Demand Improvement Not Perfection

It is reasonable to expect/demand improvement, not perfection of people.

Just because people can improve, one should not expect/demand perfection.
Just because perfection cannot be attained, one should not stop expecting/demanding improvement.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

The Fruit From Your Own Tree

The sweetness of the fruit from a tree we grew ourselves from a seed,  is incomparable.

It takes a long time and a lot of effort to experience this. 

It is like the love and affection you can get from a child you have raised. 


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Why Children Are Given Us

Usually given to us at the peak of our lives,  children are nature's  (God's ) reminders that we ourselves are NOT the most important people in our lives.

They are here to help get over ourselves,  our ego and narcissism. 


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

What if food, clothing and shelter (Roti, Kapda aur Makaan) were assured?

If basic food, clothing and shelter ( Roti, Kapda aur Makaan) were assured,  what else would you work for?  What would you do?

- Work on a job to earn some extra money for comforts and luxuries? 
- Work towards a dream? To make it big in some field? 
- Work to help or serve others? 
- Work minimally or do things for your own pleasure? 
- Or work on a combination of the above? 

How many hours a day/week would you plan to 'work' and toward what goals, if you did not have to pay for basic food, clothing and shelter? 


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Mum's perspective on my writing

"Kanna, but does that person's soul attain peace and some level of resolution before your story ends? That is what I wish for."

This is what I hear from my mother when I sometimes briefly tell her about a character in a story I am planning to write or one that I have written. Occasionally, I have to tell her the harsh truth that as a writer, I will have characters who are not able to achieve this 'peace of the soul' in their lifetime, in my writings. That is part and parcel of my desire to be an 'honest writer' (whatever that beast might be) to convey something important that I want to.

"Nevertheless, I will pray for their souls to attain peace, just like I pray for you," my mother will not be dissuaded from her determination


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Nature's Tricks or God's Pranks - Part 1

He saw first saw her from a distance. It was 'love' at first sight. That love grew to astonishing proportions as she neared and then passed him by.
Her long wavy hair, that seemed to flow like a silken stream, her bewitching eyes under the graceful arches of her eyebrows sweeping around, just passed over him or through him as if he did not exist, though he could feel her glance like it was a laser beam. Her whole body seemed fresh like a flower washed in the morning dew - the fragrance of her presence was unmistakable. Her face reflected confidence, kindness, a sympathy with the wild nature around her in spring. When he heard her speak to a friend and laughed lightly, it was the most delightful sound.

He felt, nay, he _knew_, if he had her by his side, as his mate, he could do anything - he would not be his usual shy self - he could stride confidently, he could slay fierce dragons, he could boldly take on a million-man army arrayed against him. He could achieve anything, anything he set his mind to, anything she set his mind to, actually. He felt he would never need to eat or drink anything - he could live happily just looking  at her. He saw the smooth and hypnotic swing of her arms, the intoxicating sway of her hips and youthful tense arching of her body, showcasing her charms. He then felt an energy within him that let him know for sure that he could pound a mountain to dust and conquer all evil on earth, if he just had a place in her heart. He would be willing to do anything for her, share everything he had, nay, give away everything he had without a second thought for himself.

When she said,"Hi! There" and waved to him, to him!!,  a wave of electrical energy seemed to course through him. She was already known to be one of the most beautiful and hence most desirable girls in college. He knew, deep in his soul, that if she felt for him a fraction of what he felt for her, his life would be set. He would be happy for ever from then on - in this lifetime and the next and the next. But alas, he also knew that the odds were very slim if not totally non-existent. He just sat there, waiting to feel her presence slowly fade as she walked further and further away from him. He saw her greet and talk to a more suitable candidate for her affections - a popular, handsome looking young man who was a better 'match' for her. He looked like a 'God' and most girls felt towards him the way he had had felt about 'The Goddess' who naturally seemd to seek out his company.

