Where’s my thali?

I don’t wear it around my neck always.
Why? maamis ask.
Why not?I retort.
But you are married, no?
At times, in a fit of pique, I let that go unanswered, indicating as living in sin. 
For myself I ‘ve tried excuses:
 *I don’t wear it after a fashion-Illai, I hardly follow trends 
 * Villains on the street might snatch my chain- Perhaps
 *My [...]

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Flight of the Kuruvis

Midnight. Anna International Airport, Chennai. Even if the lights go out, you can identify the terminal for the Singapore flight.Just gravitate towards the point that sounds most like a Pattukottai Azhagiri or a Periyar bus stand. The dialect is colourfully rustic Tamil. The conversation pertains to small town concerns. The place even smells like a town [...]

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Hot Wheels and Durga Maami

 
When I was considered old enough to take the public bus transport to school, Amma found a kind teacher, a neighbour, to chaperone me on the ride to school and back.
 
Each afternoon  a wiry lungi- clad man would swing on a bicycle, grazing us and mumble: ”Oi, semma kattai!” and other obscenities. One day Mandavelli maami retorted:”Poda, [...]

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Mapping Men

In London, Renuka would be part of them ladettes-those hard drinking, highly driven, successful  career women, past mid-thirties, who enjoy life, but can’t seem to hold down a man. What do they call them in Madras? The Mylapore maamis call her,”Romba kettava“. The South Madras chicks sneer, “Left on the shelf ya”. I like to hold their hands.  
“Have you tried?” [...]

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