Thanks from Gaza

Thank you. The people of Gaza continue to live in extreme hardship and uncertainty in what remains of their residential areas. Recognising this suffering and extending their support, the Palestinian Civil Society has expressed heartfelt gratitude to India and the people of Kerala. On November 28, 2025, a delegation led by the Palestinian Ambassador visited Kerala, India. The statements given above are their own words. They conveyed their gratitude with tears in their eyes.

The war and humanitarian crisis that Gaza has endured for many months have now continued for over 14 months. Even the impact of just four days of conflict in a small area is difficult to comprehend, let alone the devastation Gaza is witnessing. The representatives of the Palestinian Civil Society said that they came to share these horrifying realities with India and the people of Kerala, and to thank them personally for their support.

Many families belonging to a single community in Gaza have been forced to relocate more than three times. These are families who often cannot even ask for help or respond to the crises around them. Despite the fear, uncertainty, and constant displacement, they are trying their best to survive. The support and compassion shown by the global community provide them a significant sense of hope.

Since the Hamas–Israel conflict began on October 7, 2023, various organisations and civil society groups across India have issued statements and held demonstrations expressing solidarity. Even though many people only know about Gaza through news reports, the depth of the suffering is hard to fully grasp. Yet, the assistance extended from afar has brought real comfort to many families there. This has been a powerful source of encouragement for their humanitarian efforts.

The representatives also said that what they are able to describe does not capture the full reality. The suffering of children and women, the destruction of homes, and the devastated roads and neighbourhoods are far more heartbreaking than words can convey. According to their estimates, more than 70,000 people have been killed in the past two years, including over 20,000 children.

The ground situation is so dangerous that much of the local reality cannot even be reported. The information reaching India, though important, does not reflect the full scale of the tragedy faced by the people of Gaza. The Palestinian population continues to endure an unending cycle of pain, loss, and displacement. Despite all this, the support received from India—especially from Malayalis—has been a great source of strength, they said.

Journalist Sashi Kumar noted that the injustice and violence faced by ordinary civilians in Gaza have not been fully acknowledged by the world. He urged global media to pay more attention to these realities. He added that it is time for the world to respond with compassion, dialogue, and solidarity.

courtesy: malayala manorama

Thoughts and Emotion

Thoughts and emotions are not separate; they arise as twin expressions of the same inner reality. Let me explain with an analogue of a “green light”: the light represents thought, while the perception of green represents emotion.

Some argue that emotions appear first and thoughts follow, while others believe the opposite—that thoughts trigger emotions. In my view, neither is fundamentally causative. Rather, they emerge simultaneously as complementary aspects of inner experience. Both are generated from the same underlying neuronal mechanisms, but through different patterns of activation within the brain.

Thoughts are more closely associated with frontal brain systems, whereas emotions involve stronger engagement of limbic structures such as the amygdala. Emotion tends to have a more intense neural “vibration,” stimulating the “cons” of consciousness, while thought has a subtler vibratory quality, activating the “Rodes” of consciousness

Meditation Techniques

Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, also spelled Vigyan Bairava Tantra, is one of the most ancient and profound manuals on meditation techniques within the Yogic and Tantric traditions. It forms part of the Rudrayamala Tantra and is presented as a dialogue between Lord Shiva, known as Bhairava, and Goddess Parvati, known as Bhairavi. Through this conversation, the text explores the essence of awareness, consciousness, and the path to self-realization.

What the Book Is About

The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra contains one hundred and twelve meditation techniques, called Dharanas, which offer a wide range of approaches for attaining higher awareness. These practices are designed to be practical and universal, usable by anyone regardless of religious background or philosophical belief. The emphasis is on direct experience rather than theoretical knowledge.

Key Features

The text is highly practical and each technique serves as a clear instruction on how to meditate. The methods are simple yet powerful, covering breath awareness, sensory observation, inner listening, emotional understanding, attention to the void, expansion of consciousness, and remaining present in natural states of being. The teachings are non-dogmatic and do not require rituals, mantras, or complex philosophy. Instead, they invite the practitioner to cultivate pure awareness and direct perception.

The 112 Meditation Techniques Include

Some of the central practices include observing the breath, focusing attention between the eyebrows, listening to inner sounds, meditating on space or emptiness, noticing the gaps between thoughts, using intense emotions as pathways to awareness, becoming conscious of the pause between inhalation and exhalation, and awakening sudden clarity during moments of fear, joy, or surprise. Many techniques also guide the practitioner to perceive the external world as a reflection of inner consciousness.

