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Creative Writing Family Fiction Lifestyle Love & Relationship

The Book Worm

Michael was missing from his house for a week. His wife and kids and grandkids were perplexed. All searched for him in neighbors, at his friends and relative, but nowhere he was found neither anyone had spotted him. The matter was reported to Police and handed over to a private detective agency too.

The matter was of real concern because he was suffering from Alzheimer.
His wife Martha poor old lady was herself bedridden n helpless; prayed to Jesus for his husband’s safety and her belief consoled her. All the kids of the house searched for him at every nook and corner of and around the city, but all efforts were in vain.

The youngest grandkid of Michael, Allen had captured Michael’s snap in his mobile the day he went missing. The photograph was required by the departments to locate him. When his mobile was checked to retrieve the snap, they found the snap was there, but only Michael’s half body was captured, which showed that he was wearing brown gloves and held a book, titled “The Catcher In The Rye” in his right hand and was in purple trousers.
————————
Michael was an avid reader and had a large collection of books of all genres & he always carried a book in his hand and the only thing he could do by himself; he would read the books. Doctors insist on pursuing his hobby which was beneficial for him and Alzheimer could be in check with this habit of reading.
The detective agency & the police took out posters of Michael and pasted around the city with a reward of $5,000, posted on social sites and aired on all channels to spot him at the earliest. Everybody at home knew that because of the disease, the frame of his mind was not stable & he could not manage alone.

Day n night, Martha prayed for Michael’s welfare and she believed that he will be back. Her belief kept her firm and strong.

——————————-

William was going to Church for Mass. At the entrance of the Church, he found an old man sitting in a corner. He introspects him closely, he identified him. He was the same as he had seen on the posters around, with the book in his hand and purple trousers. His hairs were disheveled, the worn clothes were dirty and he was in delirium.

William tried to speak to him or ask him, but man could not utter a word, gave him a blank look. He went to the nearby public booth and called the numbers provided with the missing man advertisement and informed them the whereabouts of Michael with the address and confirmed them that he was with Michael till the family of Michael reaches the Church.

The Church was on the outskirts of the city. The family of Michael reached the spot in an hour’s time. Till then the chap who was a blessing in disguise for Michael waited there.

Sons of Michael hugged Michael and asked him how he reached this place. He was silent; he didn’t say a single word. A lone tear trickled on his cheek and all got emotional seeing him in pity.
They thanked William profusely for the help and tried to give the announced reward money. William declined the offer and told them not to belittle his small actions towards humanity.

Seeing Michael back at home, Martha could not hold back her tears which she had withheld since his husband disappeared and believed that her sincere prayers were answered By Jesus.

The arrival of Michael was celebrated with great pomp and show. Michael did not respond much to the celebrations but gave a soft peck on the cheek of each family members.

Smiles on the faces of family members were back after a hectic week which passed in the search of Michael & they all were at ease.

 © Ila Varma 2015

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Lifestyle

Meeting Point

Pre-retirement, all the colleagues of our office whose retirement was due within six months planned for an errand to North India. We wanted to enjoy with our people of same age group, away from the hustle-bustle of city life and feel the serenity of nature. A group of eight people, we started from Delhi with our journey planned by a travel agent taking care of the tickets n accommodations at destinations of Punjab & Haryana.

We deliberately got our travel tickets booked by train in first class AC, for a change, we were bogged down with the air journey been frequent flyer; we craved to travel by train and were sure that train journey would be enjoyable in group wherein we can share our words & be at ease.

We started site seeing from Chandigarh Rose garden n our trip the last point of was Wagah border Amritsar. The trip was a thorough fun and we all were refreshed & rejuvenated in the lap of nature.

—————

While I was strolling near the fences of Wagah border, a teddy hung on the wire in one of the isolated corners drew my attention. I walked towards the spot and seeing it from close quarters, I felt a sense of belonging with the teddy and the spot.

Memories of past flooded in front of my eyes taking me into the times when I was in my  teens soon after the partition of India & Pakistan by few nationalists who partitioned this land in the lust of power and the sufferer were the common man as history holds since its advent.
Noor & I were neighbors and we were good childhood friends and our mothers were good friends, so we spent most of the time together. The announcement of partition led to the separation of our families. Been a Hindu, we moved out of Pakistan it wasn’t our decision; circumstances compelled us to leave. The instances of moving away from Pakistan was traumatic and more of a nightmare for all in the wake of partition.