As she disappeared from sight, he turned his head back towards where he was originally looking - the direction she had come from. In a short while, another girl that he knew appeared. She was not as glamourous looking, if anything, a bit plain and not particularly exciting to the senses as the one who had just passed by. His heart was just barely recovering from having been lifted sky high in impossible hope on a flight of fancy that had come crashing down on the hard rocks of reality, dashing it to smithereens. He had just finished picking up the last pieces and glueing them all together when this new girl passed him by, greeting him with a,"Hi! How are you? See you after class. Meeting at the cafe at 2 'o'clock sharp!"

He looked at her again, she was not so bad. In fact, she looked quite attractive and her walking figure was enticing too. Her voice had been soothing, comfortable and had an endearing quality to it. He could well imagine having her next to him in about forty years, when they were older, having been married and the kids grown up. Suddenly, he saw her turn back to look at him and wave to him once more. He again felt the great urge and certainty that indeed, he could take on the world and do well even with this girl as his mate. He knew that beyond the 'superficial' notions of beauty, she was beautiful from within and why, she looked terribly attractive to him now. It was a different kind of physical beauty, but it was heady too. He looked more intently as she gradually disappeared from view. She had always seemed to like him and let him know in her non-imposing way, seemingly expecting nothing from him. Though, in her mind too, similar thoughts raced through.

He then realized,  he now _knew_ that if only he had this second girl by his side, he could take on an odd dragon, beat up a gang of thugs, build his dream business empire, may be chop down a few trees and whittle down a hill. He could achieve things nobody could imagine he could - most today would doubt he would be able to find a job good enough to support himself. He would want to show her the world, take care of her, protect her and give her the best of what he could earn in life.

He was a teenager and so were the two girls. They had barely known each other a few days or months, having met in college.

Now this phenomenon you read about is what people with different theological beliefs varyingly call 'Nature's Tricks' or 'God's Pranks'.

Atheists and scientists, who somehow strangely proclaim themselves to be immune from the afflictions this young man was suffering from, attribute it to 'nature's tricks' or the 'cleverness of evolution' which tries to trick a mind in a young body to somehow pass on the genes to propagate life -  supposedly its most important imperative. There are others of 'faith' in some religious views that consider 'it is all the usual pranks played by Gods'. These are Gods who are supposedly all around us, in a hidden dimension. They see everything, know everything and even control us through a 'subtle' method to achieve their ends. Some actually claim to hear these Gods, laughing at the plight of the young men and women such as these. A good daily dose of humour and laughter at the plight of humans and creatures is apparently their regular pastime.



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Normally Crazy

It is perfectly normal to be a little crazy, and totally crazy to be perfectly normal.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Torn Pictures Tell the Whole Story

A picture usually tells a story. Long ago, usually when a picture was torn, a part of the story was lost. Nowadays, that is not always the case. In fact, a torn picture can tell the whole story that a whole picture cannot. These days, most people and families have some torn pictures. Some keep them, some throw them away - too much to handle or face up to perhaps.

I guess, you can guess the kinds of pictures I am talking about - those that people tear up when they divorce or part ways. Of course, it is getting harder to tear up old pictures these days with digital photography. "Cropping" is the modern equivalent. Photo shopping is carrying it a bit too far...

I am fascinated by looking at a fragment of an original photo. To me, it always tells more than if it were a whole picture.

What do you think?


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

The Billion Dollar Giveaway - Chapter 18

Gilly, Sarita and Shanta went over to the meeting in Billy's suite next morning. A decision was made to select a list of three candidates that were ranked at the top by the input of Billy, Ken, Sarita, Gilly and Shanta. Their backgrounds were checked and cleared by the silent secretive, behind the scenes team of Billy. These three were each to be given a short one-month probationary project, on a fixed salary, each with a goal to give away one million dollars. They could all draw on a common administration team for support, logistics and working expenses that was separate from the money they had to give away. There was to be an ongoing effort in the background to identify a total of 10 candidates atleast as a final target.

