Alone

I came for interview at Jawaharlal Nehru University. I have heard a lot about this university. If you are a patriot or love your country, you will not be allowed to continue in this university. It was September Saturday. There were many professors in the department; the interview was chaired by Prof. Manager Pandey. I do remember, one more name Prof. Purushotam Agarwal. After 2 hours of waiting, I got my turn for the interview. Though this is centrally funded institution, still even professors are pro leftist ideology.  I cannot say whether it is compulsion or their choice. Please, have a sit- Professor Pandey asked. First question from Purostam agrawal, I answered his question in detail, but he was not satisfied. I have not answered as per his expectation. He asked my background, educational details, experiences etc. I felt we were two corners of a river. There will be no agreement with these professors and my ideology. Manager pandey was kind enough to suggest, if you are not selected, then follow the path of swamiji. Challenge through your writing. You can make your reader understand with your point of view. I returned disappointed from JNU feeling alone, sad and neglected. How to write, what to write? It was full moon night. I was sleepless sitting on the rooftop of building. She came and sat next to me. I was lost in unbreakable beauty of night sky and suddenly I saw beautiful world around me. I forgot the day. She doesn’t stay with her husband. She is one of the colleagues working in same place. She inquired about the day. I felt she is very kind to me. She recited a few poems composed by her. I told her, Ma’am, I am not a poet. She replied, I was also not a poet. I started writing to fight with loneliness, yearling and to fight with depression. My heart was filled with compassion and empathy. I promised her, I will pen down this

 Memorable night where beauty is all around in sky and also sitting next to me.