The self-inflicted death of a healthy, young man is always a tragedy. Following the suicide of the young and successful Indian actor, Sushant Singh Rajput, I have seen several social media posts in the vein of (self-paraphrased) “If you need someone to talk to, I am here. You are never…
Death, Birth. Marriage, Widowhood. Sickness, Health. Music, Silence. Vignettes of utter contrasts back to back all within 18 hours. Life itself, in fact, encapsulated in a nutshell. Last night, I ‘attended’ a wedding online. Today, an online memorial meet for my husband’s schoolmate. Right before, I caught what I could…
As I drove through Kotturpuram, the pillion rider on the whizzing motorbike gesticulated wildly. I looked him in the eye and drove on. Now, a car sidled up, the driver miming. He brought his vehicle to a complete stop beside mine, opened his windows and gestured. His lane was free.…
One message that made a mark on me in childhood was an Amar Chitra Katha panel of Buddha saying “All desires bring pain” – a statement I have reflected on extensively (probably even excessively) of late. I studied Economics for school certificate exams from the University of London and again…
“Help me,” those big, innocent, liquid eyes had emoted, welling with tears. Unable to articulate in words but implicitly trusting you, the adult, to alleviate the pain. And you have no idea of what is going on – nothing hurts more. “It is unbearable, amma. Will it not just stop…
I recently applied for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card. A mere six days later, my PAN had been issued and was ready to go. Fast by any standards. Issued by the Indian government, the PAN’s main purpose is to identify each tax payer uniquely. The card is also accepted…
In my erstwhile home for a short sojourn, I enjoyed getting together with old friends. Recently, one mentioned to another how the previous time they had met was the last time I had visited. It set me thinking. The temporariness of a short visit often helps to make and concentrate…
I was first addressed as mami by an elderly waiter at a restaurant in Mahabalipuram, two days after my marriage. I remember looking behind and around myself then, to find who the addressee was! Until I realised it was I. 🙂 I was tickled pink at my new promotion! It made my…
“The waning days of our lives are given over to treatments that addle our brains and sap our bodies for a sliver’s chance of benefit” – Atul Gawande. How true. It is sad that most are not able to accept that leaving things as they are, sometimes, is the best…
Live in the present is one oft-heard adage while prepare for a rainy day is yet another. Living in the past, however, is never recommended – in fact, it is mostly dissuaded. Events leading up from last month to today, however, have reinforced in me the fact that many of…