Popular Translations and Commentaries

For readers seeking accessible interpretations, several respected translations and commentaries are available. One of the most widely read works is Vigyan Bhairava Tantra: The Science of Meditation by Osho, which provides clear explanations and practical insights. Jaideva Singh’s translation offers a scholarly approach, presenting the Sanskrit text along with detailed commentary grounded in traditional understanding. Teachings by Swami Lakshman Joo provide guidance rooted in the Kashmir Shaivism tradition, illuminating the philosophical background and practical depth of the text.

System 1 and 2 Thinking

System 1 and System 2 — The Two Modes of Human Thinking

Modern psychology says the human mind works through two parallel systems:

System 1 thinking, which is Fast, automatic, intuitive thinking. And it is,

• Unconscious
• Effortless
• Emotional
• Pattern-based
• Ancient (evolutionarily older)

System 1 handles everything that must happen instantly, without analysis.

Everyday examples for System 1 thinking:

• Instantly recognizing a face
• Jumping back from a speeding bike
• Feeling someone is angry even before they speak
• Reading body language
• Completing the sentence “Bread and…”
• Driving a familiar route on “autopilot”(executive function)

System 1 is fast because it relies on habits, instincts, and shortcuts.

Evolutionary link:

In early humans:

• There was no time for slow reasoning when a predator appeared.
• System 1 helped detect danger in milliseconds.
• Recognizing emotional expressions (fear, anger) ensured survival.
• Quick pattern recognition was crucial for hunting and navigation.

System 1 therefore shaped key human capacities long before language evolved.

Language evolution connection

Before complex language, humans mainly relied on:

• facial cues
• tone of voice
• gestures
• emotional resonance.

These are all System 1 processes.

Language came much later (~50,000–100,000 years ago), supporting more abstract System 2 thinking.

System 2 thinking is Slow, deliberate, logical thinking.And it is,

• Conscious
• Effortful
• Analytical
• Rational
• Evolutionarily newer

System 2 activates when we must think carefully.

Everyday examples for System2:

• Solving a math problem
• Planning a journey
• Reading a difficult book
• Making an important financial decision
• Learning a new language
• Overriding an emotional reaction.

System 2 is slow and tiring, but essential for accuracy and complex decision-making.

Evolutionary link:

System 2 emerged as humans began:

• cooperating in large groups
• planning hunting strategies
• understanding tools and fire
• engaging in symbolic thinking
• developing culture and moral systems.

It is the foundation for logic, reflection, and self-awareness.

Language evolution connection

Language gave humans:

• names for objects
• symbols for abstract ideas
• grammar to structure thought
• dialogue for collaboration
• storytelling for cultural memory.

This allowed System 2 to develop far beyond any other species. Language became the “external hard drive” of human thought.

How the two systems interact every day:

A). System 1 reacts automatically.

System 2 justifies afterwards.

Example: You feel instant dislike toward someone you just met (System 1). Later, System 2 creates a story: “He seemed arrogant.”This is how bias forms.

B). System 1 gives a quick answer.

System 2 checks if it’s correct.

Example: Solving “2 + 2 + 2 × 0” System 1 may jump to “0” or “6.” System 2 needs to stop and apply rules.

C). When System 2 is tired, System 1 takes over.

Example: Late at night, you make impulsive decisions. Your patience decreases. You misunderstand people more easily. This is because System 2 requires mental energy, while System 1 is automatic.

Einstein & System 1 / System 2:

Einstein’s quote:

“I rarely think in words… I may try to express it in words afterwards.”

This describes:

• System 1: intuitive, non-verbal imagery
• System 2: converting those images into words and equations.

Most creative breakthroughs occur in System 1 (subconscious insight), and are later explained using System 2 (language).

In short:

System 1,means instinct, intuition, emotion, pattern-recognition, and fast.

System 2,means logic, reasoning, deliberate thought, slow.

Evolution created System 1 first. Language helped System 2 grow. Together, they shape almost everything we do.
Ref:(from modern psychology, especially Daniel Kahneman)

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Particles and Forces

The Standard Model: The “Periodic Table” of the Universe

The Standard Model describes all known fundamental particles and three fundamental forces:3 basic forces in universe are:

Electromagnetic force

Weak nuclear force

Strong nuclear force

(This model does not include gravity, but it explains almost everything we see in daily life.)

