Daughter of the sky
a fairy tale to gladden the heart

In the days long past there was a princess
who lived in the palace of the clouds, high above the world
A pretty girl was she, the daughter of the sky
Her hair was dark as night and cheeks as red as a new born sun
She was graceful and slender;
 and a joy to watch for all and sunder
At dawn every day she would sit at her window
Combing out her long locks,
as the fog lifted the curtains to the world below.
Just then a sly crow perched near the window
grabbed the pearl pin from her hair and flitted away
as the princess tried to stop it.

Down in the valley a prince riding like the wind
felt the drops which rained down from the princess's hair
reining the horse he looked up, and saw the radiant girl up in the sky
"Sir, can you help find that thief of a crow who took my pin?",asked the girl
"yes, of course " said the prince as he galloped after the marauding crow
High over hills ; low over dales sped the black ribboned horse with the prince on its back
It ran through the nights black as coal and sharp shinning days
Never swaying or stumbling and still the crow flew high
At long last; the crow settled to rest on the highest nook of the tallest pine
And there the prince too cantered to stop.
Tying up his steed for a well earned rest, he climbed up the tall tree
for hadn't he given his word to the daughter of the sky to fetch her treasure
 though it lay at the edge of the world .

The crow looked on as the prince climbed the last few branches and then it spoke,
"Well, my friend, you have come far and in earnest
to take from me what i stole from the princess of the sky.
Tell me, why have you ridden so far for a trinket that has least value?"
The prince said, "I don't know what value she places on that clip but for me
her words and smile are more golden than all the gold in the world"
"Hmmm", said the crow,"Perhaps that's why you are a match for her.
Its been said that whosoever takes the time to risk all for a smile will succeed in love.
So, take this precious pin and go to your lady...but beware time is short and your love still new.
Maybe the love that fills your heart teaches you how to risk all
for though I am old yet have i loved and seen many falter at the brink.
Sincerely, I hope that you reach the zenith "

The prince soon clambered down with the precious jewel for his lady
and his faithful steed sped down the way it came.
Before long the prince stood at the pinnacle of the mountain
and reaching up gave the pin into the princess's hand
"Thank you, " said the grateful girl"What can i give in return?"
"Nothing, "said the prince, " except your promise that you meet me here forever tomorrow "
The princess returned a glad smile and promised the prince to return
Such beauteous days were those when the prince and the princess met
But for how long can such love hide its light from the rest of the greedy eyes

A shadow stood in the corner listening to the lovers talk
A shadow which steadily grew long and dark
A shadow which slithered away to whisper its poison into the sky king's ears
"Look," hissed the shadow,"See. I tell the truth.
The princess grows fond of the mortal
and the mortal shall rise to stake claim over the skies.
Act now. Separate them for then your throne survives."

Ill wind was it that blew that day
for who would have thought; a father for power,
Would not be heart broken to see his daughter cry.
"Forsake his love or forsake my love", thundered the king
Deaf to her cries and moans of grief
"Either see him no more or see him dead" said the stony king
"For you shall no longer be the daughter that I love."
All the tears that rained down was the sound of her heart breaking
but the old king heard nothing.

Up in the tallest tower sat the princess thinking sad thoughts
And down below vainly stood the prince even in the pouring rain
Flying above the sky  the crow saw the pale face of the sad daughter of the sky
And leaning in said "Don't worry. Your prince waits for you.
Be ready as the sun goes down the steps and the moon soldiers into the sky.
I will take you to your prince and that's my promise to you."

Soon the sun crept downstairs tired after a long day at the borders
and the moon stepped smartly over the ramparts to stare at the world below
Still the prince waited for a glimpse of his love
And there stepping lightly on the backs of the swallows
Who lined from the sky to the earth below ,was the princess
Come finally to meet her prince.
Oh! What a sight it was
To see the lovers meet

Soon all was told and the prince took up his bride on his steed
and rushed where the sky meets the earth.
There he came and boldly standing before the lord of the sky
Said the prince, "Lord and king of all that's above and below
I love your daughter and will marry her
and as for your crown...your head graces it much better than mine ever could
My only treasure is the love i feel for your daughter and the rest are all dross.
Grant me your blessing and the power to make your daughter smile
For that will be my earnings and the rest are all dross."