Till we were together, we didn’t feel a longing for each other; the day I was moving with my family, emotions upsurge, ripping my heart into pieces.

Noor locked herself in her room and in spite of calling her thousand times, she did not turn up. I banged the door to get a glimpse of her before leaving the place, but she did not pay any heed to my repeated requests.

I had no choice & had to leave the place forever with a heavy heart. I gave the teddy to Noor’s mother requesting her to give to Noor as a gift from my side as a token of friendship.

The border of the two countries India & Pakistan was demarcated by a wire fence and heavy patrolling was on both the sides.

Every day in the evenings before sunset, I used to stroll near the fence with a hope that Noor might come someday to meet me. After a fortnight, she came. I couldn’t believe my eyes but yes, she did come.

I was overwhelmed to see her and storm of emotions roared within me. Dressed in a pink suit, she looked more beautiful. She approached near me embracing the teddy close to her heart. My happiness knew no bounds.

“I love you Manpreet, I love you” Noor whispered coming near me without wasting a moment further.

“I love you, Noor more than anything in this world.One day, I will bring you with me with full honors.” I said.

Tears rolled down our cheeks profusely venting out the unsaid emotions bottled inside our souls since long.
I saw a crowd approaching towards me and I sensed trouble nearing.
“Go back Noor, Run fast else you may be caught” I wailed.

Her face went white and she sprang back to the fields and in a rush, teddy fell from her grip near the fences.
With a heavy heart, I picked the teddy and hung into the fence as a symbol of our meeting point with a hope that Noor will come often to meet me at this point.

Before the crowd could reach near, I slipped between the bushes and hid in else it would have been a wild torment for me.

I waited each evening for her, but she never came back again. I knew her bindings but still the heart longed with a hope.

A group of torch bearers and a sound of the shot of air gun broke my trance and I was back to present.
I leaned forward to take out the teddy from the wire but an unknown yell stopped me from behind.

“Don’t move; don’t move” yelling he moved towards me.

“Sorry Sir, I want to take this teddy back. There are numerous memories entangled with this pricey possession, please Sir, do me a favor.” I pleaded with a hope of mercy & my eyes were moist taking toll of my emotions.

I was taken into custody and after heavy interrogation, was released and the humble officer handed me the teddy with a warning not to barge into this barricaded No Entry Zone ever after.

I heaved a sigh of relief and thanked my stars, waving above to the Almighty with the teddy in my hand and felt a fragrance of Noor near me & prayed for her welfare wherever she was.

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A Lonely Soul

A girl in her twenties suddenly came in front of the car. Mike slammed on the car brakes …He unrolled the windows to fire her for suddenly surfacing; he could not utter a single word when the girl turned back to him neither he steered further.
Amazing beauty stood before him; he was stunned by the beauty. He had not seen such beauty in the countryside.
Her black gown and its slender straps hanging on her shoulders added finesse & accentuated her curves at right places, her crowning glory flowing on her shoulders with streaks of red and flawless skin made her look like a princess and the way her eyes dawned on him, he was completely lost in her.
Row of cars stood behind Mike’s car and all slamming their horns requesting Mike to steer further as whole traffic was disrupted but he was sailing in a different world where he could only see the beauty and nothing else.
The people waiting in the cars were annoyed & the police were informed to get the road cleared off. The knocks on the car panes brought him back to senses and he was booked under the law for jamming the road in peak hours causing trouble to the residents.
The girl was nowhere to be seen. The impression of the girl had left an impact on Mike and he was restless. In any case, he wanted to meet the dream girl.
After getting relieved from the law, he started off his car and started a frantic search for the girl whom he had met instantly on the roads but nowhere could she be seen.  He roamed around the countryside checking all the lanes; no trace of her.
Mike was emotional n longed for her but his search for hours for the stranger went futile.
Late night he reached his room. His friend, Francis noticed that Mike was upset so he inquired the reason for feeling low.
Mike briefed him about his sudden encounter with the beautiful stranger but when Francis spilled the truth, his jaws dropped.
“Mike, you are lucky to be back safe and sound. She is not a beautiful girl but a lost soul who has lost her way; it is the people’s belief. Many people go through the same encounters but those who follow never return back. You were lucky that you did not steer further else you too would have lost your way. People get charmed by her beauty, which is a mask to allure men and men are the only victims of this poor soul. Different people come up with different stories but no one knows the truth. You are lucky Man, cheer up and I want to caution, don’t run after beauty, and run after brains.” Francis laughed out loud saying this to Mike.

