Can you replace the irreplaceable? There is no one else in the room. As I walk into Mummy’s room, this is the first thought that comes to my mind. I don’t remember having Mummy all to myself in a room ever since she returned from the Hospital. Mummy is sitting up on the bed propped … Continue reading THE SHADOW IS CAST – (Memoir series – Story 19)
Author: MMC 2.0
Mohan Mathew Chacko is a multi-disciplinary freelance writer and one who runs the WORDSOUPS blog as if it’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened in the storytelling blogging world. From the time when he survived a near-death situation on a surgeon’s table, he considers this his second life and believes he is now a better version of his previous self. Nowadays he likes to be known as MMC 2.0 though no one else seems to care.
SO CLOSE, SO FAR AWAY – (Memoir series – Story 18)
When good times end much too soon Finally, Mummy returns. But the sight of Mummy now is very different from the last time I saw her in Vellore. She can no longer walk and has to be carried around. Her head is covered with a scarf. Her once flowing curly hair is gone, and her … Continue reading SO CLOSE, SO FAR AWAY – (Memoir series – Story 18)
DOODLER ON THE ROOF – (Memoir series – Story 17)
How to be a perpetual nuisance One more round, please. I beg Rajuchayan. I love Rajuchayan’s Bullet motorcycle. The distinct thump of the engine reverberates with power, giving me a blood rush that I can't get enough of. It's my last Sunday at MT Seminary School, Kottayam. And sadly, the final visit from my cousins … Continue reading DOODLER ON THE ROOF – (Memoir series – Story 17)
NOTHING FEELS THE SAME ANYMORE – (Memoir series – Story 16)
Everywhere I go, leads me to wherever I don’t want to go. Looking out the window is so nice. It's like a magical world right before my eyes! The last time I went on a train was when we left Calcutta for good and travelled to Ernakulam. It was such a memorable journey. Daddy says … Continue reading NOTHING FEELS THE SAME ANYMORE – (Memoir series – Story 16)
INK FROM THE HEART (Memoir series – Story 15)
A Son's Journey through a Torn Letter A letter for me?Really?! My heart races with excitement when a friend informs me and quickly rushes off.My friend John looks as surprised as I am. We have never received any letters by post before.All of us are in a hurry to get ready for the NCC (National … Continue reading INK FROM THE HEART (Memoir series – Story 15)
CAN BROKEN BISCUITS CURE BROKEN DREAMS? (Memoir series – Story 14)
A Journey of Longing Oh, how I ache for my Mummy!She's not here because she's very sick and needs special treatment at a hospital in a faraway place called Vellore. Daddy is also there, taking care of her. And my world has turned upside down. I had to say goodbye to my school in Ernakulam and … Continue reading CAN BROKEN BISCUITS CURE BROKEN DREAMS? (Memoir series – Story 14)
SUGAR MOUNTAINS AND FLYING EGGS – (Memoir series – Story 13)
A Whirlwind Morning at Aunt's Place Oh, let me tell you about the crazy breakfast time at my Aunt's place! It's like a whirlwind, and I'm right in the middle of it all. And trying to make sense of everything that's happening around me.I'm staying at Daddy's eldest brother's house, and it's so much fun! … Continue reading SUGAR MOUNTAINS AND FLYING EGGS – (Memoir series – Story 13)
UNCHAINED FROM VILLAGE TRADITIONS – (Memoir series – Story 12)
Great Expectations - Gone With The Wind Wow, guess what? Today is the last day of school this year! Yippee! And that means I'm going to Granny's house! Mummy wants me to wait for a few days until Daddy is free to take us. But when Granny calls, she agrees! Mummy respects Granny’s wish to … Continue reading UNCHAINED FROM VILLAGE TRADITIONS – (Memoir series – Story 12)
BLOOD, SWEAT, AND GINGELLY BALLS. (Memoir series – Story 11)
