“Let go of my hand! I will walk on my own!” Draupadi’s piercing voice echoed through the large, luxurious court of Hastinapur. Dushasana’s ensuing deriding laughter made some of the people shudder and cringe uncomfortably. In a couple of minutes, Dushasana promenaded into the court dragging her unceremoniously. She was dressed in a single garment, a sign she was menstruating. Dushasana dropped her near the Hastinapur throne, at the feet of Dhritarashtra, the blind Kuru King. The shamed and embarrassed eldest daughter-in-law of the Kuru Clan raised herself from the floor, her eyes darting poisoned arrows at everyone assembled there. “What is the meaning of this, O King? Don’t you see I’m not fit to make an appearance here? Have you forgotten I represent this family’s dignity and honour?” Before the king or anyone else could answer, the eldest Kaurava, Duryodhana said mockingly, “Can you see your five husbands sitting with their heads hanging down, especially the first one, t
“You’re weak because you’re smaller than me!” My neighbour shrieked gleefully. He had been gloating ever since the wobble began. Irritating chap! Today he started in the morning itself! Idiot! And yet, something wasn’t right. But I was too happy to worry, totally fascinated by this city, bustling with people running, driving helter-skelter as if their life depended on it. I loved my home. Yes, despite the cacophony of needless honking, overcrowded, messy roads, hot weather (heard it was salubrious many years ago). The conversations from the vehicles stuck in jams below made it worthwhile. Parents fighting with children about being late, not doing homework, not studying enough! Children arguing back about increased stress, peer pressure, and unreasonable expectations! Conversations about fabulous holidays, great achievements, pride in their work, love at first sight, eternal love, breakups! Stony silences! Sometimes, companionable. Life at its fullest and conflicting best. I ofte