Francis laughter echoed in the sky; which was lit up with bright stars after the drizzle but Mike was terrified to see the color of his skin changing, and there in front of his eyes stood a skeleton dancing in the air and he felt like someone is gagging his throat and he fell and fainted therein.

© Ila Varma 2015

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In memory of My Pet

When I was near about two n half a years old, my father brought her home in an office bag while returning from tour. Very cute with brown fur coat n its eyes twinkled. I was very much attracted to her and my days were busy with this new guest who soon was a part of my family. I was myself a toddler, but I took great care of Kitty aided by my granny. When I tread into the memory lane of yesteryears; I am myself surprised as how I cared so much for the pet at the age when I needed the utmost care. I feel that if one loves or find pleasure in doing then the person goes out of way to do it, so it’s all about the feeling of love or attachment.
I used to cuddle in my short arms; it was more a bundle of joy for me. My granny used to oil my younger sister who was just born and I imitated the act and oiled Kitty. The kitty was so meek; she cooperated well with me and never bit me. Gradually, it was a full grown doggie and the best guard of our home, mingled well with the other members too.
In evenings, I used to play ball with her in my big sprawling campus in acres and she used to bring the ball back catching between her teeth and kept near my feet. I was bowled over by this act and my love for her strengthened with the passage of time.
She was well trained by my father and never ever poop here and there nor ever went inside the kitchen because my granny n Mom was against the idea of animals roaming inside or near the kitchen. I believe she had read their thoughts; never tried to go near the kitchen or their bed. Kitty had her own cushion and she relaxed on her own bed.
The most noticeable thing in her was the sound of barking differed for the visitors or family members and for strangers, animals or snakes barging inside our campus. The pitch of her bark would let us know on whom she was barking at.
Dogs are very sensitive and faithful to their masters, it’s true, but I found Kitty more amicable than the rest dogs. Few activities of her were quite remarkable.
In evening generally I along with My Pa or granny used to take her for stroll but if for any reason none could accompany she went straight into the fields to relieve herself and would knock on the door with her tail till the door opened.
When I came back from school, she would jump on me, licking my hands n face, running after me and she appeared to be full of joy. I could sense her happiness and see a smile on her face… (The people who don’t keep pets won’t believe that even the pets smile but they do and the pet lovers can sense it). Even I too had the urge to see her first after returning from school. Her small acts multiplied my love for her n I was filled with gratitude.
Kitty grew up along with us, me and my younger sister; even she was fond of kitty but not as crazy as I was for her.
Kitty was a pure vegetarian dog and her staple food was milk and bread but her diet was consistent which amused me and I sued to tease her that she was more concerned about the figure so she took fixed diet.
The funniest thing that I found in Kitty that she never befriended dogs of neighbors or stranger dogs and so I took pride among my friend’s group that my doggie was well-behaved and had a good character rappo. This remark amused my friends and they used to laugh out loud that Kitty was of good character & now too, I agree that we never ever found her near other dogs throughout her life; it was really a remarkable thing. At that time, I didn’t understand that all has inkling for the opposite sex be it human or animal but Kitty was a saint in this respect, I say now after losing her and understanding the worldly facts which I was ignorant of when Kitty was with me, I too was in my early teens.
Gradually, she became old (The expected life of dogs are 12 to 13 years) and weak but yet obedient. My father bought one more Dog, cross Alsatian, named Beauty, as he understood that Kitty was nearing death. She lost her hearing power and even eyesight was weak so she had to be dearly taken care of. Kitty went into distress seeing the newcomer in the house and she started ignoring our orders or requests and even did not eat the meals properly.
I sensed the jealousy factor has crept in and I tried my best to woo her. The newcomer Beauty was too cute but naughty and sometimes would jump and play on Kitty’s body. She had started losing strength in her limbs, so she would scorn ruefully at Beauty’s tantrums but did not harm her.
As far as I can recall, throughout her life, she never bit or hurt anyone, she was exceptional in her breed.
I cannot forget the day she departed from the world ending her sufferings and leaving us forever. In the morning, I gave food to the doggies, Kitty and Beauty in their bowls as per their tastes.  Kitty didn’t step near the food and I couldn’t understand her illness. I wanted her to eat properly and gain strength I coaxed her (that was my love for her which she didn’t seem to understand in distress) to eat the food. Maybe, Kitty was not feeling well so she didn’t have food and hurt by my words she went out of our house gate and sat there. I tried my level best to bring her inside, but she didn’t move a bit from her place, my all pleadings went unheeded. That was the first time in her life that she was behaving rudely. I came inside the house to get ready for school. When I went near the gate, I found Kitty fallen on the ground. I sensed that she had breathed her last and I started howling in grief. The elders of my family gathered and confirmed that kitty had breathed her last. I was devastated at her death because, since my early childhood, she was there with me.
It moved me from within and I took months to recoup from the separation but the memories of my pet Kitty is etched in my mind and the incidence that preceded before her farewell from this world stuns me now too and I feel that she was hurt because of her predecessor Beauty, the cross Alsatian.
Whole life, she enjoyed a whole and sole attention of all family members and she couldn’t digest the welcome of a new member.
What I have gathered from my experiences in rearing dogs, they are the best companion of man, remains faithful to the master and can even lay down their life for the security of their master and very gentle. The sparkle in their eyes are the love for their owners and the pet lovers can only feel this connection, others who don’t have/ had a pet can never understand.
Losing Kitty was a setback for me; though she parted after living for whole life span nearly twelve years but the pain of parting was miserable I felt the most because I was very much attached. At that time, I felt as if I had a lost a part of me and with time the gap filled up. It’s difficult to detach with the attachments.