Slippery Saga of Family Quirks. It feels like forever since I left my super cool slippers in that house!Seriously, it's been like two whole years. My hope of ever seeing them again is melting faster than my ice cream on a blazing hot day.Daddy refuses to swing by that house and get my slippers back. … Continue reading BLOOD, SWEAT, AND GINGELLY BALLS. (Memoir series – Story 11)
YOU WIN SOME, YOU LOSE SOME. (Memoir series – Story 10)
Journey of Triumph Leads to Barefooted Bliss. Oh boy, waiting for the entrance exam results is like waiting for ice cream on the hottest day ever!I’ve done my best in the exams. All for Mummy. She has taken so much effort to get me ready for the exams. And I want her to be happy. Always.Finally, … Continue reading YOU WIN SOME, YOU LOSE SOME. (Memoir series – Story 10)
AIMS, DREAMS, AND ASPIRATIONS (Memoir series – Story 9)
Hoping for the best! I wake up all of a sudden, sweating and wide-eyed. Where am I? How did I get here? The grandfather clock's TICK-tock, TICK-tock fills the room. Oh, I remember now, I'm in Granny’s home! I sit up on the mattress. And the rumble and funny noises of the grumpy monster in my … Continue reading AIMS, DREAMS, AND ASPIRATIONS (Memoir series – Story 9)
FREEDOM UNTIL MIDNIGHT (Memoir series – Story 8)
MORE ACTION THAN I CAN STOMACH IN A DAY Oh boy, I’m in such a hurry! I've got to wash my hands and go faster than a rocket to solve the mystery of that sound. But I can't find a wash basin anywhere! Maybe I should've just wiped my hands on my shorts like my cool … Continue reading FREEDOM UNTIL MIDNIGHT (Memoir series – Story 8)
CALCUTTA TO THIRUVARPPU – WORLDS APART (Memoir series – Story 7)
Our house by the stream This new world is amazing! The trees are dancing, and the boats are gliding. And Mummy expects me to sit all cool and calm. How can I, when there's so much awesomeness all around? Calcutta was such a happening and bustling place. And here in Thiruvarppu, it’s so calm and … Continue reading CALCUTTA TO THIRUVARPPU – WORLDS APART (Memoir series – Story 7)
COUNTRY BOATS, TAKE ME HOME! (Memoir series – Story 6)
Transitioning in transit Our train is a big, loud monster, roaring and rumbling as it zooms along. Outside my window, dark shadows play games, twisting and twirling around. I squint and strain my eyes to figure out what really is happening out there. But there’s nothing but the darkness of the night. But hey, I've … Continue reading COUNTRY BOATS, TAKE ME HOME! (Memoir series – Story 6)
ADIEU, DEAR CALCUTTA (Memoir series – Story 5)
FUTURE-PULL OF OUR NATIVE PLACE The doorbell chimes. And I am jolted. Shaken back into the real world from my storybook world. Mummy stops knitting and walks across to open the door. We know it’s Daddy coming back from work. I run across to Daddy and hug him. And I’m greeted by the warmth of … Continue reading ADIEU, DEAR CALCUTTA (Memoir series – Story 5)
DRIPPING WITH LIQUID HAPPINESS (Memoir series – Story 4)
Why I love Aunts and not Uncles Mummy’s left me in the house of a family friend. And one of the hosts is unfriendly, unsmiling, and unrelenting. I’m in Titus Uncle and Aunty’s house for the day. Uncle has his head buried in the newspaper. He’s playing hard-to-get. I want to say Hello and shake … Continue reading DRIPPING WITH LIQUID HAPPINESS (Memoir series – Story 4)
THE BELLY WORSHIPPER OF 63, KARAYA ROAD, CALCUTTA (Memoir series – Story 3)
Saturday Strolls, Delicacy Calls Yay, we’re all done with praying. And it's time to leave the Church. I instinctively follow Mummy toward the offering box. And swiftly dig into my shorts’ pocket for the shiny coin Mummy had entrusted me with. Huge relief! It’s still safely ensconced in the corner of my pocket’s seam. My … Continue reading THE BELLY WORSHIPPER OF 63, KARAYA ROAD, CALCUTTA (Memoir series – Story 3)
WALK THROUGH MEMORY LANE (Memoir series – Story 2)
A Serene Escape to the Church with Mom in Bustling 1964 Calcutta It’s 1964. Calcutta is bustling and vibrant. Saturdays are special for us. It’s the day when I have Mummy totally for myself. I’m almost 4 years old. And it’s the day we take a stroll to the Church in the morning. I’m holding … Continue reading WALK THROUGH MEMORY LANE (Memoir series – Story 2)
