Baaz ki Parwaaz

Sun has just set on this hot summer day and the scarlet of  distant horizon is quickly fading away. Its been long since Parvez has been in flight. The weary eagle looks around for shelter and some rest. There is no greenery around, only shrubs remain on the banks of a parched pond. Parvez pumps up the last ounces of energy into his wings and after a couple of powerful flaps, the bird swoops down on a lone dried up tree. The tree seems like a skeleton of its glorious past when water from the pond nourished its roots and green leaves covered its branches. Although, now its fortunes have dried with the pond.

This will be the lonesome inn for Parvez, our wandering golden eagle. Parvez does not know the new landscape. He has wandered away from his nest and is lost, but being lost is his nature and it does not scare him. His eyes are sad and pensive over the disillusionment in his clan. Sky is now covered in the dark of night with bright stars gleaming all over. Wind is warmer and much more pleasant, as if Mother Nature has decided to make his sleep a bit comfortable. Parvez hasn't found his answers nor his peace, but his eyes close and the mortal self goes to rest.

Warm wind sings a lullaby, although his mind is restless even in sleep. It is playing tricks on Parvez, taking him places and reliving those short memories, bitter, sweet and sometimes confusing. Parvez is young, thoughtful and full of questions, not just the usual inquisitiveness of a growing mind but even the disturbing truths of life attract him. He was known in his clan to be the sensitive and ambitious one. The one who doesn't like to give up on a fallen friend. Two golden eagles fly overhead. They notice him, but soon disappear. They are his brothers. For a moment, his mind fills with hope of re conciliation and  joy of receiving the brothers. But his innocuous ambitions and sensitivities are too fool hardy for them. Their disappearance just re iterates to him that he is alone in the moment.

One of Parvez's curious obsessesions involve the Sun. For him, Sun is a distant bird that rises in east and nests across the western horizon. Its disciplined journey from east to west has elevated it to Godhood among the earthly creatures. Its fiery wings inspire awe in Parvez's heart. They can provide warmth or burn him in hell's fires at will. For him, the Sun is a symbol of wisdom, energy and longevity. He wants to meet the Sun to learn secrets of life and Mother Nature. It may very well be the answer to his questions, at least the quest gives him some peace.

Parvez fantasizes flight over beautiful lands with a mysterious mate. They fly over vast stretches of rivers, oceans, mountains and plains, overseeing the beauty of Earth and hunting at will. This sight fills his heart with comfort. At the same time, he ponders over the purpose to his life, his mad desire to meet the Sun God and stumbles on an inevitable puzzle. What's greater, to fulfill the meaning of his life or the desire of companionship. He realizes that the ambitions and the quests will be far more comfortable and endearing when he finds a companion, who shares his vision.

Parvez's heart goes out to his friends who were left behind and could not fly so far away with him. They were just as bright and ambitious as him and together they had seen dreams to capture the whole world in their eyes. He realizes life is cruel at times and he ought to value each moment and each ounce of energy in him.

Parvez opens his eyes at the crack of dawn. The lullaby of warm wind has somewhat relaxed his hurt and pain. His mind is filled with his Mother's wisdom, as she once taught him not to emulate the world when it is unfair with him, but to carry on his quests with faith in his destiny and an honest heart. Parvez looks around and renews his flight, like a resurrected phoenix.

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Coutesy: This story is my humble literary manifestation of the mythical bird, Phoenix. Inspiration to write this piece came about 6 months back upon hearing the beautiful composition "Ujale Baaz" by Indian band Agnee. Please watch the song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UVUHQ8NE90), as it is much better than what you just read.

Untitled Confusion

There is something that needs to be said, something that needs to be heard or lets say something that needs to be discussed. Don't know where to start. I don't have metaphors to veil my real question and story. Writing has helped me relax by putting my thoughts on paper(electronic) and sharing it with the world. Its funny, people may read and appreciate, but hardly anyone gets to the source of inspiration. Some just don't feel like comprehending the metaphors and buy the story at its face value, others try but give up soon on cracking a shy writer's secret world.
Probably just like Forrest Gump.