In memory of my Pet Kitty!

© Ila Varma 2015

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MANTRAS OF MY LIFE WHICH KEEPS ME GOING

Life is full of twists and turn and each day is a new day. I believe that each minute of life is different from the passed one that just passed. Hope everyone agrees what I mean to say. We run from changes in life, but change is inevitable though it is so miniscule that many times it goes unnoticed. But if we sit to gaze in our lives then we will find out that no two moments are alike, life is a process which goes continuous change, So, it is said “Change is the law of nature”
We are born with a clean slate of mind & blank and with the experiences that we gather in the journey of life gets embossed into our minds and gradually our pattern of life is governed by them or we act according to our experiences & unconsciously we start following some dictums to control the reins of life.
Whatever we learn in life is by trial n error, life is not a lesson to be mugged up nor is it easy to learn in a single day. It takes a lot of time, patience & perseverance. Just watch minute things of life. When we are born, we don’t know the simple things (now I say simple because I am well acquainted with it) to move, to eat, to speak and we all learn with the virtues of patience and concern of our loved ones who helps us out.
There are several inspirations that help us out in life at every corner of life, so I believe one quote isn’t sufficient in the walks of life.
There are few of them which inspire ME to proceed in LIFE and cross the turbulence jubilantly and acts as shock absorbers.
1. “TRY, TRY, TILL YOU SUCCEED, NEVER EVER GIVE UP”
This is the absolute mantra which keeps me going in each and every circumstance. I never give up trying, how challenging or tormenting the situation is rather I give a challenge to my life with a belief that I won’t give up and readily face the adversities of life.
There have been situations in my life when I couldn’t stand on my feet, I couldn’t gulp down by food and movement was totally restricted. Totally Helpless. The onlookers were terrified at my condition, but I withstood all the challenges and emerged as a WINNER with my belief.
I’m not been narcissist or atheist but if I had submitted myself to the fate then I wouldn’t have come out of that pitiable phase so by mantra of life helped me to come out of it mentally unscathed & in a way it helped my family too because my welfare was very much connected with them.
2. “LEARNING HAS NO AGE BAR”
This mantra too keeps us going. Learning starts from the day our life starts and the first teacher of our life is “Mother” and slowly we wean away from her lap and join schools with a method based education system universal to all. After boards, choices are there to start as per our interest in the subject & accordingly we plan our future. Few are quite certain of their interest and focus and they pursue accordingly. But there are people who do not achieve the things as per their choices or the situations is not favorable but if the minds are open to the approach that there is no age bar to learning, then one can pursue their dreams.
Due to health issues and other issues, I wasn’t able to pursue my studies as per my choice but I didn’t have mental blockage so I learnt the things of my choice later in life and proved to people that if one is keen to start something new then age is not the factor to stop you, just you need to be FOCUSSED.
3.”KEEP SMILING”
Whatever be the circumstances Keep Smiling, this melts the hardships of life and keeps us peaceful and happy and the people around you are happy too. Even you make a lot of friends with this attitude because Smile is infectious and the most priceless possession yet very precious. Smiles are like boomerangs you give to others and it eventually comes back to you, it is a reflection of life and it adorns the face naturally and the colors of happiness radiates glow in our face and people search for your faces.
These are the few inspirations which has kept me moving against all inns and outs of life and had helped me immensely in crossing four decades of life with a peaceful mind and grin on my face which keeps me going.
I just pray to God to keep me as I am, that’s the most I ask for.
© Ila Varma 2015
This is written for the post Indispire ,Edition 83