MUM’S THE WORD (Memoir series – Story 1)
Hushed Reflections on Loss and Hope The warm noon sun is beating down on me, casting a bright shine over the rows of tombstones. The grass is dry and yellowed, crunching underfoot as I make my way through the maze of graves.The air is thick with the scent of flowers, both fresh and wilted, placed … Continue reading MUM’S THE WORD (Memoir series – Story 1)
Awe-Inspiring Maasai Mara Safari
Witnessing the Divine Creativity of the Greatest Artist and the Amygdala's Blessing for Survival Behold the grandeur of the greatest artist of all, as he unleashes a masterpiece upon the world! With exquisite masterstrokes of light and colour, he paints a canvas that is radiant with an intense blaze of colours, a celestial symphony of … Continue reading Awe-Inspiring Maasai Mara Safari
Go Go Goa – The Prequel
Lighter in Goa Beach-hopping. The perfect way to experience the beauty of this coastal paradise. Calangute to Baga was a breeze. While enjoying cold lemonade, we seek advice from the beach shack owner at Baga. It’s not going to be an easy trek from here to Anjuna, according to him. It's a much shorter distance … Continue reading Go Go Goa – The Prequel
I’m Temptation
You love me. You hate me. You need me. I’m greed, I’m speed, I can help you succeed. But you can’t stop me burning. I’m a wheel, I’m a deal, I can give you good feel. But you can’t stop me turning. I’m a weed, I’m a seed, I can make your insides bleed. But … Continue reading I’m Temptation
Candle in the wind
Will our stories survive beyond us? Arms wide open, I stand alone. I’m no hero. And I’m not made of stone. I stand here burning. Casting my warm glow upon the wrinkled skin of the frail old man.He is the lone inhabitant of this timeworn and run-down ancestral home. Now abandoned and forgotten.The old man is lying … Continue reading Candle in the wind
The Power of Silence: A Tale of Listening in a Noisy World
Noble Silence - Inner Peace – Peace on Earth Thousands of years ago, when the shadows danced and whispers echoed, and gods and demons roamed the earth, I was a mere mortal who dared to cross a line that no one had ever dared to before. When they were moving heaven and earth to set … Continue reading The Power of Silence: A Tale of Listening in a Noisy World
A LAMENT FOR THE MOTHER OF ALL TONGUES
The Eternal Elements Of Eloquence I lie here on my deathbed, a grand old lady with a legacy that spans the entire world. I am the mother of all languages. The one who gave birth to the words that humans use to communicate with each other. My once vibrant and lively spirit now flickers dimly like … Continue reading A LAMENT FOR THE MOTHER OF ALL TONGUES
Metamorphis of the Spirit and Mind – A Cats-eye view
Purr-fectly Blissful I’ve got a shiver in the dark. It’s raining in the park. But meantime, I scamper onto the shelter of the grand old tree. I’m a black cat. I’m nothing but bad luck. Something evil that is passing by. People get spooked when they see me in the dark. Or when I cross the … Continue reading Metamorphis of the Spirit and Mind – A Cats-eye view
NESSIE – NESTLING IN THE DEEP
Far from the madding crowd I’m drifting on the empty waters. I’m searching for the holy grail of leviathans. I know she’s waiting. Waiting below. Ready to attack, and my life is at stake. I’m armed only with the belief that this legendary creature is not myth. That there really exists this monster. I know. … Continue reading NESSIE – NESTLING IN THE DEEP
PERFECT STRANGER
Resurrected from the shadows of another day There was a great industrialist here today. Talking of cars and technology. For more than two hours he held everyone spellbound. He wasn’t talking about what is yet to come but what had already been achieved. I have a special reason to be fired with enthusiasm on this … Continue reading PERFECT STRANGER
How To Walk Into Infinity
