Zindagi Teri Dhoop Chaon is my book of poetry. In all its simplicity, Zindagi Teri Dhoop Chaon reflects the small, fleeting joys of Zindagi or Life, which brings me everlasting peace and contentment.

Each section resonates with the wider world. My memories in verses are subdivided into five themed parts, each reflecting a different emotion.

I begin with Khushi or Happiness, finding solace in the memories of the past, searching for compassion and love in the present moment. In Bachpan or Childhood, I recall growing up across cities surrounded by loved ones. This is followed by Dalhousie, the beautiful Himachal hill station, home to my ancestral dwelling. Zindagi Teri Dhoop Chaon or The Light and Shadows of Life touches upon life's highs and lows. Finally, I end with Man Mere Shant Ho Ja or Hush, Have a Quiet Mind, contemplating on a better future for our children and mankind on the whole.

This book is dedicated to the cities and people who have shaped me; my late parents, Bhim Sen and Shanta Kapoor; my husband, Ravi; my daughters and their husbands, Tanvi, Rohit Mehra, Deepti, Prashant Mahajan and Neeti Mehra; and my late in-laws, Bal Krishan and Raj Dulari Mehra.

Life is a riddle. It is to be lived. It is to be experienced and felt deeply. Why squander it by chasing material objects in a world of impermanence? A simple life is an ideal life.

I'll leave with a few lines from my poem.

"Zindagi ki gehrai main

Itna matt doobo dost

Kyon kyon nahi mein

Ulzhe rah jaoge."

With this book in your hands, I hope you realise that life is a bittersweet journey to be lived at its fullest. I hope each poem invokes khushi in your heart and brings a smile to your face.