Remember as kids how much we loved receiving ‘ashirwad’ money? When the fifth cousin from Dad’s side would visit in what was a once-in-the-lifetime (or once-in-a-long-long-time, or why-do-I-even-care-how-long-a-time) family visit and hand us a rolled-up bank-note (or two, if they were feeling generous) with the customary tagline – beta, isse chocolate kharid lena (buy yourself a…
I stand hands folded, eyes screwed shut, a picture of piety. I stand in a temple swarming with people, with varying degrees of faith – some intense, some borrowed, some faithless. United we stand, chanting and praying to a stony God – who’s opulent raiment and the mountain of offerings before him, is in stark…
Beep, beep, beep, beep… “Oh, will you shut it up?” He grunts into the pillow where his face is buried. She fumbles in the near dark of the room, groping for her phone and with the familiarity of someone who’s done the same thing too many times before, turns off the alarm. All is quiet again.…
Originally posted on Simon's still stanza:
Image source: Google via airportlink.com.au ? At Airport Terminals At airport terminals All the good looking ones Are taken Or connected to Their beloved through A smartphone Cradled in the collarbone hollow As their arms Balancing Juggling Move in a rhythm Weighed with coffee cups And hand luggage.…
As I crept through the night Holding my pants really tight I waited for it to be true To be kept awake the night through. The warning was clear and mighty Will blow your candles and nightie. It howled and whistled for a while, Rustling the leaves and the textiles. It thundered a little, it…
My Aunt got me a brand new bike The kind with the supports on the side. Rolled it out to my mates I did Wanted to flaunt it, Hear their compliments. Proud I was till one friend spoke – Bet you can’t ride it, he joked. Incensed, I wrinkled my nose, Slung my leg around…
No this isn’t a social studies lesson on domesticated animals that double up as draught animals in India. Excuse me, what did you think we Indians are? We aren’t the land of exotic princes and snake charmers anymore. We never were. Our load bearers are no longer animals now but machines! In fact, we Indians…