In modern physics,especially the Standard Model, a force is not a push or pull in the everyday sense.
Instead:
A force is an interaction mediated by particles called force carriers (bosons).

Strong force:The strongest force in nature.
It binds quarks together.And it binds protons & neutrons together in the nucleus.
Weak force:A force that allows particles to change types (e.g., a neutron turning into a proton).

Particles come in two main families:

1. Fermions → matter

2. Bosons → forces

Meaning and real-life relevance.

🧬 1. FERMIONS — the “building blocks” of matter

A. Quarks (6 types)

Quarks combine to form protons and neutrons, which form atoms, which form everything in the universe.

The six quarks:

1. Up

2. Down

3. Strange

4. Charm

5. Bottom

6. Top.

(The names “up,” “down,” “strange,” “charm,” “bottom,” and “top” do NOT describe personality, direction, or physical shape.
They are simply labels for:
different quantum states
different masses
different charges
different interactions.
Scientists chose fun names because these states don’t correspond to any classical concept.)

🌍 Significance

Everything around you (your body, air, water, earth) is made of up and down quarks.

The others (strange, charm, bottom, top) are produced in:

High-energy cosmic rays

Particle accelerators

Supernovas

🚶 Daily life relevance:

Your brain, your bones, your blood = made of atoms = made of protons & neutrons = made of quarks.

Without quarks, no atoms → no humans → no universe.

B. Leptons (6 types)

These include electrons, muons, taus, and the neutrinos.

1. Electron

The most important lepton for humans.

🌍 Significance

Electrons orbit atomic nuclei → form chemical bonds → make molecules

All biology, chemistry, electricity exists because of electrons

🚶 Daily life relevance:

When you touch something, electrons repel each other

Electricity in your home is electron flow

Light interactions come from electrons absorbing and releasing photons.

2. Muon & Tau

Heavier cousins of the electron.

🌍 Significance

Found in cosmic rays

Used in advanced physics experiments

Tau helps understand weak force

🚶 Daily life relevance:

Muons pass through your body every second (from cosmic rays)

They cause no harm because they decay instantly

3. Neutrinos (3 types)

Electron neutrino

Muon neutrino

Tau neutrino

🌍 Significance

Created in nuclear reactions inside the Sun

60 billion neutrinos pass through your fingernail every second

They rarely interact with matter → “ghost particles”

🚶 Daily life relevance:

Neutrinos help us study supernovas

They confirm major physics theories

They helped understand that matter evolves by quantum oscillation.

⚛ 2. BOSONS — the “force carriers”

Bosons are particles that carry the fundamental forces.

A. Photon

The particle of light.

🌍 Significance

Electromagnetic force carrier

Makes chemistry possible

Enables sight, photosynthesis, radiation, communication

🚶 Daily life relevance:

Sunlight = photons

Mobile signals = photons

WiFi = photons

Vision = photons hitting your retina

Photosynthesis → oxygen → life

Without photons = total darkness = no life.

B. Gluons

Hold quarks together inside protons and neutrons.

🌍 Universe role

Without gluons → no protons → no atoms → no physics at all.

🚶 Daily life relevance:

Everything in your body exists because gluons bind quarks together.

C. W and Z Bosons

Carry the weak nuclear force.

🌍 Significance

Responsible for radioactive decay

Helps fuel the Sun

Helps create elements inside stars

🚶 Daily life

The Sun shines because W bosons allow nuclear fusion

Medical radioisotopes work because of weak nuclear decay.

D. Higgs Boson

Gives mass to:

W and Z bosons

Quarks

Leptons

(Photons and gluons do not get mass.)

🌍 Universe role

Without the Higgs field, all particles would move at light-speed

Atoms could not form

Stars, planets, life would be impossible

🚶 Daily life

The Higgs field:

Gives your body mass

Allows you to stand on Earth

Allows gravity to act on matter

Allows chemistry to exist

The Higgs field is the invisible “cosmic molasses” giving substance to the universe.

⭐ SIGNIFICANCE SUMMARY: WHAT EACH PARTICLE DOES FOR YOUR LIFE

Particle Why You Exist

Quarks Make up protons and neutrons → atoms → everything
Electrons Enable chemistry, electricity, life
Neutrinos Carry information from stars, shape cosmic evolution
Photons Light, heat, communication, vision
Gluons Hold atomic nuclei together
W/Z Bosons Let the Sun burn, create elements
Higgs Boson Gives matter mass; enables structure

Everything in your life — light, air, oxygen, muscles, thought, technology — emerges from the interactions of these particles.

