Binu, why you always make me cry? I somehow managed to get through this time, but that quote at the end did it in. I truly hope the three bad things get behind you soon. Stay safe and sane in this mad world Binu. Much love and hugs to you.
What a precious and inside-out account of what war feels like. So many images and moments stayed with me: you and Suresh not fearing death but the inconvenience of war, Sakshi's clothes and notebooks (I imagine them stacked in a cupboard), the woman whose numbness will eventually recede and grief will attack with ferocity...
A really amazing writer (Gerard Woodward) had told me once that writing ultimately boils down to the art of "observing yourself living" - the hardest thing to do, but you do it with so much grace and lucidity, Binu. Hugs and thankyou for writing this.
Dear Swaati, thank you so much for bringing your unique attention and love to this post. I love what you shared about Gerard Woodward's quote. 'Observing yourself living' is indeed a good guideline for any writer, and I am so flattered that you think I am doing it with grace and lucidity! that is high praise indeed. Big hug.
"I'd much rather lie in bed and risk the missile or the debris than leave Sakshi's things behind." I felt that. I hope the three bad things are done, Binu. I really hope they are. Thinking of you both.
Oh, I have heard that quote in my childhood too. 'Bad' is the mildest word for what has happened to you. Wishing safe and calm days ahead for all of us.
What would I like to put in my grab bag other than essentials? A few things that remind me of my kids' and my childhood - that's it!
But that is a lot for all those mums grieving - my heart goes out to them.
Your last line... mankind has been at war even when there is no war - Poignant, heavy and sad.
May this and all those horrible wars in the world end, and may we all find it in us to just be able to deal with our own.
This piece is so beautifully written as always... thanks for sharing Binu. Take care and stay safe.
This morning I jokingly asked @Radhika Rai - aren't you missing something about the morning- there has been no alert. When it's not happened the imminent fear hangs over!!
We all need a break. Some even more than us. May humanity get a break.
Beautiful and heart-breaking piece, Binu. That quote at the end - it is hard not to be cynical about the future, and humanity's capacity to harm itself.
Thanks Rohan. I am so conflicted. I hold US and Israel responsible for this war, even as Iran fires missiles and drones at us. I know the Iranian powers are cruel and flawed, but I feel bad for all the Iranians suffering in their own country right now. They were struggling as is and now life has become harder. I do think we are the worst thing that happened to this planet.
We don't know what life has granted us, war has given us but between everything, we seem to walk the path to find hope, a hidden smile, a flower bloom. I worry the birds will forget their songs, their flutter of wings, until I don't worry. I hope you will not have to leave, I hope we will not have to leave, I pray we all stay so that we can hug the most precious things and hold them close to us. With you in this. Lots of love.
The subtle horrors of war are so much worse than the big horrors, which are bad enough! Sorry you are going through this, Binu. All I can hope is that the 3rd thing that happens to you is something calm and soothing, belying the belief that all bad things come in 3s. Big hug to you.
We, human beings have made it so hard for our fellow human beings to live peacefully from the very beginning of life and we are not learning. Love the tranquility with which you are absorbing all these. A big hug.
Binu, why you always make me cry? I somehow managed to get through this time, but that quote at the end did it in. I truly hope the three bad things get behind you soon. Stay safe and sane in this mad world Binu. Much love and hugs to you.
Aiyoo Rakhi! I never never mean for anyone to cry. But thank you for reading my posts despite the pain they cause you. Thank you so much ❤️❤️
What a precious and inside-out account of what war feels like. So many images and moments stayed with me: you and Suresh not fearing death but the inconvenience of war, Sakshi's clothes and notebooks (I imagine them stacked in a cupboard), the woman whose numbness will eventually recede and grief will attack with ferocity...
A really amazing writer (Gerard Woodward) had told me once that writing ultimately boils down to the art of "observing yourself living" - the hardest thing to do, but you do it with so much grace and lucidity, Binu. Hugs and thankyou for writing this.