Miss. Tara, Mr. Madhav Sharma and Mr. Vineet Patel ( a retired engineer who had a very impressive resume and track record of getting things done working for the government in a very senior role) were selected. They were each sent a letter and called in for a final interview and to get their verbal agreement to the terms of an offer before signing them on formally.

The three candidates showed up the next day and within two days they were all signed up and ready to start work Monday, the next week. They were asked to come with some ideas for their intensive one-month project. The first two days were scheduled for orientation to get them familiar with the administration, office support, company rules, introduce them to their colleagues, get their workplaces and systems organised.

The three candidates went back to their homes feeling both an unusual sense of satisfaction and trepidation, a little anxious. But there was a sense of purpose that they could make a great difference in some lives and it was up to their own imagination and choices how they did it. It was expected to be a fairly intensive month ahead.

A team led by Sarita comprising Shanta, Ken and Gilly were the ones who were to be the first to review the ideas and for the candidates to report to. Billy would occasionally be involved. He would only come for a review at the beginning, once in the middle of the project and once at the end. He went back to devoting his time mostly  to running his huge enterprise that generated all these billions of dollars in wealth.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Ode To Alice

(From my novel under construction, titled "A Curse Too Beautiful".
The following is a poem, as if written by a character in the story, for a girl named Alice.)

Alice! O' Alice!
Alice, Sweet Alice

Don't know how many heartbeats I have left
Every single one now beats for you
Of your sweet company I'm now bereft
My heart pines, yearns and thirsts for you

Alice! O' Alice!
Alice, Sweet Alice


Don't know how many days on earth remain
Wish every sunrise, sunset was with you
It is all the same to me, pleasure or pain
If you are here, and I'm with you

Alice! O' Alice!
Alice, Sweet Alice


Don't know how many breaths are left in me
Every single one is so very sweet
But sweeter are the kisses that you've given me
I'd trade every breath for such a treat

Alice! O' Alice!
Alice, Sweet Alice


If I had a say, on my very last day
I'd kiss you with my very last breath
Heart skip the last one, be on my way
As I embrace you and meet my death

Alice! O' Alice!
Alice, Sweet Alice




Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Why No No:1?

"If you are your own No:1, you are not likely to become someone else's. No one will see a need to put you as theirs."

Moving from India to the self-styled No:1 country, I was struck by its interesting culture of defining No: 1. There, it is a synonym for 'oneself'. This is quite different from the Indian concept of "The One Self (supposedly The One Universal Spirit)". It is just another term for God, no matter what religion people follow. Culturally that is what is drummed into us. The term 'first person' in English refers to oneself. We are not the first person on this planet, in our family or whatever always. In Indian culture the word for the concept of "selfness "Ahem-kaar" is the same as "arrogance" which is frowned upon except in a tiny inescapable measure.

In India, hardly anyone dare proclaim themselves as No: 1. They would be culturally and socially unacceptable. I am always tickled by the very common practice in Indian culture, with its countless idols of worship from rats to kings, where a romantic couple in love will both, in front of each other pray and proclaim 'God' as the No:1. It takes the mickey out of both the partners when it comes to serious differences or conflicts on matters of the highest principle. The same applies to people in politics in India. All have to pay visible homage to the No:1 above all of us humans, to be considered vote-worthy. The ego of everyone is kept in check. You know, you cannot compete against God and win in your expectations from your spouse or electorate - if push came to shove.

Atheists in India tend to put some kind of 'principles of good living or fairness' as No:1. I was not quite sure, being agnostic, but I certainly did not feel comfortable assuming the No: 1 spot myself.

In the West everyone is encouraged to look out for No: 1, saying - "If you don't look out for No:1, no one will." The prevailing culture certainly seems to validate it. But this is an idea that is self-fulfilling - it perpetuates and creates the conditions that warrant such an outlook to life. However, this concept does not really reflect the reality as I see it, even in the West.

