Written Traces

You feel as healthy as you look pretty .  Let me elaborate on this one.  No matter what, you must never underestimate or undervalue the power of being all dolled up.  Having said that , I must share the fact that the initial years of my sickness have deprived me of every bit of happiness. Some were circumstantial, and some contributed to having a particular mindset owing to those circumstances.  One such thing was getting ready for the day. But for what ? I wasn't going anywhere. In fact, I wasn't even moving, so what's the point?  It remained a situation for quite some years until the day I finally put on some cream on my face, following setting it with some talcum powder, then putting a bindi on my forehead just between both my brows.  This and a look in the mirror, and all of a sudden I felt, Look!  There she is , "Me" After years, I felt myself again. Someone I hadn't seen or met for almost a decade. My bad health even altered the way I looked. It ...

It hurts when someone you're close to spends time with others, but it even hurts more when they enjoy their time together.   Amrita, a sensitive, introverted woman in her early forties, has always shared a deep bond with her aunt, Maansi, especially for the past four years after her husband's passing. Already orphaned, Amrita has quietly dedicated herself to being her aunt’s emotional anchor and closest confidante over the years.  Maansi, a woman in her late sixties, is both unmarried and childless. Once fierce and a scholar, she remained only as a shadow of her former self. With no siblings or spouse, Maansi carved her place through emotional ties rather than biological ones. Perhaps that is the reason why she cherished Amrita so much for being the only familial connection she has who has shown her genuine affection, not for the sake of duty or obligation, but by her willful choice.   One day, Maansi invites a new caretaker, Tara, a cheerful and outgoing young woman...

It was the 5th of April, a day that started like any other, but ended up becoming a harsh reminder of the cost you have to pay for the assumptions made by others on your behalf.  So the story starts with a scheduled signature that I have to give in person for the proceedings of an essential thing in our lives. I was scheduled to sign an official document at a place about an hour away from our home. For most people, it’s a task that might feel unimportant. But for someone like me, who cannot walk independently and depends on a wheelchair, even the smallest outing needs planning, coordination, and patience not just from me, but also from the people who are involved.  That morning, my brother, who was driving me to the appointment, decided not to bring my wheelchair. A decision which was seconded by my mother. He assumed the process would be quick and wouldn't require me to step out of the car at all. His intention wasn’t to inconvenience me, I know that. He just thought he was m...

No, I don't mind my parental reprimand. I think I could use some administration in my life. I don't think I have figured it all out. About certain things, I might have, but there is a lot to go and given their age and experience, especially with life and people, I believe there’s wisdom they can pass down to me. Also, I don't think whatever I do is right every time. I question the morals behind everything I do, and if I have done something wrong, then I prefer being hit with the truth rather than hiding behind false justifications. I don't think I deserve immunity from being told the difference between right and wrong. I used to think like that during my soft girl period, but now, at the age where I am right now, I just want to be as morally acceptable a person as I can.   Another reason is my love and respect for my parents. It is above and beyond. I care for their emotions that are attached to me. A child is a child. He or she is the property of their parents. And one...

They say turning passion into a profession is what makes the recipe for good income. But from personal experience, this is a bad idea. Especially if you have an artistic passion for writing. That's because your passion channels your inner turmoil and, thus, proves to be an escape from everything that is a burden. This, however, is untrue, when you make it your profession where it becomes the means to an end. It forces you to use your resources but between me and you, writing only gets to the surface when you are motivated and it is impossible to feel motivated 24/7 a day, 6 days a week.  Forcing your artistic prowess is impossible, it never happens. Whoever tells you otherwise, is just lying.  My Brief Journey Into Professional Writing If I have to explain why, let me share my experience of turning passion into a profession. As soon as I finished my Masters in English I rushed myself into things. Thinking of turning my passion for writing thoughtful expressions to meet an appr...