The Katkia Girl

 

I tried and tried but could not sleep

Since her smile had taken it away.

She was disturbing me even in my thoughts

Throughout night and day.

I looked for solace but couldn’t get any

Cos’ feelings like this for me were uncanny.

I diverted my mind but in vain,

My mind had accepted that it had gone insane.

That one look of hers with constant gaze

Made my heart fall into a maze.

The centre of which I couldn’t decipher

I felt helpless during the entire endeavour.

For my restlessness there was no reason,

My mind was accusing my heart of treason.

I saw myself trapped in a cage,

Or was this a delusion putting me in a haze.

Initially for her I was just an acquaintance,

But soon we became friends nearing the distance.

From friends to lovers the journey wasn’t long,

Everything was smooth and fine like a sweet song.

She wanted both to become one, I can’t feign ignorance.

But I can’t disavow the bitter truth that,

It was our relationship that caused resonance.

Since I was a complete Sambalpuria at heart,

While she was a Katkia to the core.

The situation stopped me from asking for more.

As I received threats when our news got spreading,

But she was getting them since the beginning.

Even my family and friends were against my decision,

Since I, in the government, was in such an esteemed position.

My marriage with a girl from the other half of the state,

Could have had drastic repercussions.

Our love fell a victim to hatred and chauvinism.

It was a time when Koshal was a part of Odisha

And almost on the verge of partition.

Between both sides there was growing tension.

Such circumstances completely sabotaged our union.

We had no option but absolute separation.

Love knows no boundaries, it has been my stance.

Everything is peaceful now, but I don’t have a chance.

As we both are now married and happy in our lives.

In the season of flowers, I can’t imagine of knives.

Her one photo in Facebook or Instagram,

Still rekindles my long-extinguished fire.

Because God himself is a witness to our love,

Which now remains active no more.

But I will always remain her “weirdo”,

And she will be my “chasmish” forever.

I can never deny the fact that

Once upon a time, when entire Odisha was in flames,

With Koshal and Utkala in an unprecedented violent conflict,

I fell in love for the first time in my life.

And unfortunately, she was a Katkia girl.