The old king looked hard at the prince and liked him the more
For who can resist a man who gladly gives his heart to his daughter.
"I am old and senile too, I think" thundered the crusty old king
"Who am I to deny the young love that shines so brilliantly here?
I gladly give you my daughter but only say that she forgives her father
and comes home sometimes to gladden his heart"

And so it came about that the daughter of the sky wed her prince
And the world rejoiced festooned in rainbows, it danced
So comes to end, my story and if you feel that you would like to step a dance
Feel free, my friend and I will gladly pipe the music.

How did stories come about

HOW DID STORIES COME ABOUT

Once upon a time, so says the story teller, there was a vastness all around. 

Nothing moved,nothing stirred, nothing was as it is now

In that vast cavern like emptiness ; a beast slumbered

It didnt know it was so it slept ; a dreamless sleep

Aeons  passed and the vast emptiness grew a little miffed

How long should that beast sleep it asked

"Not too long now", said a voice

And walking from that silent emptiness

Riding the billowing clouds of fog,cantered a youth

With the lines of the old etched on its forehead

Near that cavern it stopped and in a sweet voice it said

"Arise o mighty one! long have you slept.

Arise now for the vast emptiness needs to be filled

And the dreams behind your eyes should see the light of the day"

The beast yawned and grumbled but it could not shake away the sweet voice

So it rose and rising came out

"My dreams, say you...but I have no dreams to see"

The youth smiled and said :

"Oh yes! every dream that has yet to be seen

Is there behind your cavern doors.

Sit and I will tell you your dreams

Sit and see them walk out of those doors"

So saying, he took up a flute

And fluted a merry song

The doors that had remained shut opened

And out tumbled the dreams one by one

A merry lamb frisking about

At the heels of a child

The cow jumping over the moon 

Playing hopscotch with the spoon

The fairy, the giant, the lady with the golden hair

The witch , the gnome and the wishing chair

The pirate with a heart of gold

The boy with a cow to be sold

The mermaid singing a song

The witch striking a gong

All tumbled out, scampered and scurried

And the vast emptiness was glad

Now the stories will all be told

In the ears of the children bold

And that's how the stories came to be told,

AN ODE TO THE LOST WOMAN

Sometimes a scream trembles in my mind
Looking for an escape
But the tongue refuses utterance
It is a sacrilege
Don't say, don't speak, don't think
Put your head down
Pretend you don't exist
Pretend you don't breathe
Then perhaps they wont plague you
Wont crowd your mind
With lecherous thoughts
With sly coveted touches
Sit still and let them do what they want
Don't move for they can sense fear
They break out in laughter
Wild and abandoned
Beneath them stirs a shape
Somebody who now doesn't exist
They sit there devouring the heart and soul
And that which was known as a woman
Is no more
Rejoice for she is no more
For she will breathe no more
And the world has just turned barren
That is the end with no hope of the beginning.

Going royal with the gals

It was a foggy morning with the mercury plummeting south when the  dream of  "girls only" vacation came true as the Jaipur Shatabdi streamed out of the station. We, sisters were on our way for a vacation sans hubby and the accompanying baggage (pun intended). Yes, the train got delayed due to foggy conditions on the track but a glorious sun welcomed us as we trundled in at the Jaipur station. I and my sister couldn't wait to get started on our" holiday".

