Calling "Bala"

 Calling ‘Bala’

'Phone', such an incredible piece of manifestation

Couldn't event resist Dadi 

Buying one for herself and one for her imagination

At 85, lonely, no spouse, children, family or dear ones

It was the ceiling fan, chair, walls and that mirror

the only near ones

Wait, it also includes her so called imagination

People call him with different names : 

Anant, Girdhari, Mukund, Murari, Shyam, Govind, Gopala

But Dadi saved his name simply as :”Bala”

And another phone for my Bala, my only support when I was abandoned

The only one in this world on whom I am dependent

Calling Bala, despite sitting in front

Pick up the phone, dadi would say  - sounding very adamant

Twice, thrice, now it was 4 times a day

Dadi would call, but as usual, no answer to her dismay

The person you are trying to reach is not available, please try again later

Bala’s voice - the only wish she wanted the phone to cater

Hence, Dadi continued, even after the call was not attended

To share her stories of being rejected, dejected, hated 

Or at times being amazed, accepted, excited, emoted

“Bala, I vent out everything everyday, 

Then what is coming in your way ?

Why don't you talk, what is the secret ?

By now, you know me more, than myself

Then why behave, as if we have never met ?”

But no answer again

Pilgrimage time it is, and now Bala was left at home with his phone.

Dadi saved her name on His phone as “Dadi”

She would call Him everyday

Telling stories about her stay

Experiences life would lay

Being away from Bala made her feel empty

Nothing could make her longing go away

“Bala, it’s been 15 days, I haven't seen you.

I would have at least bothered to call, had I been you.

Are you doing okay ?

The trees, roads, mountains, clouds everything I see

Makes me remember you.

And then one day, Dadi falls ill

Some breaths were left still

Her eyes glued at her phone

“Will my Bala call ? 

Will I be able to hear his voice ?

Before my soul departs shutting all the noise ?”

During her last few moments, the phone rings,

“BALA” calling…

Hello…A voice heard, she could forget never

With a smile, uttered “Bala” 

Before closing her eyes forever,