The itch to write

Here are a few things that you get to hear if you live in India !  This post is to create awareness and to break the shackles of Indian stereotypes. #1 If you are a man in your late twenties living India and let's say  you have decided to grow your hair up to your shoulders. Be ready for these remarks echoing into your ears every once in a while. 1. You look stoned. 2.How long has it been since you last had a shower? 3. Do u listen to rave music 4. Do u even have a job? 5. No girl will marry you unless you chop that hair off. 6. ( in case you have a really cool bike) Is that bike stolen? #2 If you happen to have a dusky complexion... 1. I know this one face cream which will make you fair. You should give it a try. 2. (Looking at your baby picture) "awww!!  you were such a fair baby ! what happened to you now?" 3. You need to do something to your skin before you get married 4. Are you south Indian? 5.( if your husband happens to be fair) Om...

Photo courtesy : Harvey Schiller Chateauglenunga  3.10.2 015      After going through my latest reports even my doctor had  admitted defeat.  He didn't want to scare me with the news ,so he sat next to me and patiently explained the situation . No more chemotherapy could save me. My days were numbered. I felt a sense of liberation within myself.  This meant  I could spend my last days at home.      As I stepped out of the hospital, I looked back at the building where I had spent the past six months in pain. I saw my nurse looking back at me sympathetically . I wish I could tell her that I'm genuinely happy to go home. I  was relieved that I wouldn't be in pain anymore. Goodbye to nausea, mouth ulcers and  an aching body. 5.10.2015 Today my husband had covered the huge mirror in our bedroom with a collection of my favourite paintings. He knew how much I hated the mirror these days. I looked like...