“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow,” said Audrey Hepburn. I realized the truth in it over the past few months. The wife has been venturing into gardening – a small beginner home garden – for the past few months. She did most of the work. I was the observer, contributor, and co-passenger … Read more
It was a hot summer morning when I saw a man of slim stature and medium height get off his bicycle from my living room window. Srini pressed my doorbell while I was getting my five-year-old son ready for day care before leaving for office. He had well-oiled hair with a centre parting, and a … Read more
There are two types of people in this world: morning types and evening types. There are two types of morning types of people in this world: the breakfast type and the no-breakfast type. There are two types of breakfast types of people in this world: the poha-idli type and cereal-sandwich types. I am a morning … Read more
Today was my lucky day, I told myself. I had the shared cab all to myself. My destination was at least an hour away. That was when the cab stopped. That was when the woman got in. Someone, perhaps her boyfriend or maybe husband or brother – I wasn’t able to make out, saw her … Read more
A few days back, I started going for a morning walk. I walked down the stairs of my apartment and found another walker coming out of the lift. He waved at me and I smiled back. But I had a mask on and so he couldn’t see me smile. He thought I was giving him … Read more
On a Sunday afternoon, Balaji was having coffee with his wife at home when the telephone rang. “I am calling from the local police station. Can I talk to Balaji?” “Yes this is Balaji speaking.” “Sir, you have to come to the police station for address verification for your passport. Can you come in the … Read more
Whether I have my haircut at the salon or at home, the first question he asks after wrapping me up is “Short or Medium?” I haven’t been able to answer this question with confidence all these years. Earlier, I used to say ‘medium’ just to be sure he doesn’t cut it too short. But when … Read more
“I am going to apply for police security,” he announced. Jigneshbhai and I almost spilled our coffee in surprise. After his recent experience at the cinema where he had got into an unnecessary brawl with the man in the seat in front of him, Swami was convinced that society had become a dangerous place. Swami … Read more
On a cold evening in November, the Air India flight from Pune started its descent. In about forty-five minutes, it was to land at the international airport in Newark. In the flight were Mr and Mrs Joshi who were visiting their son and daughter-in-law. They were tentative and unsure about what to expect during their … Read more