Pure Love

Most human relationships are not grounded in love; they are shaped by fear, attachment, constructed images, and psychological dependence. Because of this, we rarely encounter love in its pure, undistorted form.

Fear distorts everything—including love.
Whenever there is:

fear of losing someone,

fear of being alone,

fear of not being loved in return,

fear of rejection,

what we call “love” becomes nothing more than dependency or attachment.

Love disappears the moment fear enters.

In relationship, each person carries an image of the other.
You hold an image of them; they hold an image of you.
These images are formed from memories, hurts, expectations, and past experiences.
We end up relating not to the actual person, but to these images.
Conflict arises because it is the images that collide—not the human beings themselves.

To truly love someone, one must be free from comparison, judgment, accumulated resentment, and the psychological “pictures” stored about the other.
Only then can relationship remain alive, fresh, and sincere.

When real love is present, you do not act out of obligation.
You do not serve because you “should,” nor care because of duty or responsibility.
Action flows naturally and effortlessly from love.
Where there is compulsion, freedom disappears;
and without freedom, love cannot blossom.

Jealousy and possessiveness destroy love.
Jealousy arises from fear, comparison, insecurity, and the desire to possess.
Krishnamurti calls jealousy “the sorrow of comparison.”
As long as you compare yourself with others, love cannot exist.
Even ambition within a relationship—such as wanting to be special or superior—kills love.
Where there is possession, love becomes a cage.

Most of what we ordinarily call “love” is merely:

physical attraction,

emotional dependency,

psychological comfort,

pleasure-seeking.

These are unstable and ever-changing.
Love is not.

Love appears only when the mind is quiet, free from the wounds of the past, free from expectations, and free from the urge to control.
Freedom is the soil in which love grows.
To “try to love” is meaningless;
love arises naturally when the mind is free.

Love is a state of being.
It expresses itself as compassion, understanding, sensitivity, nonviolence, freedom, and innocence.
Love is never exclusive, never owned.

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courtesy : J. Krishnamurti

Mr. Dump:The Manipulator

How to Protect Yourself From Someone Who Wants to Exploit or Manipulate You

1. Recognize the Behaviour Early

Manipulators often show patterns like:

• They take but rarely give.
• They ignore your needs or feelings.
• They pressure you to do things that benefit them.
• They twist your words, gaslight, or guilt-trip you.
• They use your kindness as a weakness.

Awareness is the first form of self-protection.

2. Set Strong Boundaries

Boundaries are not walls — they are clear limits that protect your mental and emotional space.

Examples:

• “I’m not comfortable doing that.”
• “This doesn’t work for me.”
• “I need time to think before I agree.”
• “Please don’t speak to me like that.”

Important:Say it calmly but firmly.

Manipulative people test boundaries. If you don’t enforce them, they assume you have none.

3. Stop Explaining Too Much

Many manipulators exploit long explanations. You owe them:

• No justification
• No guilt
• No excessive apologies

Use brief, strong statements:

• “I can’t do that.”
• “That’s not possible for me.”
• “No.”

No is a complete sentence.

4. Protect Your Emotional Energy

Don’t engage in:

• Arguments designed to confuse you
• Emotional traps (“If you cared, you’d…” )
• Their constant demands or crises

Keep conversations short and neutral.

5. Document and Observe

If this is in a workplace or family setting:

• Write down what happened
• Keep records of messages
• Note patterns of manipulation

This gives you clarity and strength when you doubt yourself.

6. Seek Support From Neutral People

Talk to:

• A trusted friend
• A counsellor
• HR/authority (if relevant)

Someone outside the situation will help you see the manipulation more clearly.

7. Detach From Their Approval

Manipulators control by making you fear:

• Losing them
• Their anger
• Their disappointment

When you stop needing their approval, their power over you evaporates.

8. Walk Away or Reduce Contact (If Needed)

Sometimes the safest response is:

• Emotional distance
• Reduced communication
• Complete separation

Self-protection is not selfish. It’s survival.

Rebuild Your Inner Strength

Manipulation often weakens your sense of:

• Self-worth
• Identity
• Decision-making power

Rebuild it by:

• Practicing self-respect
• Making small independent decisions
• Connecting with supportive people
• Affirming your own needs as valid

Most Important Principle

You cannot change a manipulative person.