If everyone indeed puts themselves as No:1, no one is the No:1 for anyone else, we would live in an utterly selfish society, when push comes to shove -as promoted in the West. If people put others as No:1, we would all live in an absolutely selfless, kind and compassionate society as promoted in the East.

However, that is not what we see as the reality around us - either in the West or in the East. In practice, there are utterly selfish people in the Eastern culture and the most self-sacrificing people in the West too.

Why this apparent contradiction?

When we choose and act in a situation, the ranking of No:1 usually depends on a narrower context. We all instinctively or regularly put our children, friends, lovers and parents as No:1 in varying contexts, when push comes to shove. People all over the world regularly sacrifice their own time, benefits and even life for the welfare of others over their own needs, wishes or desires. Humanity cannot be captured in one absolute ranking.

The sweetest way to live is when we put others as our No:1, as the situation calls for it, occasionally making sure, we are not neglecting ourselves to our detriment. We will then surely evoke feelings in most others to put us as the No:1 or in the top ranks of their priorities. It makes life so much more sweet, rewarding and we can more often experience the joy of living in a society.

Putting others as No:1 does not have to imply low-esteem, servility or neglect of ourselves as any lesser being. Certainly, people who are suffering those conditions should put themselves as No:1, in many situations to pull themselves out of being victims.

So, when there is no No:1, everyone is just about the same at the basic level - and need to be treated equally fairly and with love. Not quite possible in practice, just as it is not to keep ourselves as No:1 always. That is the stuff that leads to human engineered catastrophes..

So that is why I say 'NO No:1", but please excuse me. I need to go and pee now..


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

The Billion Dollar Giveaway - Chapter 17

Sarita and Shanta sighed sadly, shaking their heads.

"How did Billy take it? Poor man, I cannot imagine how broken he must have been!!" Sarita, started to tear up and her voice cracking a little.

"Yes, Billy was shattered. He was strangely stoic, quiet. He did not initially open up and show any emotion. He went about his work, getting all things arranged for the funeral of Clare and Karl and doing everything that was needed. He even arranged for Dolly to be counselled and treated for the shock she felt losing her son. He still pays for her expenses at the psychiatric institution she is at now. He took care of and spent a lot of time with Harold, who was devastated, but like Billy, was silent and did not display any outward burst of emotions. It seemed Billy and Harold drew some comfort just being in each other's company and working on the company. No one heard them talking about Clare. Harold passed away a couple of months later." related Gilly.

"Oh no!! Poor Billy!! A big blow after another. How did he ever recover from these?" Sarita was feeling emotional.

"He has not fully recovered yet. I believe, he never will. He is wise and uses the pain and hurt to motivate himself - to do things for the better of human nature around him." said Gilly.

"Why does Billy want to find other people to give away his billions?" Sarita wondered aloud.

"Perhaps he is trying to find the goodness in people that money cannot buy. He wants to find something to validate his faith in human nature, in the memory of his Clare," said Shanta.

Gilly nodded,"That is certainly one of the main motivations. The other is Harold, Billy's friend. Billy saw him die after suffering great mental and physical pain and yet helping him with his business ideas until the end. Harold was a man, grace, kindness and the best of humanity personified. Billy worshipped him and learned from him. It seems like he wants to find other Harold's in the world, given them the power and money to make great things happen for more others like himself."

"You know so much about Billy's story! How come?" Shanta asked Gilly.

"Well, I was one of the counsellors that Ken referred Billy to. I used consult occasionally and was available on call at the nursing home where Harold was. I managed to get on a good footing with Harold and Billy. I worked with Billy for a little while as his counsellor, trying to get him to open up and heal," replied Gilly,"A year after I stopped working with Billy, one day he approached me and invited me to be part of his team along with Ken, who too had spent a bit of time talking to him after Clare was gone. My husband and Billy have became good friends and mates. We all work very well together."

It was quite late in the night or early in the morning as one chose to view it. Shanta was invited to spend the night at Gilly's suite with an extra bed quickly set up. Sarita said 'Goodnight' and went over to her room.