 Dumping our bags at the hotel we started making tracks for the city palace.The agenda was to get  up close and personal with the fabulous and famous Peacock doors. These doors had excited our imagination as they had been featured in Chitra Banerjee Devkurni's Palace of Illusions...a book on the heroine of Mahabharta, Draupadi. However ,before that we checked out the huge durbar hall with its marble pillars and art scattered throughout the room. Interesting to see how the lordly kings lived their lives. It must have been exciting times. Looking at the pictures and paintings one does get a n overview of how they lived and well....partied...
Pushing through the crowd in the hall we finally came to the Chandra Mahal, which was supposed to be the inner sanctum of the royal ladies and here we were rewarded with not one but four gates which lead to the boudoirs of the queens. These four doors represented four seasons of the Indian subcontinent :summer, winter, monsoon and spring. The doors held to their promise and showed us the mesmerising and detailed carvings of peacocks, lotuses etc.And there right there was the door which had haunted me and graced the covers of the book. It was green and it seemed as if there were doors on doors ,layers and layers like  a well written poem.
After this fascinating feast for the eyes we decided to go to the royal temple Govind Devji temple. its a small pretty well kept temple for Bal Gopal. He is depicted here as a baby so the time for the darsshan revolves around his waking time.It was a very cute and sweet concept  to think of god as ones child. Having said that ,i think that shows the essence of our religion which sees gods image in each living thing. The concept not only encompasses the world but also allows one to be at peace with everyone.
Then it was the markets for us.Frankly the markets in Jaipur are a sight for sore eyes. Colours on colours everywhere. You think of a colour and it is there ,displayed artistically as if inviting you to step into it and colour yourself in all the hues of the world. Rajasthan is one of the most colourful state of India though the geographical features beg to differ. The people of this state use more colours than the peacock...and it is beautiful. The markets in the old city invite you to take turns in their serpentine gullies and loose yourself in colours and smells. Fluttering sarees, dupattas, clinking bangles, shinning silver anklets, royal pugrees ; all vie for your attention and woe the person who can resist the siren calls. Well, we didn't. Soon our bags were full to the brim and yet our hearts still hankered for more. Gandhi Bazaar, Johri Bazaar,Nehru Bazaar and many more beckoned us to go on shopping till we drop.Fascinating they were.
Come evening and it was time to explore Chokhi Dhani- a heritage village resort which showcases the traditional food and flavour of Rajasthan. Once you are there you are transported to the very essence of Rajasthani culture,.. and the food ...awesome!!! Normally one balks at having a whole thali meal by oneself but there our appetites were having a ball. The fact of the matter is food tastes quite good when you are hungry or when the food smells divine. Well, here both the conditions were met.
The trip was at its fag end and nothing remained now but to board the train back home however the journey lives on in memories over a shared cup of coffee for always. Such is life. A kaleidoscope p 

Where Silences Rule

Where silences rule
Even a shout trembles
And dies.

Where hearts speak
Even a whisper shouts
And echoes.

