
Until he crashed into the reality
And I, into the mirror.

She was vengeful.
But against whom could she retribute her vengeance?
The rich guy who ***** her and ruined her life?
The police for harassing her in the name of interrogation?
Lawyers who tormented her and ***** her all over again with the twenty questions?
The inconsiderate jury who were bent on paying their children's school fees?
The lab assistant for lying to the jury that she had absolutely no sign of being ***** and she was making this up only because she got pregnant in the act?
The parents and teachers of the evil vandal who made him that way?
The media who were more interested in making it to the front page rather than sympathizing with her?
The government for taking safety precautions so lightly?
Neighbours who looked her down with contempt?
Or herself for not being strong enough to protect herself.
Whom could she blame?

I sometimes feel that I don't feel
Irony isn't it ?
But it isn't so.
I do feel things.
I do feel cared when someone cares for me.
I do feel when someone is being friendly with me.
I do feel that I have got feelings for her.
I do feel happy when I make my parents proud and happy.
I do feel loved when my younger brother calls me "Bhaiya".
I do feel responsible when my lovely sister puts her head on my
shoulder.
I do feel bad when my parents scold me.
I do get hurt when she ill-treats me.
I do feel ignored when she dodges my call.
I do feel irresponsible when my assignments aren't complete on time.
I do feel wasted when I don't get good grades.
I do get panicked when my examinations are close.
I do feel ecstatic when someone wishes me.
I do get bored with "stupid talks".
I do feel ambitious when some opportunities come across.
I do feel good when I see some "beautiful" girls.
I do feel happy when I see kids playing.
Yeah, I feel things.
But I'm scared
I'm scared that if I let myself be happy for one minute, then my
world's going to come crashing down.
That's why I keep a distance from "being happy".

Your mother went through infinite pain of carrying you in her womb.
Your father works day in and day out to make sure you don't sleep hungry.
Your sister parted with her jewellery just to make sure you could read.
Your brother stands by you in all the ups and downs of life
It does not stop here.

Soldiers spend sleepless nights at freezing altitudes to keep you safe from intruders.
Scientists work hard so that you can lead an easier life.
Artists allow you into their sophisticated mind through their beautiful works.
Musicians practice so that you can enjoy a soothing symphony..
Writers sacrifice their comforts so that you can lose yourself in good books.
Sportsmen toil in uncomfortable weather so that you can enjoy a good match.
Actors rehearse to make sure you forget your stress by giving you good movies.
Teachers cross all boundaries so that you are aware of the world around you.
Labourers work in dingy cells so that latest technologies reach you.
It does not even stop here.

Thousands of strangers have lost their lives so that you can enjoy "these" rights and liberties.
It's not done even now.
The Sun burns ever so fiercely so that you can enjoy bright days.
The glorious Moon lights up your nights so that you are fearless of the stark darkness.
And the Wind blows all day to keep you fresh.

Did I Just hear you say you don't deserve to live?