Sarita and Shanta played the story of Billy and Clare like a movie in their heads during their dreams.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

The Billion Dollar Giveaway - Chapter 16

"So how did this saga end?" asked Sarita.

"Well, Clare and Karl were found dead, near a deserted beach side road, a week after they returned East. The police soon arrested Bruce on suspicion of the double murder. He was convicted and sentenced to death. His punishment was later commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole," said Gill.

"What??!! What happened?" Sarita and Shanta were both shocked.

Gill continued, "It appears, that Bruce was in debt and his family was not doing as well as he sought to portray it. When the possibility of inheriting Karl and Dolly's house appeared, Bruce was greatly relieved. He carefully played the role of a person disinterested in getting Clare's share. He needed more and wanted even more, when he and his mother discussed the possible scale of Billy's wealth. They were plotting to maximize their 'rewards for looking after her all these years and into the future' considering that Clare might be very wealthy soon. They wanted control over her and her affairs. Their lawyer had spelled out the law, the rights of Clare and perhaps her 'guardians'. They had worked carefully together. They wanted Clare to let them put forth their pre-nuptial agreement and make her acceptance of Billy's proposal conditional on him agreeing to go along.

They suggested this it to her pleasantly and matter-of-factly. She said '"No" in the same tone and went out for her physical therapy session, terrified on the inside. Clare confided in Ken and he promised to stand by her and help her. When Clare returned that day, exhausted, Dolly and Bruce started on her again.

"It will be nothing for Billy. It will not make any difference to his wealth. He will not even worry about it once his lawyers see how little it will cost him," they told Clare, pressuring her one day when Karl was sleeping in the bedroom. She became upset and did not want to go along. Their tone got nastier. Clare was in mental anguish. She was so upset at her situation - her father not around to support her, having tacitly allowed Dolly to call the shots and leaving her with these two to badger her while he slept in the next room. Clare felt terrible about what she would be doing to Billy, bringing him into the family under such terms.

"I will not marry Billy. I will not marry now. Leave me! LEAVE ME ALONE!!" she screamed.

Karl then woke up and walked into the room. He found out what was going on, looking at Clare's look of helplessness in distress, he saw her face turn even more fearful as if expecting him to join in on Dolly's side. Something finally snapped in him. He took her out of the room  to his bedroom. He realised that neither Clare nor himself needed to be dependant on Dolly financially or otherwise. With anything Clare got, they could all live comfortably without being too greedy.

Dolly knocked on the door loudly, demanding that Karl come out. He finally lost patience.

"Quiet!!," he said with an edge to his voice,"I am taking Clare and going out for a few days. Calm down and we will talk when we get back." His tone was so menacing that Bruce came to shield his mother.

Karl packed a few things for himself and Clare. They drove off to a hotel near their childhood seaside vacation town. They rested for two days and talked calmly. Karl agreed to let Clare free. He called and told Dolly. She sounded subdued and did not say much.

"Come back and we will discuss this," she said trying hard to sound patient and not threatening.

"We will be a couple of days more," said Karl firmly. He let them know where he and Clare were staying.

Bruce, who was listening in on their conversation gathered what was happening. He got all the details from Dolly.

"I will go now and come back later," he said. Shortly thereafter, he drove off, presumably to his own home and family. Instead, he went over to see Karl and Clare. Bruce was desperate. He had a wild look that Karl was surprised to see as he came around to the beachside, where he and Clare were resting quietly. It was a quiet day with no one else in sight. The sun was setting.

Karl felt a strange chill run down his spine. He however was fearful for Clare, at whom Bruce seemed to be staring at in a strange manner. Karl stepped forward to try and calm Bruce and talk soothingly until they could get back to the hotel. They never made it.

In the morning, a jogger found the two bashed and bloodied bodies on the rocks nearby. Bruce had gone to his home. He was bleeding, cut and hurt too in many places. Karl had put up a fight after the first blow was struck at Clare.

