I dedicate this book to my dear sister, Prabha Ravichandran.
Can anyone ever be closer than
You, dear sister?
Who’s a true friend and confidante
A caring and giving person
Whose heart bleeds when I am sad
And who laughs when I am happy!
Who goes the extra mile to ensure
That I reach my destination!
Who picks the thorns for me
And makes me believe that life
Is just a fragrant path of roses!
Whose only wish is that I am
Happy, safe and sound;
Always and beyond!
Thanks, dear Prabha, for always being there for us and showering your affection on us, no matter what!
This beautiful video collage has been created by me with the help of Canva.com. Thanks, Canva! An Excerpt
“Roja, Roja palli” she heard a familiar voice behind her.
She whirled around and King Dushyant was standing face to face with her. He winked at her. She laughed at the weird sight. His face painted in bright green with the white and red winged eyebrows and red nose, stiff white ceramic covering the lower chin with a heavy, studded crown on his head, stared back at her; with his dark eyes merrily smiling down at her.
His billowing, tent-like, regal costume swathed his body in layers of clothing. A heavy perfume of kewda assailed her nostrils as he came closer. She involuntarily stepped back,
befuddled. How did he know the nickname that Babu had given her? Was he his friend? How dare that scoundrel address her like that in public? Even wink at her?
Just as she got ready for a slanging match, it struck her. She slapped her forehead and exclaimed “Babu?”
He bowed down deeply and said in an exaggerated tone, “Naane daan. It’s me!”
Now she spoke with awe and reverence. “Wow, Babu! You really got me there. I never knew that you are a part-time Kathakali performer. You never revealed it to me. I must say, that you are an excellent performer. Your thick, handlebar moustache really becomes you. King Dushyant indeed!”
Babu was elated and his face creased into his familiar grin, showing sparkling white teeth through his bright red painted lips.
His grin expanded further and nearly reached his ears as she added further, “And your reference to the fish in the story was also not lost on me! You deliberately chose this play as I like fish, don’t you?” She sounded pleased as punch. Now her fangs were bared in undisguised glee, reveling in the fact that Babu truly cared for her and wanted to please her, going the extra mile for her!
He also inhaled the heady fragrance of Emami as he walked with her, all the way back home, walking with his right hand dragging his cycle by its handle, and the left one, possessively around her broad shoulders. Everyone on the same path curiously stared at the couple as Babu was still in his full costume and make-up.
“Raja Dushyant and Rani Shakuntala!” exclaimed some enthusiastic passers-by. The couple giggled. They really felt like the royal couple and basked in the reflected glory.
The next day they would go back to catching fish and bringing down coconuts for a living…. Mundane reality.
End of the Excerpt
The copyright of this novel belongs to Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
Intrigued? Who are Babu and Rojakutti? Dying to know? Do purchase an e-book for just $1.99 at www.amazon.com immediately; and crest the wave... In God's Own Country, Kerala. Only 2 days left, so hurry!
Please don't forget to post your online reviews, dear friends.
Thanks.
Priya
No comments:
Post a Comment