But you can make it impossible for them to control you.

Your strength is in:

• clarity
• boundaries
• self-respect
• distance
• “You’ll never find justice in a world where criminals make the rules.— Bob Marley

Inner polarity

Focus: Role-Playing to reveal inner polarity

Presenting Problem:

Anu, a 28-year-old woman working as a software engineer, seeks therapy for chronic anxiety and difficulty setting boundaries at work. She reports that she cannot say no even when overloaded:
“I take on every task. I don’t want anyone to think I’m selfish.”
She often feels exhausted, resentful, and guilty.

Therapy Session.

Observation by Therapist (T):
During the session, the therapist notices that when Anu talks about work demands, she wrings her hands, avoids eye contact, and speaks softly.

Role-Playing Technique

Therapist ( T ):
“It sounds like one part of you feels overwhelmed, and another part keeps pushing you to please everyone. Could we invite both sides to speak?”

Two chairs are placed facing each other.

Chair 1 – “The Pleaser”
(Anu sits in Chair 1)

“I must do everything perfectly. People rely on me.
If I say no, they’ll think I’m irresponsible.”

The therapist observes her tight posture and anxious expression.

Chair 2 – “The Exhausted Self”
(Anu shifts to Chair 2)

“I’m tired. I want rest. I want to do things for myself too…
but I feel guilty even thinking about it.”

She begins to tear up. Her voice softens.
T:
“What is the relationship between these two parts?”

Chair 1 (Pleaser):
“You don’t matter. Only others do.”

Chair 2 (Exhausted Self):
“That hurts… I need you to care about me too.”

Outcome of Role-Play

Anu realizes that her internal critic (“Pleaser”) is harming her and that another part desperately needs acknowledgment.

This increases awareness of her own inner polarity: self-sacrifice vs. self-care.

( from Gestalt Therapy )

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Perimenopaual women

Why Perimenopausal Women Need Special Attention: A Scientific Perspective

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate sharply. It typically begins between 45 and 55 years of age and can continue for several years even after the final menstrual period. Although often overlooked, this stage impacts nearly every system in a woman’s body—physical, emotional, and psychological.

1. Hormonal Changes: The Core Disruption

a) Estrogen Drops by 80–90%

Estrogen levels start declining years before menopause and then fall steeply.

Nearly 80% of women experience moderate to severe symptoms linked to this drop
(North American Menopause Society).

b) Progesterone Declines Earlier and Faster

Progesterone levels begin falling in the mid-40s, leading to:

irregular periods

sleep disturbances

anxiety

mood swings

c) FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Rises

As estrogen drops, FSH levels increase.

This is associated with:

hot flashes

night sweats

reduced fertility

d) Testosterone Declines by Nearly 50% by Age 50

Low testosterone affects:

libido

energy

muscle strength

Why These Hormonal Shifts Matter

Declining hormones increase the risk of:

Osteoporosis: bone loss accelerates by up to 3% per year after estrogen falls

Heart disease: risk rises by 30–50%

Metabolic syndrome: abdominal fat increases due to hormonal imbalance.

2. Psychological Changes: The Hidden Struggle

a) Mood Disturbances Affect 40–60% of Women

Estrogen influences brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. When hormones fluctuate, it leads to:

irritability

anxiety

panic attacks

decreased tolerance to stress

b) Depression Risk Doubles

NIH studies show women in perimenopause are 2–3 times more likely to develop depression compared to premenopausal women.

c) Sleep Disorders Are Highly Prevalent

About 45–60% experience:

difficulty falling asleep

early morning awakening

night sweats

Poor sleep worsens:

memory

emotional regulation

concentration

d) Cognitive Changes

Nearly 60% report:

“brain fog”

difficulty focusing

slower recall

e) Life-stage Stress Intensifies Emotional Impact

Between ages 50 and 60, many women also face:

children leaving home

aging parents

career transitions or retirement

marital strain

grief and loneliness

These life pressures magnify the emotional burden caused by hormonal changes.

3. Physical Symptoms That Require Care

Common Symptoms (experienced by 90%)

hot flashes

night sweats

joint pain

palpitations

migraines

weight gain

Hot flashes affect 75–80% and, in up to 30%, can last 10 years or more.

Increased Risk of Chronic Illness

After age 50:

Osteoporosis affects 1 in 3 women

Heart disease becomes the leading cause of death

Type 2 diabetes risk increases by 50%

Thyroid disorders become more common.

