It's been a long time now, two decades of existence

It stung me before, it still pricks,

These seemingly superficial questions.

The shell remains, I have the face

I have the nose, I have the grace

The shell remains, the only trace

The only trace...

But still under the yellow maple,

Or in loose dinner discussion,

You'll ask me, hey, where are you from?

It's a casual conversation.

It's a casual conversation, sure,

For you the answer's easy

But I will have to rack my brain

How do I say,

My land is bleeding?

Let's not intensify

I'll take it slow, this should be breezy

I'm from India! I say with conviction

Traveled all my childhood

Amusing answer,

You probe further,

Unsatisfied

I know you are.

So Raina huh? Aren't you Kashmiri?

Well. Congratulations. I guess so.

Instant reaction - Wow! Exotic! I love roghan josh

Well good for you, I'm glad you do

I love it very much too.

Do you speak the language? No I don't.

Ouch, but I still smile

Where in Kashmir? Srinagar. Oh wow!

Ouch, still smiling meanwhile

Don't you go back? No I don't.

So where do you stay?

I stay in Gujarat,

In Punjab or Maharashtra..

Just not in Kashmir.

AWAY.