Writers' Choice

The leaves of the sal tree ruffled in the winter morn. Shaking the very vibrations of my thoughts of the past. The number of leaves reverted me back to the present moment. Nature in relation to man. The tree has been standing there in the field in front of our local Meghdoot Club for over more than 30 years now. I still remember the smell of the wet soil , the scattering of the seeds in autumn and brotochari and go- as- u- like, all at one go. It has become my diary . I used to wear men’s wear when it was not in vogue during those times. Playing football and cricket waxed my childhood dreams of becoming an Olympic Champion. Riding my father’s scooter with my brother was enthralling and the tree witnessed it all. Even my father’s death. I was very young then, when he died. My father was my favorite playmate, guardian, parent. The sound of the scooter when on his morning duty found me rushing to the window to bid him goodbye and equally receiving ...

In Conversations with God Part III, God said that all our souls are like buildings where we are individuations on the present past future continuum. Each room has the same air but take up different characteristics and that is how it is with people. They are but us, appearing to be different due to our illusion of separatist feelings. I don't know whether I've put it correctly or not, but I've already made up my mind who represents which room. My mother and my sister bedroom.....for I would allow no one else there. Ipshita - Puja Room, Savita- Library, Sita-Locker, Priya- Drawing room and Art room, Shanku - Art room. Shalini and Vasantha- Playpen. Mahadev Sir- Computer room. Here I'd take Shanku as well. Choton- Penthouse. Mashimoni- drawing room. Meshomoshai - outhouse, Harsha- Terrace room, Suma ma'm- Art Room. Arunima ma'm- Study room...Yukti- Dance room, Janu- Swimming Pool,Moumita, Madhurima, Shreya, Ahana, Bandana, Soham, Ruchita, Gairik - corridor. Shanti-...

I was on my way by train to the Bangalore City . The day was fine. Eagerly awaiting my arrival at home and bringing home pictures in my mid. At last I was free from the cage…. I was alone post Bangalore Cantonment. Reached for the subway and arrivd at th bus station. My throat was dry. It would be a log journey. Pleasantly a couple attracted my attention in the BIAL bus. Ashish Rai … I saw the name on the file on his lap. He was talking to a lady who probably thought that she was the prettiest woman in the world. Dressed in a pink kurta Patiala she wore matching ornaments to give her that pinkish effect which men secretly crave for. The man, Ashish went to the front of the bus and secretly watched the girl on the rear view mirror. What chemistry!!! Each one trying to impress the other by their outlook. How much of genuine interaction worked under the veneer of their best outfits, I wonder. A model or so thought was the next inmate . She had fat but she had...