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The Septuagenarian Prince

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March 2015, Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi: I can feel the slow, familiar rise of adrenaline coursing through my body, seated on the front row of the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. Buckled in and pumped about experiencing more g-force than astronauts do during a space shuttle takeoff, I look over at my co-rider. “Pa, when was your last time on a roller coaster?” My father nonchalantly shrugs and shakes his head. “What?! You’ve never been on a roller coaster before?” A lurch at the pit of my stomach that has nothing to do with the imminent ride makes me realize how particularly ill-timed my question was. How utterly irresponsible of me to allow my theme-park novice dad, well past sixty, to ride one of the craziest coasters ever built! I stare at the tracks in front of us, swallowing the nervous lump in my throat as the countdown to launch begins. My self-reproach is quickly taken over by a feeling of being in charge. “Keep your eyes open throughout. If you feel giddy, focus o
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The Bottom Rung

May 8, 2020:  A very special day. I’d turned in my final assignment in the wee hours of the morning and managed to catch a few hours of sleep amid the churn of anticipation leading up to my crowning moment. The celebratory fervor in the auditorium was palpable; excited murmurs were audible, as proud family members from all over the world waited for their freshly minted MBA graduate to walk the stage. I adjusted my cap and straightened my robe for the umpteenth time. I felt a surge of adrenaline as my name was called and I walked onto the stage – confident, proud, and very conscious of all eyes on me. I beamed, skimming the crowd in a futile attempt to locate my parents. I waved at my professors, grateful. The resounding claps reached their peak, everyone sharing in my moment of glory, before fading into the distance as I exited the stage…   “Nisha Suresh Advani”   My laptop screen welcomed me back from my subliminal trip.  My photograph and name on a slide marked the culmination of my
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Friend, I Miss You...

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November 27, 2019 Today is no special day. I haven’t woken up feeling any different or particularly inspired. It is just another day. Another day of being cognizant of everything that has changed over the last 18 months; inherently grateful for the things I’ve gained and acquiescent of those that I’ve lost… Snuggling lazily on my couch, clad in cozy festive pajamas, I savor the warmth of my customary cup of morning coffee. My thoughts meander. The warm, cinnamon-infused waking aroma is the perfect aide to the backdrop outside my window. Winter is exerting brute force, demanding an early entry, while Fall is unrelenting, petulant at her short sojourn, and pushing back to linger on for just a bit longer. Perhaps this scuffle between the seasons is giving way to an unusually windy day. I feel as though the wind stirring up the fallen leaves, mirrors something within me. I cannot quite place my finger on it. But I sense the once-familiar makings of a metaphor.
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The Noble Thief

Sun's dying rays through the blinds found their way, Dusk's fiery glow warming their embrace; Simmering passion boiled over carefully nurtured restraint, Unleashing desires thus far, tamed. She was no Queen, and he no King, Lust was their ruler and they kneeled; Grey souls they were, kidding themselves of chastity in acts damned, For boundaries shattered the second their bodies entwined. Their eyes met: his melting brown, Hers blazing with wantonness newfound; His seasoned lips descended upon her tender ones, Like Dawn kissing fresh Dew on young grass. They gave in, they held back; Each living a fantasy in subjective truth. The spring back in her step, a naughty sparkle relit her broody eyes, The Thief had stolen her fears, emboldened her to face her clandestine desires; Robbed her of a dark, lonely void, Unearthing warm passion she'd buried deep inside. In irony they found their magic, In intimacy they discovered solace; They loved in stolen minutes
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Hunted

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A tiny speck in his gigantic world Adoring protégé came along that girl; A sparkle in the lion's expressive eyes Told a tale clear as pure blue skies. Many a word they exchanged Forging a bond unexplained; But destiny rolled its fateful dice When the once warm lion turned to ice. "I protect thee, o little one... Your innocence overlooks aiming guns." "Noble sire, jungle laws proclaim I should fear thee, But my undiluted intentions set me free." Torn between head and heart Lion and Lamb now stay far apart; His inhibitions are not unwarranted For mighty hunters often get hunted.
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Fallen

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A heart sheltered by a house of cards Bittered, shattered, broken into shards; Lashing words, she rants uncontrolled For all those tales that remain untold. Shameful, her endless unanswered rings She buries her lament in yet another drink; She knows not where the painful road ends All she asks for the journey is a friend.  Lonely tears flood her structured dam When she realizes "life's great!" is but a sham; Crumpled, withered, clueless where to start She lies fallen, completely fallen apart.
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Sky is not the Limit...

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“We are flying at 10,000 feet… ascending to 11,000 feet… 13,000 feet… 15,000 feet. Open the door guys we’re in the drop zone now.” The pilot's voice cut through the electric environment of the tiny airplane. “Are you nervous?” my instructor gently inquired as he double-checked the straps that had me fastened to his jumpsuit. “Not at all!” I grinned like a daredevil. As the door of the aircraft was opened, he repeated the instructions on how to stabilize myself against air resistance. We walked towards the doorway with me in front. It was noisy and windy. Feet on the step, facing the prop blast, I got a bird’s eye view of the crystal clear waters of the Bay and the map-like terrain below, before I strapped the protective frame onto my eyes. “Ready?” screamed Brandon into my ears, against the blasting wind. “YES!! Since forever!” I screamed out into the open nothingness. “3..2..1..” Our feet left the secure floor
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