Shoka Guru Somdeva looked at Mathangi silently for sometime and then said, "My child, many of the sorrows in this world are born out of delusions." Radha finished her lesson at exactly 5 o'clock and rose from the mat with her bag. As she crossed the hall and came out, the lady called the her. … Continue reading Shoka – The Navarasa Stories VI
Author: Avantika Agrawal Gomes
Veera – The Navarasa Stories V
'Veera' "Of all the stories in the Ramayana," Somadeva said, "I like that which recounts the valour of Jatayu best." Shanmugam and Raji walked down the road from the market, close together, their hands almost touching. It was late afternoon, the sun hot and blazing fiercely on their faces. Raji wiped the streams of perspiration … Continue reading Veera – The Navarasa Stories V
Bhaya – The Navarasa Stories IV
'Bhaya' "One who has never been afraid," said the Guru, "is truly insensitive." "I don't like snakes," said little Raja, emphatically. "See, this one has such a huge mouth." He held his arms wide open. "And he has swallowed my beautiful red counter." He retrieved his marker from the jaws of the devouring monster and … Continue reading Bhaya – The Navarasa Stories IV
Shringara – The Navarasa Stories III
'Shringara' Guru Somdeva said, "The beginning of young love is fragrant and fragile like a freshly-opened jasmine bud." "Bol Radha, bol" sang Ashok loudly, very much out of tune. "Aw, shut up! You sound awful," said Usha. She pushed back her wind-blown hair carelessly, one hand resting outside the window of the car. One end … Continue reading Shringara – The Navarasa Stories III
Krodha – The Navarasa Stories II
'Krodha' Guru Somdeva said, "Of all the emotions, anger is the one which is hardest to hold and maintain for a long time." Smoke billowed out from the almost-dead fire, got into Kuppi's eyes and made them water. She wiped them with the end of her sari and looked up at the crude chimney stuck … Continue reading Krodha – The Navarasa Stories II
Introduction – The Navarasa Stories I
The Nine Rasas "Thillana, thillana - ." the music flowed into quickening tempo and the drummer beat time with practised ease. Twinkling feet performed with an abandon and a fiery rhythm as if they had a life of their own. The adavus followed one after another, precisely, faultlessly, each a fragment of sculptured beauty. Mathangi … Continue reading Introduction – The Navarasa Stories I
You Never Can Tell
The pale gold of the rising sun turned the vast expanse of fields into emerald carpets. Here and there a few tamarind trees dotted the landscape, giving the requisite balance to the entire panorama. Already, a few men were out in the fields. But there was a stillness, a peace wrought with humidity and awe … Continue reading You Never Can Tell
Paradise Lost
The Indian Golden Oriole, a species of oriole found in the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia The best part of the day for me is in the morning. Having seen various members of the family off to work and college, I pour myself a second cup of tea and come out for a breather. It is hardly half-past seven … Continue reading Paradise Lost
Flight to Enchantment
It was billed as a flight to enchantment but the prelude to the flight was dismal. The skies have opened up. Cascades of water obliterate the mountains, the undulating valleys, the almost converging lanes, everything. Below the window, there is a lake conjured up in minutes. It doesn’t need the oracle of Kathmandu to predict … Continue reading Flight to Enchantment
Checkmate
The ambience was purely amber glow. Discreet modern lighting hazed over with cigarette smoke, the amber reflected in the liquid in the glasses and in the mellow voices of the cocktail crowd. With practised ease, the hostess separated Tara from her husband as soon as they arrived and fitted her neatly into a vacant chair … Continue reading Checkmate
Stories by Sujatha 