Category: Family
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The smell of memories
I stand by the sizzling tawa pouring the batter and swirling it into a geometric shape. You stand by my side on a little chair, the top of your head nuzzled against my side. My left arm is positioned across your trunk protectively to keep the heat and oil from getting to you. You lean…
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Taking pause
The sunlight streams in from the mullioned window in the foyer. I pass the room where your toys lie scattered. A momentary annoyance creases my face. I stand debating if I should clear it up or have the two of you do it when you are back from school. I pass your bedrooms. The crumpled…
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Push or let go?
Time seemed to slow. The half eaten sandwich on Pattani’s plate mocked me. I surveyed the space around me. Lunch bags half filled, the stove messy, the sink cluttered and my eyes scanning the clock as if staring at it would magically cause the next half hour to fly past and let the blessed emptiness…
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Mirrored memories
Taking a break from work yesterday afternoon, I made my way upstairs carrying a load of freshly laundered clothes. Putting them away, my eyes fell on the suitcase I had taken with me on my trip last week. It stood mute as if challenging me to open it up and relive the good times. I…
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Shifting sands
The silence that accompanied the gradual rolling down of the garage doors was loud. I stepped into the peaceful expanse of my living room and took stock. The tables were clear, the documents filed away. The kitchen counters gleamed and not a vessel was out-of-place. I walked upstairs lost in thought. Unpacking, my mind was…
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Just the journey. Never a destination.
I flip through the pictures in our wedding album. Loud. Vibrant. Chaotic. Happy. Each picture tells a story. Of expectations and dreams. Behind the powder caked face lies unexpressed fears and hopes. I watch my appa bend back as he holds my weight. As you tie the thaali around my neck, I notice my dad’s…
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Weathervane
The clock inches past six in the evening. I slice and dice tomatoes, my ears alert for sounds of the garage door opening. Even as I turn the stove on, I hear them. A smile plays on my face as I open the door. Saathi wordlessly hands over lunch bags, banana peels and art work…
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The lightness of being
I set my laptop on the kitchen island, set the saute pan on the stove and turned the music on. As I tempered and seasoned the vegetables, I swayed to the music. I let the music possess my soul and let go of inhibitions. “Mommy look! I do just like you!” I turned to see…
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Bubbles and bikes
The clock showed a minute to 9:00 PM. The sole light in the vast expanse of our first floor came from the low hanging fixture above my head. I folded clothes. Mechanically and without thought. The evening had been rough. Potty regression? Check. Power struggles? Check. Yelling and screaming? Check. Haggling and cajoling? Check. Crying?…
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Reliving a vacation
I leaned over the balcony facing the road and watched the two fathers and three kids disappear around the bend. The image stuck with me for a long time. The sight of my twins holding their chitappa’s hand and my niece holding my husband’s hand as they watched for traffic to slow before they crossed.…