The Pets that Adopted us

Most people adopt pets but I have been always adopted by pets. They just land up in front of me and never let me leave. They stick to me stubbornly. When we lived in Gangtok, we had a street dog called Julie. It was an extremely fluffy and cute dog. One day it took shelter …

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Mona- The Girl who was Traded #A-ZChallanege2018

Mona was a live-in maid at my friend A’s house. She was around 12 years when she started working at their house. A’s mom had two sons and always craved for a daughter. While on a trip to her native village she found Mona in abject poverty. Mona had a stepmother and 13 siblings. There …

Lady Macbeth- What’s in a Name? #A-ZChallenge2018

Lady Macbeth is not her name. I gave her that name when I saw her washing her hand repeatedly. She is one of those women we see roaming aimlessly, wearing tattered clothes, talking to self all over India. They are known as the “pagli”. No one cares for them; no one cares where they come …

J N Bhattacharya- Freedom Fighter to Gambler #A-ZChallenge2018

Jadu Nath Bhattacharya was apparently a freedom fighter who took part in Quit India movement. He used to get pension from Indian Government, however his later life was not as glorious. He lost a lot of money in the Kolkata Race Course. He was a regular gambler in all famous Kolkata casinos. He was alcoholic …

Indrani- Story of “The Ugly Duckling to Swan” #A-ZChallenge2018

Indrani was the fattest girl in our class and everyone teased her. Indrani had not many friends, no girl in the class was willing to sit next to her, most girls used to avoid her. She was teased for her looks, obesity and dark skin. Indrani used to cry on most days due to constant …

Gupto Kaku, Guten Morgen! #A-ZChallenge2018

Gupto Kaku used to stand outside my bedroom window early in the morning holding a small puja basket full of fresh flowers and whisper in a slow murmur “Guten Morgen, Madam”. Still, in my slumber, I used to mutter a gibberish reply and immediately fall asleep again. He used to get back to his morning routine which was …

Wedding Venue

“How many times have I told you not to bring me to your friend Soumitra’s exhibitions? I don’t understand a thing about modern art” Trina said angrily. “Neither do I” Himu chuckled. “Why did we come then?” her voice still angry “I have an idea to convert this to our wedding venue. There are tables, …

The Blind Knitter

“Who knits these caps?” asked Trina. “My mom” The boy replied. “How many she knits in a day?” “3-4” “How many do you sell?” “Depends. On good days 5, on bad days nil” “What else do you do for a living?” Trina was finding it difficult to understand how they survive with such limited income. …

Her Fall, His Winter

‘What are you doing?’ asked Nora ‘Looking at the icicles on a tree outside my house’ replied Adrian ‘Wow!! Is it cold there?’ ‘Yes, but inside my house it is warm. What are you doing?’ ‘I am also looking at the tree outside my house. It is full of red, orange and yellow leaves.’ ‘Oh! …