It’s been a long while since I opened my cupboard, where I stored my nostalgias. I found a box, a black box, just curious to know what was inside. I opened it, and yes, it was a treasure—an old rakhi. Suddenly my mind uttered, "Fathima." A cute girl with a sweet voice and a radiant smile, my junior. An unexpected visitor who walked into my life and became a piece of my heart. My thoughts wandered back to her presence, to the days of my teenage years, To the times we shared, roaming the school corridors and playing on the grounds. The care you gave me, just like only a little sister could. It was you, my sister in spirit. The love you had for music and your dreams of playing the guitar, The moments we spent immer...
When I was a boy, I was told not to cry, Because I was taught, "Boys don’t cry." I learned to control my emotions, Never letting my tears flow down my cheeks. As a teen, I faced intrusive thoughts That held me back in my studies. I was teased and bullied by schoolmates, While teachers discriminated and insulted me for my marks. Each word and action Carved a scar deep in my heart. When I became a young adult, I felt the ache, the tender sting, In quiet places where changes cling. I woke at night, my sheets turned cold, A mystery unraveled, still untold. I felt the throb, the unfamiliar strain, A silent turmoil, a nameless pain. I walked this path, unknown and bare, Through fleeting shame and courage rare. I faced the nights and dreams that fell, Through aches and growth, I s...