A Last Letter To Santa

Dear Santa,

Merry X-Mas.

Its Christmas again and you're here again to grant everyone's wish. Ever since I was a child, I always kept waiting for you even months ago the Christmas day. Every year I had a new wish. Some were granted the others were trashed. And now, as I'm no more a child, I still have some wishes unfulfilled.

Before I start on writing my wishlist to you, please understand that there is no hurry in granting my wish. You can take another year if you want to. But you have to make sure that my wish is granted for if you really are what you are.

I always dreamed of a big bungalow like house with the gardens surrounding it from three sides. A big black color car shining as bright as the full moonlit. A roaring bank balance and everything else what is needed to be called successful in this materialistic world. But wait, did I tell you that I want all this even now? When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up soon and get everything what made me fascinated. Only when I was a kid.

But you are safe. You need not to carry all this with you from the other side of this world. I have something else in my wishlist which is not too long. Just a single but a real wish from the bottom of my heart. Please give me my childhood back. All I want for Christmas is this.

Big houses don't fascinate me now. I was happy making and breaking sandcastles again and again. The bicycle I got from my Dad on my birthday was more precious than the big black cars. I was happy with whatever little pocket money I used to get, now you can have my bank balance if you want to. I was happy playing little games with my buddies than the corporate games now I have to play forcefully. At least we were never such desperate to always win. Sometimes losing in front of our buddies made us happy than any other thing.

Going to school was so much fun that I never wanted to miss it and I'm glad that I never did it deliberately. Then my college life. How can I forget it. Now, there isn't a single day so far that I really enjoyed attending my office. Maybe I'm too nostalgic, maybe I'm too emotional. Its really OK if I am.

When people grow up they say that you don't exist. But from my childhood I have a firm belief that you do. So, here is the chance for you to prove your existence. This letter I'm writing to you is my last. Grant my wish or lose your believer. The choice is all yours.

Closing my letter with the hope in my heart.

Merry Christmas.

P.S. - I know the wish above is not realistic but what to do - Dil To Bacha Hai Ji. Merry Christmas to all.

One Line Letters

We all have written letters at some point or the other. Some of us may still like to exchange it with our dear ones. But this era of technology has changed our communication channels. We rather like to use cell phones and emails than writing letters now. I'm also not the exception. Sure the hand written letters contain the love and feelings which can never be present in electronic means of communication but saving of time is another critical factor. Anyways, I don't mind your ways of communication.

Today I'm here to discuss an interesting thing. One Line Letters. Yes, you read it right. I read them first on one of my friends' Facebook profile. He also blogs here. The letter contains only a single line but it conveys a lot. One of his creations is this -

Dear Fevicol,

Naam bade aur darshan chhote,

Sincerely, Broken Heart.

Interesting, No? Here goes another one of his one line letters -

Dear Lays,

Thanks for bag of air and few chips.

Sincerely, Me.

Sometimes you need not use more than a single line to put your heart out. Me too have got inspiration from this and have started writing one line letters. And if you don't know then let me tell you that I'm a Facebook addict. So my first one line letter goes to Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook. It goes like this-

Dear Zuckerberg,

Why you made Facebook?

Sincerely, an addict.

I think its fun. So, use your imagination and write a letter to your friend, spouse, boss, love, barber, favorite personality or anyone for that matter. You can write to me too. But remember, no more than one line. Also please don't forget to thank my friend who gave us such an interesting inspiration.

Tell your views in comments section.

Till next time, signing off.

Sincerely, yours.

A Letter to Me - On My Birthday

Whole day long I was in office. Sitting in same old cabin, surrounded by same old files and papers scattered everywhere, dealing with same old clients and doing the same old work I never thought of doing someday. But I think every Chartered Accountant has a life like this. I came home frustrated like any other day. Opened the door of my apartment and suddenly saw a letter lying on the floor in a beautiful blue envelop. It was a surprise to get a letter after really a long time, almost a life. I quickly opened it up and started reading for I had no clue who will write me a letter and why?

Dear Deepak,

Happy Birthday.

You must be surprised to see my letter. You must have forgotten me by now. So I thought of reminding you that I exist, still. You are turned 25 today. But let me tell you one thing, with all the years changed with your age, you too have changed a lot. You are not that Deepak that I know since last 25 years.