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UNREALIZED DREAMS BURNING

As far we travel in life, the reminiscences of the past are close to our heart and we languish for it.

As poet Shelley has put in, “Our sweetest Songs are those that tell of saddest thoughts”.it is very apt for human nature.

I am no exception and I dream to go back into the days of innocence, the childhood days free from any bindings and pamper myself with the things that I didn’t enjoy at that very moment. From early days of my kindergarten days, I had a passion for fine arts and I loved to pursue them whole heartily but my family didn’t approve of it. Three -Four decades before, people disapproved of the idea to become a singer, dancer, painter, and actor. To pursue in the arena of fine arts was a Big No, No among the educated families. It was thought that these hobbies were pursued by the people who were not good in the field of education.
I was good at studies, but secretly I desired to pursue my interests of singing and musical instruments but I was rightly denied the chance of learning the same, even though my teacher was ready to give me lessons free of cost sensing my interest in the field & my voice could contribute in the field of music. I was perturbed but didn’t have the courage to go against the wish of the family so it was nipped in the bud. I continued my singing & I sang really well but could not get recognized in this field. 
In our times, even we did not have the platform that the kids of today have, I am thankful to the world of technology which have brought in many platforms for the seekers of fine arts and now they are getting wonderful chances to explore themselves and in addition, the mindset of society and it’s people have changed and now they try to identify the interest of the kids and accordingly train them in their respective field & help them to explore in full form. 
Even I go back into the times that have passed; I won’t be able to make it because I’m not the same anymore.The voice quality has undergone immense changes and I am no more fit for the voice test due to operation of tonsils which had a direct impact on my voice though I sing to myself, I cannot sing on high chords now, the setback I suffered. The removal was a must due to incessant infections that I faced more often and the remedy was to get rid of it, no remedies worked & I was well aware of the consequences before the procedure.
So, Instead of eloping into the past, I believe that I am looking forward to an appropriate time wherein I can invest my whole time on my interests and hobbies which I wasn’t lucky to proceed in my early days.  I am quite optimistic towards life in spite of facing so many setbacks on health ground, I’ve lost my sweet voice but still my hands can play instruments and I am keen to learn keyboard, so that music is with me in any form & maybe by the grace of God, I may be bestowed again with the voice to continue my singing.
I was good at weaving stories but due to time constraint, I couldn’t pursue it after marriage. Now after fulfilling all my responsibilities wherein my physical involvement has decreased (though responsibilities never cease, they multiply with time),I’ve started work on it & look forward to get my work published, it’s my unrealized dream that I need to conquer.
I fully believe in the adage, “JAB JAGO TAB SAVERA”, so it’s never too late if the desire STRONGLY persists in oneself and you keep the Wick of the Flame Burning.