Ken still strongly regrets not intervening and doing more to protect Clare the day that she confided in him."


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

A Curse Too Beautiful- (A Teaser)

A Place Too Beautiful

Up in Her Majesty's land, there is a valley beyond the mountain. In the valley is a natural meadow next to the creek that flows at the bottom.  No humans had been known to live there before.  When the first European settlers moved in and claimed the land as their own, the family that had the rights set their eyes on the meadow for the first time one early spring evening. They were in a large group with the family including the women and children, the local land surveyor and some neighbours. They were searching for a suitable place to build the family home on their new land. They were awestruck by the beauty of the valley and meadow as they emerged from a gap between two mountains.

Graceful large trees grew to form a welcoming arch in one part of the meadow. Lush forests surrounded it, with a border of tall straight trees standing like the front line of an army, guarding the precious meadow. Wild flowers bloomed and naturally festooned the meadow and some of the trees bordering it. There was a delightful and intoxicating bouquet of various fragrances in the air. Sweet, cool, crisp, clear and bubbling waters flowed from among bright mossy rocks. Graceful deer roamed around. All kinds of colourful birds, with their spring plumage on display, were all around and butterflies of many colours and delicate beauty seemed flitting about everywhere. The light of the setting sun fell like soft golden butter and glowed on the tops of the trees, on the grass and even on the moving creatures. On those standing there, the sunlight felt like a warm, friendly hand on their shoulders and faces. The sounds all around there were sweet and musical. Even the bird calls and the bubbling brook seemed to be perfectly tuned and singing. The sparkling blue sky with cotton-ball white clouds created a background for the bright green, yellow, red, purple and a riot of other colours from the plants, the birds and animals. All of nature's creations together created a mesmerizing play of coloured patterns, some still, some waving in the gentle breeze, some moving and some flitting, hither and thither.
Everything about that place was appealing and soothing to the senses to such a degree that it quickly touched one's very soul. Everything that one looked at seemed perfect, incredibly attractive and beautiful, whether it was still or moving. Everything also smelled and sounded incredibly attractive. One could not wish for anything better. No one felt like taking their eyes or themselves away from anything in the place. It was as if suddenly everyone was intoxicated with a certain spring madness in an instant.The souls of the humans seemed to want to simply be in the place. When they became aware of the passing of time, they wished it would stop.

There was such an air of magic and beauty in the air that the visitors stood still, wonder struck and seemingly frozen. They struggled to regain control over themselves. After what seemed like a long time, the man claiming the land, normally a tough and harsh man, spoke in a hushed, strange voice,"This place looks perfect. I wonder why no one is living here now. The natives must know about this place. Is there something wrong that one should worry about?"

The land surveyor and the neigbours, usually loud and brash men who were builders hoping to get work helping to build this new family home, seemed strangely quiet and under a spell. They looked around again for a few seconds before the surveyor said,"Yes, the Abos certainly know about this place. You can see the walking path beaten by them going across to one side and into the bush. It is faint because they come here rarely but regularly. They pass by this place but do not camp or live here for some strange reason. I know their camps are further up ahead along the creek, where the land is harsher. No place looks as good as this. It does seem strange why they choose not to stay here. I will ask and find out why. But, good for you! You have a little slice of unspoiled heaven right here."

It was decided that the house would be built in that meadow on a clearing, under the arch formed by some giant trees, not far from the creek.

The group headed back to their temporary camp. Later, the curious land surveyor asked an Aboriginal man why no one had lived in that meadow. He wanted to know if there was something wrong with the place. He received what sounded like a strange answer to him.

"Nothing wrong there. Just too beautiful. Not good to live there," the native man said matter-of-factly as if that should explain everything.

The surveyor laughed aloud incredulously.

"Strange people!" he said. shaking his head, as he reported this to the new landowner.

When the Aborigines heard that the settlers were planning to build their house in that meadow in the valley, they tried to dissuade the surveyor saying something about beautiful children being born there. He laughed and chased them away. They went away shaking their heads helplessly in disbelief, thinking to themselves,"Strange people!"