Remember, you used to be very fun loving and full of life. Hope was the word that I used to describe you then. Everyone wanted to be in your company. You were the encouragement everyone needed. Whenever someone was feeling low, you were the one showing the hope. You never did any extraordinary stuff but still you were not what they call ordinary. People look upon me to find some hope when they don't get anywhere else. But you never felt like seeking my opinion in any matter. Even I knew you can handle anything that comes your way. Since all the past years, I have been watching you very closely. You never needed me and perhaps you don't know that I do exist, and that too very close. Today, I felt that you need me. So I am here.

As I told that I feel you have changed now. What happened? Are you not satisfied with the kind of life you are living? You have got everything what a normal human being needs to lead a healthy life. But you don't seem like leading the one. You probably don't know the reason. But I know. There is not one but many. First, you don't live your present. You always try to relive the past again and again. Past was beautiful, I know. But it has gone, accept it. Also you are more concerned about the future which doesn't exist at all. The moment which is in your hands right now is all you can count on. Live it fully so that you can make a better future and cherish a beautiful past when it is gone.

Second, you always fear. I would not say that you are coward but you fear a lot. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear in every sphere of life. Remember, fear is the most dangerous illusion known to mankind. Fear, like future, has no legs to stand on. All men and women of this beautiful world are creative in some way or the other. But they create nothing more than the fear which kills all the creativeness, Alas! Why to fear? Whom to fear from? If you fear of the things not got, they won't be going with you to the grave. If you fear of not getting accepted, its not your loss, its theirs who reject you. There is only one option you can choose from - fear or live. Both can't go hand in hand. If you choose fear then you will not live, you will only breathe. Choice is always yours, mind you.

You lose hope very now and then. I wonder you are the same kid that I had known for entire life. Whenever you lose hope and can't find anyone to look upon, turn to the nature. It is a great energy booster. Have a walk on the unknown path, get yourself lost in the woods, get drenched in the rain, see the birds chirping and playing together, breathe the air at the mountains. There are many more things you can do to charge yourself. Hope is the only candle with which the life can be enlightened. Keep it lit always.

But when nothing helps, look inside, I am always there to help you discover your true self.

With Love,

Your Heart.

As I read the signature at the end of letter, I was numb. Suddenly my eyes were opened up and my body was shaking. I wasn't holding any paper in my hands. It was about to dawn and chirping of birds ensured that it was going to be a beautiful morning. I realized it was a dream, an eye opener though.

But I was feeling more lively and hopeful than before. I got out of the bed and went to the balcony. The morning was never that exciting. I wished myself 'Happy Birthday' and prepared to start a new way of living. The hope I lost was hiding itself deep in my own heart.

P.S. - Today your friend has turned 25. It is quite a life I guess. This is my first birthday on the Blogsville. Hoping to celebrate many more to come with you. The letter above is fictional and the situations too. But I think it can relate to many of us. If it relates to you as well, please share.

A Letter to Grandpa

Respected Grandpa,

Greetings.

It is 3rd April 2010. You remember, it's your 91st birthday today. I wish you a long life and want your blessings to shower on me and other family members. Today I got the opportunity to talk to you through this letter. I hope you will give it a look.

You told me that the day I was born, you felt the happiest grandpa on earth. I remember when I was a kid, you used to play with me. Whenever mom-dad tried to shout at me you came to rescue, whenever I got sick you were more worried than anyone else, whenever I got late for school because of my sleeping habit you used to pick me up in your arms and take a walk in the street to wake me. Going to your work place to lit the candles on Diwali night, celebrating the festivals traditionally in your guidance, getting the one rupee coin everyday before going to school and a ride on your cycle are some of the priceless gifts that I got from you. You love me more than your own son, that I know. Thanks for all the love.

As a grandson I think I have a right to say what is in my heart. Over the years I have noticed a change in you. A negative one I would say. In the past 9 decades you have learnt a life. But there are certain areas you still need to improve on. Sometimes your short temper and rigid behavior annoys me. I have tried many times to convince you to change your attitude but now I quit. I think I've tried and you have won. But, that's fair. Now I don't say anything to you. I talk less. It doesn't mean that I don't love you and respect you. Sometimes you have to do the things going against your heart. Please forgive me for this. I love you but can't show you.

Now, going back to the past again, there are many memorable incidents happened between us. I can't pick anyone to share at this moment. But if given a chance I want to live my life again and re-live every moment. But certainly not the days when you were hospitalized 7 years back. That was the most tough period for you and the family.

I'm not good at writing letters but I could not find another way out to express my heart out. Words of mouth will not impress you, I know. So, please read it carefully and understand that I need my 'that' grandpa back.

With Love,

Your Grandson.

(P.S. - Today is my grandpa's 91st birthday. This letter is truly meant for him but I know he won't read it. Love you Dadu.)