Cracking The Ant Code In the misty mornings, I stand on the edge of time. I inhale a lungful of heavenly oxygen and prepare to follow my bliss. I live a few days here every month in this wooded area. Among dense growth of trees and vegetation. I step out into the haze, all geared … Continue reading How To Walk Into Infinity
GO GO GOA
Why Doctors Can Never Retire In Goa It's the summer of 1986. I'm on my way to a village in Goa riding my RD 350 Yamaha. We're looking for a place called Querim. My friend and I are on this bike trip. And we are refreshed after a good night's sleep in our beachside homestay … Continue reading GO GO GOA
NOT ONLY SHAKEN BUT ALSO STIRRED – The Gurno incident
The Global Local Gurno was every bit a tramp who lived happily in a remote village where even google maps may not bother to map. He had never gone beyond a 10-kilometer radius of where he was born. He couldn't read and write but from what I've seen, he believed in the slogan - Think … Continue reading NOT ONLY SHAKEN BUT ALSO STIRRED – The Gurno incident
Pea in the ground
You may call me by any name, but you got to serve me to everybody A sudden gust of wind blows straight from the heavens with great gusto, and we land on earth. Some of us fall on rocks. Some of us fall on thorns and bushes. And some of us fall on fertile land. … Continue reading Pea in the ground
The Shamelessness Project
Preparing for the New Year A few weeks before the New Year countdown begins, I have just one thing on my mind. It's one of the first steps I must take to gear up to enter the New Year on a sure footing. During this time of year, I suddenly become capable of bending my sense of propriety and … Continue reading The Shamelessness Project
The Red Dot
A gift of generosity from a real Santa I kick my car's tyre and blink at the moonless sky. How on earth did this happen, I exclaim under my breath. I’ve always been checking tyre pressures while filling up fuel at the pump, and nothing ever seemed wrong with these fairly new tyres. The long stretch … Continue reading The Red Dot
Frame of Tranquility
An edifice of true grandeur built with a higher purpose The growth of the U.A.E. has been monumental, and there seems to be a certain charm that works on everyone who lands here that makes them comfortable and feel at home. Expats tend to live here seemingly unmindful that they are merely like birds of … Continue reading Frame of Tranquility
How to conquer the world, (well, almost!)
Napoleon reveals his secret weapon to Josephine This really may have happened. Nobody apparently recorded this in history books, but for now, let us imagine that this may really have happened. It's no secret that Napoleon Bonaparte was eager to conquer the world. His war strategies were perfect. According to legend, his strength lay in … Continue reading How to conquer the world, (well, almost!)
Urban Dilemma – to smile or not to smile
Is a smile still your first instinct when you make eye contact with people? She was standing in the bright sunlight. Picture-perfect. Peaceful and tranquil. Totally at peace with herself in the barbecue-hot summer sun and the busy traffic, displaying the greatest of smiles that could halt traffic. The traffic signal anyway was doing just … Continue reading Urban Dilemma – to smile or not to smile
N’oubliez Jamais (Never Forget)
We live. We forget. Yet we survive. Over the centuries I imagine there was a time when generations traditionally yearned to listen to stories, songs, chants, and poetry that were passed down from generation to generation from elders. The accumulated experience and expertise in survival were crucial to be passed on through oral storytelling. How … Continue reading N’oubliez Jamais (Never Forget)
Every once in a while…
Picture courtesy - Pexels Free Photos There's strength in numbers Every once in a while, there's a power outage in my village where I spend a few days every month. Tonight, it’s rainy and windy, and the place has gone dark. Instinctively, I glance at my neighbour’s house. It’s dark there too. Greatly relieved, I … Continue reading Every once in a while…
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