Soon, the family built a house and moved in.

A Child Too Beautiful

 A hundred years later, one day in spring, the young landowner - a descendant of this original settler stood with his new wife looking at their lovely house in that meadow as the sun was setting. They were alone, on their honeymoon, with the rest of the family away, visiting. The moon was rising and the sun was setting again. The magic of the beautiful surroundings cast its spell on them. He looked at his wife standing next to him, leaning on his shoulder as he held her around the waist with one hand. Their marriage had been arranged by family and friends. They had been introduced just a few weeks before and did not know each other well or for long. He had found her pleasing and pleasant in appearance and disposition. She had found him silent, strong and acceptably attractive.

Now, she felt his glance turn towards her. She looked up into his eyes and he into hers. She now appeared bewitchingly attractive to him. It surprised him, how he had not noticed that all the details of her face until now. Her look and expression was one of such beauty and an unquenched desire that it brought forth a transformation in his own expression. He now looked very handsome with an animal quality. His expression changed to one of undisguised lust that made her faint with a surge of desire. Her knees gave way. He pulled her up with his strong hands as she swooned. There was a heady scent, attraction and intoxication of the senses that neither made any effort to resist. Soon, they were themselves part of the wild unrestrained nature all around them.

From that moment of their union they conceived a child. It was an exceptionally beautiful baby girl. She had a very attractive appearance and a faint crown of downy hair.

"Such an extraordinarily beautiful child!" the midwives exclaimed, as did countless others after them.

"Is she an angel or has the devil had his way?" one superstitious old woman exclaimed, a bit too loudly, when she first set eyes on this little child.

Her eyes were blue, her nose cute, crimson bud lips and a shapely mouth. Every feature of hers was so finely crafted and adorable that everyone stared at her as if stunned. The sight and sound of her gentle breathing and the tiny rise-and-fall of the clothes on her chest with her tiny perfect fists on them when swaddled asleep sent visitors into a trance. Not just her parents and family, but anyone that set eyes on her found it hard to look away. She soon grew the most gorgeous thick head of hair that was a reddish, burnished golden colour, naturally shiny and tumbling down in perfect natural curls. Every movement of hers was graceful, every sound she made was delightful. When she looked around, she seemed have a charming innocence. Her smile made one's heart leap and want to take her into one's arms and cuddle her. It seemed like she had gathered the essence of all that was beautiful in herself.

Some said that the creator had spent a fair bit of extra time making her at his leisure. Some said that he had spilled the beauty potion when making her and that she had got a soaking in it, instead of the usual dose of a few drops. Others said that The Devil had sneaked in and meddled while God took a break to rest while making her.

From her earliest days, this girl was used to people staring at her, the lingering of their looks and their reluctance in drawing their eyes away from her. She grew up believing that sneaked looks, turned heads and twisted necks were normal. She seemed to have the effect of making most people behave strangely - forgetting what they came to say to her or what they were there for.

From other little babies down to old people in the last stages of their life, anyone who came across her seemed to draw an inexplicable joy and energy from simply looking at her. Most realized this in themselves and others. It seemed no matter what her condition, whether she was well washed and groomed or returning from a fall in the mud and dirt, unwashed and just woken up with her hair all mussed up or in the best new clothes or the dirtiest rags, in sickness or in the pink of health, this girl was extraordinarily beautiful and attractive.

It seemed everyone she came across treated her, or rather reacted to her, very differently from how they would normally, to others, even to other good looking people. It seemed everyone wanted to have some interaction with her, to hear her speak, to speak to them, to have a connection with her. They stepped forward to feed her. They picked up things she dropped to hand them back to her. They carried things for her, made excuses to hold her hand and lead her through a crowd, clearing a way for her ahead. They cleaned her seat before she sat down. She only had to look around as if looking for something before someone asked her what she wanted. She was a celebrity to most before they even knew who she was or her name. Speaking of her name, I bet you too, curious reader, are wondering what this girl's name was. She was named Alice. She was often called Ally.

