Preface Poem by Alok Agarwal

The journey of the book is a testament of an experimental journey of the author himself. I was educated in English medium school and college education was also in English. Naturally, English was the first choice of language I would have written something. The first literary piece was written in 2011 (at 21 years of age) during my college days which was a self-inflicted challenge to myself, ‘Can I write a poem'? My earlier work was forced by my school with the aim of passing an exam with good marks for which I used to study some essays a day before the exam. However, they did not bring succor to my literary heart.
After accepting the challenge, came a dilemma - topic and choice of words. At 21 years of age - I was puzzled by meaning of life at all levels - cultural, philosophical, economical, emotional, religious and all other things in between and beyond. To write, I must have a fair degree of command over language, and I feared English. So, the journey was akin to Batman. "Bats frighten me, and it's time my enemies share my dread." Such was my love affair with the language.

I started re-learning the language with the newfound intention to write poems. I started reading dictionary and exploring the meaning of words and in the journey, I came across some other books on History and other subjects as well. Einstein had said that a person must be good in at least two subjects - language and Mathematics. Maths was my forte and language was not. Hindi was my mother tongue and I was pretty much comfortable with the language. I had even opted for the language for my 11th and 12th unsuccessfully. My choice was forcibly changed to Computer Science because of its relevance in the futuristic job market, which I can now comprehend.

I started reading books, watching movies, listening songs with the dual intention of entertainment, gaining knowledge and learning English as well. The foundation of English was already present because of my school academia, and it was improved with such studies.

After entering professional life and spending 4-6 years in the organization - I observed that Hindi was also respected as a medium of communication and in fact while interacting with local contract workers - there was no option but to use Hindi. It may be termed as a job requirement.

Further, there were some Hindi events organized in my organization in which some prizes were also distributed. So, writing in Hindi had its own perks. These activities rekindled in me my love for the language. I started writing in Hindi as well.
With the passage of time - I came across some ghazals which opened a new window of literary treasure. I immediately fell in love with the numerous gazals and sher which exist in the same planet as of mine. A new challenge was born and was accepted.
Amalgamation of Hindi and Urdu was a unique blend and may be compared with flavors on offering in masaledaar food of India.
Somehow, I despise the amalgamation of English and Hindi. I don't have the reason for the same; but, it doesn't suit my taste buds as of now.

The term ‘as of now' holds much significance because it reflects ideologies that I associate with. With the passage of time and interaction with people belonging to different walks of life - much of the hardcore principles which were very dear to me have been shaken.

I would like to share one of such beliefs. In my hometown - meetha is served after lunch/dinner/ after main meal. In Bikaner, this trend is 360 degrees reversed.1st meetha and then other things. Life is short and have ice cream first is the philosophical foundation of people of Bikaner. Though the narrative seems simple but see it from Mars. You will find lives getting wasted on petty things.

हमने देखी है जलती हुई लाशें - क्या राजा, क्या फकीर!

When seen from airplane and if you see three lane traffic and one of the cars breaks lane to reach destination - I feel that if my hands were bigger, I would reshuffle the cars as a kid does to its miniature toy cars.

The example put forth is simple enough to be ridiculed but extend it to religious matters, polygamy, nationalism, Article 370 and what not - the discussion cum debate can escalate to such an extend that people might pick up swords to kill others.
I don't intend to be either politically correct or incorrect in my writings.

I expect my readers (if there are any) not to read beyond the print and even if they do pls. keep it to yourself. The reading should influence us to learn more.

I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro'
Gleams that untravell'd world whose margin fades
For ever and forever when I move.

Similar is my experience with quest for learning. Whenever I think I have garnered mastery over Galib, some other poets have risen from the ashes to challenge me again; and I am like ‘You too'!

Such is the aura of knowledge. No one conquers as it is not meant to be conquered. It's a journey that must be cherished for the love of it.