The test of love

Some authors have a way with words which opens up minds and imaginations. What is writing if it is not a force to power the feelings and emotions out of oneself and onto paper to read and contemplate. Every writer writing is not only the learned but also the seeker....contradictory perhaps but true nevertheless. Each word which comes out of the pen is not his/her own but of a greater force which uses the writer as a medium to tell the world about the great unknown...yet it is surprising that even though reams have been written about the emotions which connect each individual;we are still at loggerheads and unable to understand that which is clear and shinning. Maybe that's the curse of Cassandra and the others who were touched by the great unknown. It made things which were supposedly clear hard to understand and harder still to follow.
The basic emotion of love is the hardest to speak about and harder still to follow. God made man in his image and told him to love his fellow beings yet that is the most  impossible thing to do.If god is love and he is the one who has made us then where is the problem of following his diktat. It is because Love as an emotion is fairly strong and impossibly convoluted. The feeling of Love is the simplest when one is a wee infant but it changes force as one grows older and interacts with others. Things start unravelling as soon as one starts over thinking.
Marriage between two people .,sanctified by the society has its origin not in love but in  a basic urge to survive and ensure that the species goes forward. We actually don't want to go the dinosaur way so...marry and multiply. But how many people are happy with the person chosen ,if you ask me no one.Everywhere there's a comparison between the person standing next to you and the person on the opposite side of the track.The proverb holds true : the grass is always greener on the other side. Rarely if at all does a marriage become a union of two people so much so that they become one single entity. The rest unfortunately just lumber along; alone and scared .
When two different individuals come together to be able to talk to each other about their feelings,fears,inhibitions and ambitions;love stands and observes. To be able to love another unconditionally one has to love oneself unconditionally....and therein lies the test.Not many like the face that peeps from the mirror. There's always something pathetically wrong in one's reflection but how many think that the mirror never takes sides.It shows what is and nothing else. It takes courage of a different kind to look into the mirror and accept what is shown and harder still to give thanks for the same. Loving oneself involves accepting flaws and that makes the test even more tough. Accepting what we are and acknowledging that we might be flawed helps one be at peace and also allows one to see the others for what they are. Mistakes and faults in ourselves is magnified when we attribute the same qualities to the other person. With them we are more strict because the faults that we have hidden away in our souls glare out menacingly in theirs.
What then is the right path to love? Not several as I think but just one . Loving oneself with the faults and allowing ourselves to love others with their faults.

GRIT IT UP

A lot has happened over the years in Madhulika's life.Yes ,she had taken a deep breath and dived into the pool of matrimony. She had married a staid, somewhat portly 35 year old young man who went by the name of Bidyadhar Bandopadhyay or BB for short. Why did madhulika or Madhu choose him???? Well, one thing sticks out. He had a green card which showed that he belonged to that hallowed section of the community which had managed to carve out a toehold into the great American dream.

Yup...now even Madhu's dreams came with an american accent. She couldn't wait to land in America and finally live the life of independence; away from the prying eyes of boudi,Bhai,Baba Ma and numerous cousins ,uncles,aunties,kakas, pishi.....etc. It would be fascinating to have just one person to bother about and she would have so many friends who could take their places vacated by relatives and yes that would be infinitesimally better. 

