Afterwards, they said that Manohar was affected the most. His eyes had turned red with weeping and one could hardly get a coherent word from him. Blood, after all, they said, is thicker than water, and the elder brother had almost been like a father to him. Surprising, how Mother had stood up to it … Continue reading Mother
Short Stories
Duel By Moonlight
“There now, Dad,” said Betty fussing over the cushions on his chair. “Have a bit of rest, you look as if you haven’t slept a wink last night.” Barlow grunted noncommittally. His eyes were red-rimmed and there were dark circles under them. Betty turned and put a hand on his shoulder. “Anything wrong, dad? Anything … Continue reading Duel By Moonlight
Mine Own Executioner
Short story by Sujatha Balasubramanian in The Times of India, Dec 18, 1960 "It is all very well for them to talk," mused Manickam. When he stole the silver vessels rom the Sowcar's house and the jari sarees from the Iyer's place nobody said anything; for the very good reason that no one knew about … Continue reading Mine Own Executioner
Destiny on a Postcard
Indira hummed a tune softly, almost to herself, as she slowly came down the stairs. The early sun threw a shaft of light across the hall and brought out the bright colours of the draperies. The foot-high bronze statue of Nararaja gleamed against the polished wood of the side-board. A small table was set for … Continue reading Destiny on a Postcard
Shantah – The Navarasa Stories X
'Shantah' "I have told you about anger and love, fear and valour," said Guru Somadeva to Mathangi. "But, of this, the last of the rasa bhavas it is most difficult for me to talk." "Peace," he sighed, "peace on earth, more than that, the peace inside a person's heart, the stillness and quiet in the … Continue reading Shantah – The Navarasa Stories X
Hasya – The Navarasa Stories IX
'Hasya' "The incongruous juxtaposition of people and things causes humour," said Guru Somadeva. "No," he said firmly, "not a single paisa. You've had all you'll ever get from me, you little rascal." The old man spoke with sudden courage. It was just this minute that he had realized what a fool he had been, paying … Continue reading Hasya – The Navarasa Stories IX
Vismaya – The Navarasa Stories VIII
'Vismaya' Guru Somadeva said, "There was once a child who showed his wondering mother the marvels of the entire universe within his open mouth." The door of the capsule was shut upon them and the two men faced each other, their expressions hidden by the unwieldy protective helmets. The excitement and tumult outside was suddenly … Continue reading Vismaya – The Navarasa Stories VIII
Bhibhatsa – The Navarasa Stories VII
'Bhibhatsa' Somadeva said, "Often, the horror caused by an object is not proportionate to its size." They came for him in the middle of the night. The first thing Chinna knew was the strength of the arms that pinned him down to his cot as a rough gag was thrust into his mouth. There were … Continue reading Bhibhatsa – The Navarasa Stories VII
Shoka – The Navarasa Stories VI
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
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
Stories by Sujatha 