'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
Fiction
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
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
Father Always Plays Santa Claus
“Are you sure he will, Mummy?" asked Janie, her big, blue eyes gazing earnestly at Brenda "Santa Claus won't forget to bring my panda, will he? Suppose he gets the presents mixed up? He might bring me a teddy bear instead," she said doubtfully. "Of course not; dear, "Brenda replied in a soothing voice."I am … Continue reading Father Always Plays Santa Claus
The Voice
It was a very pleasant evening. Our very good friends, the Lals were dining with us. Conversation flowed easily and I was complimenting myself that everything was going just fine . The first course was over and I brought on the steaming rice and curry. My husband handed around the appetisingly spiced dish and Mr … Continue reading The Voice
A Ghost is Born
My house is by the foot of the Welsh mountains. It is a lovely old mansion, I grant you; twelve bedrooms, huge carved doors and a fireplace large enough to roast an ox in. I do like pottering about the place on my own and I value my privacy. After all, we ghosts have never … Continue reading A Ghost is Born
Stories by Sujatha 