'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

'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' 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 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' "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' "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' 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' 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

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