Well the day came with all its whirlwind preparations and Madhulika Pal became Mrs.Madhulika Bandopadhyay NRI. It seemed as if the entire world and its cousin were waiting to welcome Madhu into her new role. With wings at her side she couldn't wait to get a ring side seat for her new life starring she,her and herself.
America had never looked so pretty as it did then to the starstruck madhulika. BB had brought her over to the immigration counter and instructed her to act normally. In his words"don't behave like a country girl." Madhukika was awed at the efficiency of the lady at the counter who bombarded her with questions as if she was the one responsible for all the worldly catastrophes. Intimidated and worse she felt completely foolish as she stammered and stuttered her way through the questionings. BB was almost apoplectic with suppressed anger at Madhulika's hesitation....anyway the ordeal ended and she was finally free to set foot on the promised land.
BB got a taxi ,oh..she must remember to call it a cab now, and they were on their way. Madhulika was stunned at the pace of the city before her.Nobody stopped for no one. It was a massive sea of humanity just moving along.The cab raced forward eating up distance towards their home. Soon they had left behind the well known areas of New York and had entered Queens.This area was a shock to Madhulika."Is this our home?", she said , looking around slightly crestfallen. "Yes",said BB, "Our home is slightly out of the way but very cosy.Come, lets go".Saying that BB hurried forward and entered the passageway at the right of the square,leaving Madhu baffled.It seemed as if her dreams had turned sepia from coloured. Was this going to be her palace? She felt betrayed as she walked up the ill lit,damp smelling staircase up to the fifth floor.The corridor took her to the door of 505B ;her new home.BB had already slipped into the bedroom which was at the end of the narrow railway compartment type living area.There was a small galley type kitchen on the right side of the living area which had a breakfast bar dividing it. Madhu remained standing in the living area,trying to get her head around it. She was tired,irritated and slightly lost. BB came out of the bedroom in jeans and sweats and told her"I have to go to work.You can stay here and ....well...make yourself at home." So saying BB walked out leaving his bride of 10 days alone with her questions,regrets and shattered dreams.
Madhulika kept standing,looking at the grimy cupboards and dirty living area. It seemed as if the room had not seen a proper mop for ages. Madhu was not in a fit state to start her home in such squalor so she did the next best thing. She walked out of the house and went down to the small park two blocks away. This was not her dream. She had thought being American meant that she would be sitting in the lap of luxury but here it was not to be....and going back home....well...that was not the solution."Maybe things will improve",she thought. "At any rate I have to be here...i cant go back. I have to make my life here." Madhu gritted her teeth and faced the battle at home.
By the time BB came home ,Madhu had cleaned the house but as she did not have any provision, she hadn't cooked anything. BB came back tired and let fly at Madhulika "Couldn't you have cooked something? What were you doing?Sleeping, i am sure or did you think we would be going out.Here take this money and go get something to cook from the supermarket at the corner.I am tired and want to rest. I thought you would know how to take care of me. At least that's why I wanted to marry a simple Indian girl. Just my luck to be saddled with a lump of clay", thundered BB.Madhu was taken aback at the vehement attack. She quietly picked up the money and walked out with tears in her eyes.
Looking at the shelves she quickly picked up some groceries and went back. She was upset to say the least but hope always has a way of folding its wings in a human heart.
Days passed but BB remained the same. In fact he did not think that he was married to madhulika.She was a fixture like any other so not worth remembering. There was a little park where Madhulika went everyday after her work. There she would sit and dream about what her life could have been. There was another young lady who used to come out at almost the same time as Madhulika.They had hardly exchanged any words except for the occasional smile and nod. However there may have been a guardian angel at work that day for Madhulika decided to speak to her.Her name it turned out was Janice and believe it or not; she was from India. Janice had come from a small conservative Christian Goan family into the hustle bustle of Big Apple.Madhu and Janice hit it off from the very start. It was as if heavens had conspired to befriend them.
Janice too had a strange almost sabbatical marriage and she was racked with guilt about not making the effort to cement her relationship with Frederick, her husband. Both Madhu and Janice unburdened their guilt and insecurities in front of each other and then a miracle happened. It is true that one needs to walk away from a problem in order to see the entire picture. That's what happened. Both BB and Frederick had a sense of being god's gift to Indian girls and fortunately for them Madhu and Janice were treating them as such...but... now things would be a little different.
BB had a strict policy about not giving Madhulika any money for herself. To his credit he did give her the grocery money and little extra for taking care of the house. Madhu had been instructed to write down every expenditure into a diary and get it tallied every Friday. Oh ! how she used to dread those Fridays. Anyway, over time Madhu had squirrelled some tiny amount from the bounty given by BB. Janice, on the other hand had enough money which could help her take care of herself. The answer to any of Janice's problem according to Frederick was a bundle of dollars. Both the guys had no idea that money or the lack thereof was not the issue and if you tried explaining that; it would be like tearing down the iron curtain.Hopeless and a waste of time.