“MY DESIRE TO FULFILL MY UNREALIZED DREAMS IS BURNING” & I believe it will help me to realize my dreams which have been buried within me due to constraints of Right Time.


This post is been contributed to the 

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CHASE YOUR DREAMS

Each of us want to tread on the path which takes us near to our dream but practically very few are the lucky stars who achieve what they dream or what they are passionate about. As soon as we begin to understand the things in life, we start chasing dreams, it’s not always associated with studies, and it can be something other than the studies. Normally passion takes birth from the things or activities in which we indulge with willingness, we are satisfied to do n never give up on the pretext that I can’t do anymore , striving for much better and we chase it till excellence. It’s the passion that keeps us in move
As per my experience, generally parents, well-wishers or teachers cooperate with if it’s related to studies but if it is out of curriculum then all give a second thought  uncertainty prevails in one’s mind & frankly speaking people shy away from improbabilities n don’t want to take risk. In spite of knowing that the people who have or has achieved heights are not the people from the main stream, they are the ones who stood against the crowd n struggled a lot to achieve it finally. Gaze around the globe n you will find that the achievers till date were the exceptions n they followed their mind without thinking of the risks involved, consequences and finally they conquered. The whole affair wasn’t an easy process as it sounds after conquering and if they would have move out believing in negativity then they would have never tasted Success. Simultaneously, there were people who failed too while following their dreams. Its true people fail too but if all sit back in fear for failures & don’t leap then how can one conquer & relish the taste of achievement
Look back it the times when we were born, we knew nothing, absolute zero and we learnt all the chapters gradually with time. We got hurt several times in attempts to stand, move, run or we learnt to adapt the things in the hard way but no one discouraged us rather encouraged to do more to be perfect.
Same thing stands for pursuing our dream but our near n dear ones out of love don’t wish to see their loved ones stumbling or struggling so they emphasize on the probabilities that are more certain, though the life that we are living is not certain still we weave so many things associated with it & the hope that clings to it keeps us moving.
With time people have changed a bit and try to be amicable with the people who want to follow their dreams and they are cooperating to some extent but still change in the mindset is the need of the hour to see more of them to break the barriers & the people who will follow their innate desire is bound to do best because they don’t easily give up and this attitude helps them to flare up their existence and they come out with their best.
What I feel or believe that Education is a medium to elaborate & explore oneself,  been  the basic thing in life so one has to complete the study but simultaneously follow your dreams and achieve the goals in the avenues that u aspire.
Give Up the Fear Of Losing & Be Positive Always. Success is Bound to Arrive at Your Doorsteps.




(The views expressed are solely mine and spontaneous. If anyone feels the need to be rectified then do get in touch with me. Your views will be regarded.) 

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Mother's Pride




 

Can’t Believe My Eyes

I Created This Tiny Life

Enchanted By The Beauty

Cuddling You In My Arms

I Feel Fantastic

My Life Is Worth.

© Ila Varma 2015   

                                                                              

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The Mom

She Shaped & Moulded

Instilled Virtues & Values In Me

Today,

I Am Her Reflection.

© Ila Varma 11/09/2015   

 

 

 

 

 

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The Absolute Truth, We Ignore!!!

Often I Wonder
Sometimes I Ponder                                               
Why We Chase Life 
Which is Evanescent?

We Never Know
Today or Tomorrow 
Will be Mine.
Still
We Woo 
Time, Money, People
Overlooking,
What we call Mine
Is Truly Not Ours.

Descended from Mother’s Womb
Empty handed
Destined to Depart Empty.
Struggling to be the Owners
Forgetting
We are the Tenants for A Time.

An Unknown Call Will Dawn on Us
On A Date Unknown 
The Body Will Stop Breathing
And,
Our Souls Will Fly. 



None Will Own This Body
Once The Soul Elopes.

Pulling Your Body
Down The Earth
Or

Reduce To Ashes..

Why We Don’t Enrich Our Souls
Which Will be There With Us Till Eternity
Instead of 
Enriching our Skins,
With Artificial Enamors, Grinding & Polishing.                                                                                             
© Ila Varma 11/09/2015        

                                                                                 

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