4. Why Special Attention Is Essential

a) Symptoms Overlap With Other Diseases

Perimenopause can be mistaken for:

depression

thyroid disorders

high blood pressure

sleep disorders

This leads to misdiagnosis or delayed care.

b) Underdiagnosis Is Widespread

Over 70% of women do not receive proper menopause-related medical guidance
(British Menopause Society).

c) Decline in Quality of Life

Untreated symptoms negatively affect:

relationships

sexual health

work productivity

self-esteem

d) Early Intervention Improves Long-Term Health

Research shows early management—especially hormone therapy when appropriate:

reduces osteoporosis risk by 50–70%

lowers heart disease risk

improves mood and sleep

enhances overall longevity

5. Social Impact: Why Understanding Matters

A significant social trend highlights the consequences of unaddressed perimenopausal issues:

Approximately 70% of women who initiate divorce are over 40 years old.

Increasing financial independence allows women to leave unsupportive marriages.

Many husbands and children expect the woman to perform as she did in her 30s, not realizing she is dealing with major hormonal and emotional changes.

This lack of awareness can cause misunderstanding, conflict, and emotional distance, further adding to a woman’s burden during perimenopause.

When families are unaware of these biological transitions, women often feel unsupported, misunderstood, and isolated—deepening psychological stress.

In Summary

Perimenopausal women aged 50–60 need special attention because:

Hormonal changes cause major physical and emotional shifts.

Brain chemistry alterations lead to mood changes and cognitive symptoms.

Life responsibilities amplify emotional strain.

Health risks increase, requiring monitoring and preventive care.

Understanding this stage is essential—not only medically, but socially—to support women with empathy, respect, and awareness.

Sixty

Today is your sixtieth birthday.
You are waiting for a bus. And whenever you wait for a bus, you remember “Ravi Kooman” from Kolli waiting for one. The ‘Legends of Khasak’ ( a book by O. V. Vijayan) doesn’t remind you of the bus—rather, it is the bus that brings back Khasak, in all its authority.

Your bus arrives. There is only one seat vacant—reserved for senior citizens. Seeing the empty seat, you feel a moment of joy. But when you read the words “Senior Citizens Only,” a shiver runs through you. It feels like poetic justice at the end of a long journey. You are not ready to accept that you have reached sixty. Before your children can arrive with their “Shashtipoorthi” wishes, you quietly slip out of the house. Only now do you understand the meaning of your wife’s courage the day she died—when she still carried the glow of youth.

You looked at yourself in the mirror that morning.
“Sixty isn’t really old these days,” you told the reflection.
The reflection replied by showing you the wrinkles on your neck.

The warmth that spread through your tiny fingers when you, as a child, held your father’s hand and walked through the shadows of evening trees—that warmth is still there in those fingers. You are still a child.

You sit in the seat. You look around to make sure no one is watching.
You have sat in this same seat many times before when it was empty. But never have you felt this strange discomfort. Today, you bear witness to your own aging.

The elderly man beside you glances at you and smiles gently. It is a smile of identity and solidarity. You have become a member of a special category of human beings.
There are only two kinds of people in the world: those before sixty, and those after.
The State now has special considerations for you. The world has started seeing you as an old man. You struggle to accept this truth.

At the next stop, your fellow passenger gets off. A woman—hair mostly grey, thin and long—sits beside you. She looks like a retired teacher. Perhaps a language teacher. You wouldn’t be surprised if you learned that her PhD thesis was on Madhavikutty’s literature (Kamaladas in English)

She looks at you and smiles. Without any preface, she says:

“I remember the days when I sat with pride and joy in the seats for pregnant women or for mothers and children. Today, I have finally earned the right to sit in this seat. I feel happy. My children have forgotten me, and that gives me a strange kind of freedom. Dead husbands are powerless beings anyway.
Vishnu Prasad should write a poem about old people who fly inside these winged buses. The distance between childhood and old age is only the flip of a coin.”

The bus begins to climb the hill road.

“Are you feeling cold? Should I close the window?” you ask.

She doesn’t speak. She only smiles beautifully.
You wonder how long the climb will take. As if reading your mind, she smiles mischievously. In a KSRTC bus( Kerala state bus:A bus that wobbles and rattles its way forward). climbing a hill, the two of you—sitting in the senior citizens’ seats—would make the most beautiful selfie possible at this moment.

But who will take the initiative?
You?
Or her?
Courtesy : Shaji. V. V