"isn't there something we can do to fill up these empty hours?" said Janice. "like what", Madhu wondered,"What can we do? Whats our interest?" Janice furrowed her brows and thought hard. Slowly an idea formed in her mind. "Madhu, there are many Indian expats staying here and i know that they would kill for an authentic Bengali or goan home cooked food,. What do you think? Why don't we start a small catering business and supply food to them? Lets start small and from our house and then ....maybe we can take this further." Madhu looked thoughtful. She did not want BB to know of her venture and Janice was also wary about starting it from home with Frederick around. He could be very persuasive or violent about any new changes. "Mrs Jameson", shouted out Madhu gleefully. "Who?? Mrs Jameson the land lady of your building. How can she help?" said Janice. "She will." answered Madhu with complete confidence. "Last winter, I helped her out when she was ill with bronchial pneumonia.She loved my soups and hot curries. She's a widow and doesn't have anyone to look after her. Let me ask her if she would allow us to use her kitchen. If she does BB will be unaware of our little enterprise"
Janice also felt that working out of Mrs Jameson's kitchen would be good as Frederick did not like the smell of Indian cooking. He felt that the only true cuisine in the worlds was American. "When will you ask her? I can't wait to start"said Janice. "we need to make list of things we need, a list of potential clients and also work out the expenses" ,said Madhu thoughtfully." We will. Just you see, Soon we will be known as the Curry Queens of New York."said Janice excitedly.
Next day both Janice and Madhu dropped in on Mrs Jameson. She heard the plan out in complete silence. Then just as Madhu and Janice were about to give up,Mrs Jameson got up and said ," Well, my darlings. If you have decided to do this for yourself; then i am with you. You can use my kitchen and the spare room as a pantry.You will give out my number as your contact and i will take care of the calls which come in. I also have someone in mind who can act as our delivery and procurement guy. He is the son of my dear friend who works as a handyman, so he has a small mini which can make the rounds.Lets get this party going".
There is a saying that if you put your mind to any problems; they vanish and that's what happened. Things started falling into place as if they had been waiting for long ,suspended in the ether. A friend of Janice's neighbour wanted to host a small house warming party and she gave Janice the first order. Both Madhu and Janice designed the menu and worked hard at delivering the food at the right time. THE CURRY QUEENS were on the roll. The party was a success and the guests kept raving about the soft rasgullas and the fiery prawn curry.Word spread and orders started coming in. However all good things come to an end.
BB had been acting quite strange for the past few months and Madhu hadn't bothered but things came to ahead one day. Madhu and Janice had been talking to Mrs. Jameson. There was a lull in the working of the kitchen when the phone rang.It was Patelji , the old cashier at BB's shop. BB had tried to strangle one of his customer and the man had called the cops. Madhu rushed to the police station where BB had been kept. It was a strange feeling to rescue BB from the police and support him home.Apparently things had not been too well at the store and BB was at his wits end. Madhu felt saddened by the fact that BB had not thought it important to tell her about the business complication.
The business had become cash strapped and BB was at his wits end about what to do.Madhu had never seen him like that. Her perceptions about BB changed. Maybe BB was a man who wanted to be ...well... a MAN; so any form of failure could hardly be tolerated let alone exposed. Madhu felt as if she was finally able to penetrate that hard scale to get a glimpse of BB . Madhu felt hope turning a corner in her heart and finally smiling a little. BB had been confined at home and his shop had been turned over to the bank. Madhu felt that this was the right time to tell him about her venture and also ask him if he wanted help.
BB was irritated at being offered help but he was no match for the pragmatic Madhu. Gone were the days when Madhu would become quiet and reluctant to share anything. This time she overrode all BB's squeamishness about keeping business away from the personal.  Madhu went to the bank to hand over the amount due  and was able to get the shop running.She, however drew a line at actually going into the shop and also told BB that he would have to repay the money spent as that was a part of THE CURRY QUEENS.
While things looked better at Madhulika's house,Janice was also in trouble. Janice had known that Frederick was incapable of giving her attention but she never thought that her marriage was on the rocks from the word go. Janice had found out that Frederick was cheating on her since long and the only reason he hadn't turned away from their marriage was the fact that Janice was the ideal trophy wife. He could show her off to anyone and she wouldn't let him down....but things came to head when Janice found Frederick with Eva. her one time friend and gossip queen of the society. Madhu had been caught up with BB but she sat Janice down and gave her the courage to walk out of the marriage.
Today was Janice's first day out of the marriage and Madhu was preparing  a dinner fit for the QUEENS. It was going to be  hard being alone but nothing compares to the grit and willpower of women who never say die.