Aadi – Chapter 5

Shadi at Last Chandra bade a tearful goodbye to the London branch of the Reddy family and returned to her father’s home in Chennai. A great celebration took place to welcome her home. Hameer had been in contact with Chandra’s father and all the formalities were complete between the two families. Chandra’s father consulted a priest to determine the most auspicious time for a wedding … Continue reading Aadi – Chapter 5

Aadi – Chapter 4

Chandra Gains a New Family There seemed to be no softening of Hameer’s attitude, but Dakshana had learned through the London Reddy family Chandra had been a frequent guest in their home through her studies and realized there would be an eventual confrontation on that issue. Dakshana wanted to see her son Aadi happily married to a woman of his choice and she liked this … Continue reading Aadi – Chapter 4

Aadi – Chapter 3

Chandra Meets the Extended Family The green VW flicked its lights as it approached and Aadi recognized that was the signal for her arrival. He quickly removed the orange traffic restraints and beckoned her to park. She backed in expertly and his heart swelled with pride at her skill. Chandra emerged flushed and clutching her purse. She stood briefly and looked at him. She was … Continue reading Aadi – Chapter 3

Aadi – Chapter 2

The Reconnection Chandra had already been in UK staying with relatives for six months. Aadi had missed their clandestine meetings while he waited for formalities of UK visa and school acceptance and Dakshana had watched her son with sympathy as he shut himself away from usual pursuits. She guessed her son was missing this girl, Chandra. Dakshana had liked the girl and felt Chandra had … Continue reading Aadi – Chapter 2

Aadi – Chapter 1

Forbidden Relationship Captain Hameer Reddy sat pondering the future of his children at his home office in Delhi. He was on leave from his battalion. Posting in the mountains for the duration of his last assignment had been cold and uncomfortable and he was happy to enjoy the comforts of home for a time with servants to answer his beck and call. He reflected in … Continue reading Aadi – Chapter 1

Conflict on the Mountain

Manu sat at home thinking over his options. He was reluctant to leave this house his ancestors had put together collecting stones lying about in abundance in the rain channel. Most times a gentle stream supplied them with their drinking water and washing and cooking needs but when seasonal deluges hit these hills it became a raging torrent of water that scoured banks revealing stones … Continue reading Conflict on the Mountain

Roopa

Ruth Shepherd looked at the baby in her arms and compared it to her own body. The baby was fair skinned like its father Brian, but it seemed quite content to be enclosed in her brown arms and attach to her greedily at feeding time. She marvelled at the miracle of birth that had produced her daughter from the union of two greatly different heritages … Continue reading Roopa

Sri Shaktiwalaji

Shaktiwala sat crossed legged on the wooden platform above the bags of grain on prominent display in his shop. He surveyed the village and constant movement of people of different classes in the caste system as they made their way around the village carefully avoiding contact with each other and keeping within permitted limits. He was lost in thought as he contemplated his situation. Everyone … Continue reading Sri Shaktiwalaji

तितली (Butterfly) Chapter 6

The End of an Era and Beginning of a New. On his return to Dehradun the Colonel sought out Major Lancaster informing him of his retirement from army duties and the Major’s elevation to the command of the base. The Major considered Cartwright his mentor and benefactor in positioning him for advancement and the honour of his appointment as replacement and ordered an immediate function … Continue reading तितली (Butterfly) Chapter 6

तितली (Butterfly) Chapter 5

Trouble in Calcutta Colonel Cartwright was in the process of reviewing troops with officers gathered around him when a runner appeared and requested permission to deliver his orders. Permission granted the Colonel handed over command to Captain Lancaster and strode to the Company Headquarters office taking his seat behind the desk. The runner saluted and extended his hand with a sealed letter. He read it … Continue reading तितली (Butterfly) Chapter 5