Alice seemed to get away with just about anything without even having to explain. She got her way by simply saying what she wanted or doing as she pleased. Most let her do whatever she wanted.  She was straight forward, upfront, innocent and used to getting things by simply asking for them. Anything that took her fancy, she tried. Usually people tripped over themselves and each other trying to help her do whatever she wanted.
A few resented this and started to resent the little girl, quietly at first. Soon Alice had siblings following her in the family - a brother and two sisters - Thomas  (Tom), Isabella (Belle) and Prudence (Prue).  Alice was a bright child, very musically inclined. She seemed a natural at dancing and singing. She soon learned to play musical instruments. She liked to take care of her siblings too and was the natural leader. She had a vivid imagination and was adventurous. Alice attracted people by default - their body, mind and soul. It was only after having a conflict with her that some developed a dislike of her. In such instances, it was often a deep, intense hatred that lasted.
NOTE: This story is still being written. The rest of the novel will be posted upon completion.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Dating, Marriage and Sex - A 12-step approach for modern times.

Many of us now have our children reaching or being close to the age of partnering. Some of them will likely even re-marry in life. It set me thinking. What would be a reasonable or appropriate approach to an arranged marriage that is between two who have fallen in love and their will being respected and the primary driver?

I came up with the following 12-step approach which I think carries a strong stamp of a typical Indian or Asian cultural model. Of course, individual circumstances will call for appropriate modifications.

Recommended Dating and "Arranged Marriage" approaches in Modern times.

The Typical Modern Eastern Culture Model:

1. Boy(Girl) meets Girl (Boy). Like each other. Communicate verbally for sometime.

2. Contact family and extended family members of the Girl(Boy)
talk to them and develop acquaintance or friendship

3. Indicate expression of interest and find details about the family and extended family members with a clear purpose, even just for info.  This can involve looking at their attitudes, businesses, standing in the community etc. It may not be a determining factor in deciding a marriage, but they want to know or find out if there is something major and untoward.

4. Express firm interest in developing a link between the families, find people who like the idea and support it

5. Find out about the personal details, career, ambitions attitude of the Boy(Girl) from the "other" family.

6. Perform a criminal, financial and medical background check to know important details of Boy(Girl). Perform blood test - to be sure they are safe from some terrible or communicable disease etc. Any such disease or condition does not mean someone is automatically ruled out, but there is a plan to deal with it and manage what is known.

7. Encourage contact between/ facilitate Boy/Girl to go out on 'Dates'. Boy and Girl hold hands, kiss and cuddle perhaps, but no sex, especially unprotected sex.

8. Find out if liking persists and if compatibility persists on a number of dates and propose marriage. If the partners already have children from a previous marriage introduce the children to each other and the rest of the family.

9. Boy and Girl weigh each other for lifetime commitment. Elders and friends may give their input too. (They may get it wrong, but still make the effort to consider it).

10. Boy and Girl still practice safe (protected) sex if both, only when the girl/boy clearly consents sober, or even takes the initiative. This way the boy/girl respects the other's will, knows for sure and everyone is happy.

11. Fix a date of marriage, invite everyone. Have a big ceremony.

12. Boy and Girl can live happily together and now have unprotected sex if they so wish.

What do you think?

Can someone from the Western culture comment on their suggested variations? I would expect that they would have the items related to knowing the extended families pretty low down the order, if at all! I do believe they consider that as a factor but do not talk much about it publicly.

If you think it appropriate, feel free to share it or post it on your grown up children's Facebook wall! :-) They may have a laugh - even perhaps a nervous one. ;-)


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved 

Just Fine and Normal

Each of us is a genius, talented, intelligent, clever, skilled, expert and smart in a few areas. We are all fools, clumsy, stupid, unskilled, and silly in many,  many areas. 
That is fine and normal! 

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2016
All rights reserved