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
Surprising Confession When Noorzia returned to the bungalow after seeing her husband off on his journey she found Reg distributing gifts to the servants after unpacking his belongings. These were items he’d acquired in England he knew would have interest to them. Each of the servants chatted excitedly as they received their gifts and pronounced a blessing on him for his generosity. Noorzia smiled happily. … Continue reading तितली (Butterfly) – Chapter 3
Discovery Veena sat on campus away from other groups sitting together chatting, she was serious about finishing her MBA and determined not to let one minute of social opportunity come between her and her studies. Oh, she did socialize and was quite popular but kept it all to a minimum, so parties didn’t draw her away from studies. She wanted to hurry her studies along … Continue reading Anvit अन्वित – Chapter 6
Mahavir Mahavir sat in his plush New Delhi office deep in thought trying to process a recent phone call from relatives in Mumbai. This had come at an inopportune time as there were strategic decisions to make for his companies requiring full attention. His wife usually cared for domestic issues but this one she’d declined to handle as it involved her extended family and Veena … Continue reading Anvit अन्वित – Chapter 4
CHAPTER 6 LEARNING THE ROPES Asha’s mind raced as she processed what had just been said. She weighed the matter and considered the possible dangers in such a meeting. She quickly reached a decision and turned to say no, then glancing at his face she saw eager anticipation of the small boy in a man’s business suit and hesitated. Perhaps he’d be a useful advisor … Continue reading ASHA (आशा) – Chapter 6
CHAPTER 5 – LEARNING THE ROPES Asha sat in the plane watching as Tad made notes and worked on his computer after their trip to Singapore. It had been a long and exhausting trip over the Pacific. New York to LA had been a learning experience as they transited through Chicago and had to change gates. Sue had done what she could to make it … Continue reading ASHA (आशा ) – Chapter 5
CHAPTER 4 – OFF WITH THE OLD, ON WITH THE NEW Asha almost addressed Tad as Sir then remembered comments in the dossier in front of him. Finally, she got it out as directed and addressed him by his personal name. She felt strange doing that. She gave him a quick history of the arranged marriage, the long delay with the visa, how she’d contacted … Continue reading ASHA (आशा: CHAPTER 4
THE WAKE-UP CALL CHAPTER 2 The response shocked her. “You should have told me, I’m travelling so you’ll have to find a hotel then tell me where you settle so I can pick you up when I get back. You should not keep secrets from me Asha, this is embarrassing. Contact me tomorrow, so I’ll know where to find you.” Asha wept. Then she emailed … Continue reading ASHA (आशा: (Hindi name meaning “hope”).” Chapter 2
CHAPTER 1 A NEW LIFE Asha sat at her desk staring at the computer screen. There was a clatter of human movement telling her the days work had begun as papers and files made their appearance on desks and filing cabinet drawers clanked open and shut. She could already hear the muffled conversations coming from seemingly endless cubicles in this open plan office space. Just … Continue reading ASHA (आशा: (Hindi name meaning “hope”).”
The Paan Wallah prepared betel leaf with areca nut as Datu waited patiently. He never tired of watching the process as the stall holder worked his trade. The Paan Wallah held out his hand before handing over the final product and gave his red stained teeth grin. Datu reached into his money pouch and produced the usual payment while the vendor continued to hold out … Continue reading दत्तु (Datu)
