'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
Short Stories
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
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
Song in her heart
Nirmala dug her fingers into the small lump of dough and broke off a piece the size of a large pea. Diligently, she rolled it into a paisa-sized chapati and tossed it from hand to hand as she had seen her mother do. "Nimmu, darling, come over here and sing us a song," coaxed her … Continue reading Song in her heart
The Peacock
"Damn it!" muttered Arun as he battled with his tie. He pulled and twisted and snorted with rage when the knot crept up behind his ear. "Malti! Aren't you ready yet? Oh! There you are! Do you have to wear that pink sari every time we go out? Why don't you try to dress a … Continue reading The Peacock
Bhagavad Gita and Bulls-Eyes
The author (right) with her daughter Meenakshi (right), a big fan of crosswords! The basket is large and the roses of all colours. The card reads “Best Wishes from all your friends at the club. Get well soon.” It stands on the window sill where I can see it, for days till the matron clucks … Continue reading Bhagavad Gita and Bulls-Eyes
Give Me Your Hand
Ruth stared at her hands in horror, remembering the crooning voices of the old ladies exclaiming over the white softness of her fingers. What was she doing here, far from home? What did she really know about Rudra or the community he belonged to? Ruth Adams prowled around the dimly lit room, restless and tense. … Continue reading Give Me Your Hand
Stories by Sujatha 