Even when war makes no sense, a mother’s voice is enough. “There’s a war happening,” says Mummy. I stop chewing my banana. A war? Here? In our quiet little town, where the biggest battles are over who gets the crispiest dosa? That doesn’t make sense. Mummy was talking to Daddy about it while he read … Continue reading The War Outside, The Questions Within
Category: MEMOIR SERIES
MEMOIRS
One Last Slap
A moment of discipline, a lifetime of love, and a farewell too soon. I have lived a long life, stumbled through mistakes, taken wrong turns, and ignored wisdom when I shouldn’t have. And yet, if you ask me what I truly long for, it’s not another chance to rewrite those mistakes. It’s something simpler, something … Continue reading One Last Slap
A Long-Ago Summer in Alwaye
A Season of Stories, Surprises, and Sharpened Pencils Looking back, summer always meant Kottayam… Granny’s hugs, her endless stories, and the comforting rhythm of our ancestral home. But that year, fate had a different plan. My aunt and uncle in Alwaye invited me over, and just like that, my summer took an unexpected detour. Their … Continue reading A Long-Ago Summer in Alwaye
The Teacher, the Tea, and the Timeless Connection
A Random Meeting That Taught Me Life’s Connections Run Deep Riding into Memories Life has a knack for surprising you when you least expect it. One moment, you’re out on a mission to escape the monotony of a shop counter, and the next, you’re knee-deep in an emotional reunion with your past, courtesy of a … Continue reading The Teacher, the Tea, and the Timeless Connection
Out of sight, Out of mind?
Do Birthdays Ever Die? No matter the time of day or season, my own birthday remains etched in my mind. Yet, lurking in the shadows of my memory is another birthday, one that I have shamefully allowed to slip away: my Mummy’s. She departed this world more than five decades ago, long before I could … Continue reading Out of sight, Out of mind?
EATING LIKE A GIANT – (Memoir series – Story 31)
ACE THE RACE WITH GRACE Games and sports, oh man, they're like a rollercoaster of fun that leaves your stomach growling for more. You see, at home, it's all about hearty meals. Mummy whips up huge portions of everything. And she insists on announcing to the whole world that I'm the insatiable eating machine. To be honest, … Continue reading EATING LIKE A GIANT – (Memoir series – Story 31)
BURIED IN A HEAP OF COCONUTS – (Memoir series – Story 30)
THE DRIVE TO DRIVE I must say, Daddy is one lucky fellow. Who else can score a daily, cost-free car wash that rivals a sparkling diamond, thanks to a highly motivated young chap like me? The enthusiasm in my morning cleaning routine knows no limits, even when the car's already spotless. Our car practically beams … Continue reading BURIED IN A HEAP OF COCONUTS – (Memoir series – Story 30)
SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS – (Memoir series – Story 29)
AS STRONG AS HERCULES Hey, you won't believe it! I finally got myself a bicycle. But hold onto your handlebars, because this isn't some shiny, out-of-the-box ride. Nope, I had to rummage through Daddy's shop and pick one from a bunch of dusty, old bikes in the corner. See, I had my eyes on this … Continue reading SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS – (Memoir series – Story 29)
PRANKENSTEINS OF THE BACK BENCH – (Memoir series – Story 28)
FRANKLY, IT’S JUST A PRANK "Hey, can I get 25 paise?" PP George is in a generous mood. And promptly hands over a coin to Raghuram. PP's been on a roll lately, you see. He just got back from this mono-act competition, and man, you'd think he won an Oscar. He's been gabbing about how … Continue reading PRANKENSTEINS OF THE BACK BENCH – (Memoir series – Story 28)
HOW COOL WAS YOUR SUMMER? – (Memoir series – Story 27)
WHERE FUN ENDS, ENTHUSIASM TAKES OVER Man, it's like an oven in here! But even in this scorching heat, hanging out at Sunnychayan's Borma is a blast. The walls are as black as coal. Blame it on those ovens, the hidden superheroes that bake bread and turn the walls into a canvas of coal art. … Continue reading HOW COOL WAS YOUR SUMMER? – (Memoir series – Story 27)
FIRST DAY FIRST SHOW – (Memoir series – Story 26)
TWO MONTHS IS TOO LESS FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS Thursdays, oh, the glorious anticipation! Why, you ask? Well, it's simple: the next day is Friday - the new movie release day. You see, my cousin Sajuchayan and I belong to the First-Day First-Show Club. Sajuchayan is my guide during every summer holiday in Kottayam since he’s … Continue reading FIRST DAY FIRST SHOW – (Memoir series – Story 26)
BEEP-BEEP, BEEP-BEEP, YAY! – (Memoir series – Story 25)
Some day you can drive my car “It’s quite expensive,” says Mummy. “But it’s worth the investment,” Daddy says. “It gives much better mileage.” “I like it,” I say. It’s fantastic”. It all started when Daddy decided to sell his old Standard 10 car, KLA 320, and got a sleek Fiat 1100D with the number … Continue reading BEEP-BEEP, BEEP-BEEP, YAY! – (Memoir series – Story 25)
WHO MOVED MY LUNCH BOX? – (Memoir series – Story 24)
New Place, New Friends, New Thrills Daddy says he’s planning to start a shop to sell lunch boxes. And I will be his biggest customer. You see, my Daddy‘s got a heart of gold. He doesn't punish me or give me a good whack like some dads do. Instead, he prefers to hit me with … Continue reading WHO MOVED MY LUNCH BOX? – (Memoir series – Story 24)
WINDS OF CHANGE – (Memoir series – Story 23)
Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New We have to visit “Jos Brothers” today evening, Daddy says during breakfast. I am in a hurry, gobbling up fistfuls of puttu (steamed flour of ground rice layered with coconut shavings) before I run to the Bus Stop to catch a Bus to school. Usually, nothing in … Continue reading WINDS OF CHANGE – (Memoir series – Story 23)
DONT ROCK MY BOAT- (Memoir series – Story 22)
Sailing at the mercy of the winds of change Daddy is going to get married again? I stare silently at Aunty's face. She gives me a consoling hug. And explains that Daddy is still young and wants to get married again. His new wife will be my new Mummy. Aunty seats me closer to her. … Continue reading DONT ROCK MY BOAT- (Memoir series – Story 22)
THE TWINKLE IN THE TEARS – (Memoir series – Story 21)
A BAD MONTH TO DIE It’s Christmas time. And I’m hating it.The whole village is cheerful. But I am not.Colourful decorations dangle outside the houses. And multi-coloured miniature lights twinkle from trees.But at Granny's house, there's only one star, and it's sad like me. And it hangs from the hook of the verandah’s ceiling with … Continue reading THE TWINKLE IN THE TEARS – (Memoir series – Story 21)
MY HEART WILL GO ON – (Memoir series – Story 20)
Didn’t get to say goodbye I'm so happy. Our house is full of guests. Uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who I don't often get to meet. I enjoy the attention and love. And I feel special. Everyone is talking and catching up in the drawing room. Even though my room is small, I squeeze in … Continue reading MY HEART WILL GO ON – (Memoir series – Story 20)
THE SHADOW IS CAST – (Memoir series – Story 19)
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)
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)
WORDSOUPS 