Dear Swaati, thank you so much for bringing your unique attention and love to this post. I love what you shared about Gerard Woodward's quote. 'Observing yourself living' is indeed a good guideline for any writer, and I am so flattered that you think I am doing it with grace and lucidity! that is high praise indeed. Big hug.
"I'd much rather lie in bed and risk the missile or the debris than leave Sakshi's things behind." I felt that. I hope the three bad things are done, Binu. I really hope they are. Thinking of you both.
Thanks for reading and this kind comment, Sid ❤️🙏🏾
Oh, I have heard that quote in my childhood too. 'Bad' is the mildest word for what has happened to you. Wishing safe and calm days ahead for all of us.
What would I like to put in my grab bag other than essentials? A few things that remind me of my kids' and my childhood - that's it!
But that is a lot for all those mums grieving - my heart goes out to them.
Your last line... mankind has been at war even when there is no war - Poignant, heavy and sad.
May this and all those horrible wars in the world end, and may we all find it in us to just be able to deal with our own.
This piece is so beautifully written as always... thanks for sharing Binu. Take care and stay safe.
Hi Sai, thanks for always being there to read and lend a shoulder. And yes, hope this and all the horrible wars in the world end for good.
This morning I jokingly asked @Radhika Rai - aren't you missing something about the morning- there has been no alert. When it's not happened the imminent fear hangs over!!
We all need a break. Some even more than us. May humanity get a break.
Indeed! Though I feel that humanity is paying the price for a century’s worth of hubris.
Beautiful and heart-breaking piece, Binu. That quote at the end - it is hard not to be cynical about the future, and humanity's capacity to harm itself.
Thanks Rohan. I am so conflicted. I hold US and Israel responsible for this war, even as Iran fires missiles and drones at us. I know the Iranian powers are cruel and flawed, but I feel bad for all the Iranians suffering in their own country right now. They were struggling as is and now life has become harder. I do think we are the worst thing that happened to this planet.
Wish the 3 didn’t have to be this catastrophic in your life ❤️…if there was ever a choice scraped knees ,elbows…any day over hospitals and sirens .
Chai!!!!! Meri jaan it is for now🥰
chai piyo, gam bhulo. :)
This feels tender, so well written. Hope this gets over soon! Stay safe.
Thanks Avinash 🙏🏾. Yes, hope all of this violence ends soon.
Brought tears to my eyes, Binu. Hope you can continue doing things that make you happy and hope this will be over soon. <3
Thank you Amrita ❤️. Hope you are doing well. Keep us posted.
Oh Binu :(( Sending you love and hugs!
Thank you Sanobar ❤️
Khud ki talaash mei-forever.
Peace is temporary. There are no heros to be made in peace. So'Leaders' make wars to create peace.
Sad but true.
So true Uncleji ❤️
We don't know what life has granted us, war has given us but between everything, we seem to walk the path to find hope, a hidden smile, a flower bloom. I worry the birds will forget their songs, their flutter of wings, until I don't worry. I hope you will not have to leave, I hope we will not have to leave, I pray we all stay so that we can hug the most precious things and hold them close to us. With you in this. Lots of love.
Thank you Sudha ❤️. And like they say, Inshallah, we will be able to welcome peaceful times back again.
Mankind always seems to be at war.
Well said, well articulated. It hits home when it's close to home.
Hugs, I don't know what else to offer, words seem like such a cheap substitute.
Thanks Natasha ❤️. I agree - Words are very inadequate. Every time I write, I am barely scratching the surface of all of my feelings.
The subtle horrors of war are so much worse than the big horrors, which are bad enough! Sorry you are going through this, Binu. All I can hope is that the 3rd thing that happens to you is something calm and soothing, belying the belief that all bad things come in 3s. Big hug to you.
Thank you Sandhya. ❤️. I remind myself to stay in the flow. Look forward to catching up whenever I am in town.
We, human beings have made it so hard for our fellow human beings to live peacefully from the very beginning of life and we are not learning. Love the tranquility with which you are absorbing all these. A big hug.
Thanks Anasuya ❤️. I work hard at maintaining this tranquility. Meditation zindabad 😊