Gerald D'Cunha

“Life has a way of taking you past your wants and hopes. Instead, it drops you in front of what you need.” Shannon Alder A s I write this Post, the Sun is slowly on its way home… The sky changes its attire as if it’s performing on a stage… Colours explode so beautifully, making the Sun appear calmer, gentler and prettier as it departs… One more lockdown day is about to end. But, the sky and the Sun seem completely unaware of it! It’s one more day to Mother Nature… To Her, it’s business as usual. But, we – you and I - are anxious…   We have been so busy building our castles in the air… We fantasized a life of ‘security’. And, suddenly, it seems, our castles were nothing but the bubbles in the air… and, the security has gone with the wind! Gloomy words? No Sir… Very bright and optimistic ones. So much was not needed, anyway, for our so-called ‘security’… Such big mansions, such lavish lifestyle… Clothes, cars, education, food, entertainment, holi...

Like birds, let’s leave behind what we don’t need to carry – Grudges, Sadness, Pain, Fear and Regrets. Life is beautiful… Enjoy it. Happy New-Year .    Of several New-Year greetings that I have received so far, this one made the maximums impact on my heart… It, also, made the maximum sense to my head! I was extremely happy when I saw this greeting on my phone. The sender, a young girl, was my student two years ago, and, presently, pursues her studies in Chartered Accountancy. Life has not been easy for her family. Her father had deserted them when this girl was too small and her mother too young. The mother had neither the means nor the education – not even a proper roof over their head - to make both ends meet. Still, she struggled, with great dignity, to give her only girl a good education, and raise her up with fine values. It was tough for them not only financially… but also emotionally. And, because the girl has been...

“I will wish you on Christmas,” He said. “Wish me now, Today is Christmas,” I told him. “Don’t be a fool, my friend;” He said irritated, “Every day is not Christmas.” I did not want to see My friend irritated With what I said… So, I said, “Yes, friend, Every day is not Christmas.” When Christmas comes, Bells will chime… Snow will fall… And, Stars will be bright… There will be music, There will be dance… And, there will be A never-ending night! Yes, that is the time, Someone wants to wish me: “Merry Christmas!” Not, NOW! There is music in my heart… There is dance in my soul… The bells are chiming… The snow is falling… And, yes, the Stars are bright. My heart longs to wish, “Merry Christmas, my friend… Please, don’t wait.” GERALD D'CUNHA THANKS: The brilliant images used in this Post are by Ashok Ahuja. He is a professional Photographer and a very dear friend of mine. He is also one of the founder members of The Daw...

I know… tomorrow will be another day; I have heard… it will be a new day. I know… tomorrow will come like a gentle bride; And, when it comes, I will not hear the trumpets from far, Nor will I see the Comets in the sky. It will be another day… Of another hope… Of another chance. My heart longs to be free from its burden When tomorrow comes; It longs to see the baby sun… All through the day… Oh! So tender… So loving… So full of promise. They say: “Who knows… Tomorrow may not come!” They remind me: “Sit beside your ailing dad… Listen to your rebel son… Kiss your nagging partner… Bless your hell-bent tomentor.” Hey, the ‘Tomorrow’ has come… This day, ‘Today’… One more day, One more chance… Like a gentle bride With a new hope and a new promise. This lady who died in the sleep last night Was not that old… I had met her yesterday And wished her “Good afternoon”. I see the white sheet and the bamboo sticks, I see...

L ast evening, I attended a wedding reception in a swanky hotel in Juhu. It was a grand affair. The bride, Barkha*, was my student, some years ago. The groom looked smart and, with Barkha, made a lovely pair. As soon as the newly-wed couple landed on the stage, the photographer got into action: he went on clicking some special pictures of the gorgeous-looking couple. At least in twenty different poses, he shot them. My wife and I watched, from our seats, this special moment of the couple, in delight… and, we could feel the magic… the romance in the air. The cool breeze and the buzzing of the restless waves made the ambiance dreamy… Nostalgic! Barkha was a head-strong girl and always wanted to join an airline. She was fascinated by the front-office job and went about doing her training in Travel and Tourism; eventually, she joined an airline of her choice. She was also a good communicator; and, on week ends, she taught in a reputed Travel and Tourism institute. When our turn came t...