The air was loud with altercations, murmurings, complaints and what-not.

“Our goods sell well because people see them displayed on the pavement. Their beauty captivates customers! Here we are not visible, but hidden!”

The officials shrugged their shoulders and pointed to their orders to clear the pavements.

“You are out of the sun, rain, dust & thieves. Its nice, clean and safe here.  The cool corridors will help people actually shop here more. Ungrateful wretches!”

The traders were not mollified, for hadn’t their fathers & grandfathers done business there? The old way was good for commerce & company. The new one seemed sterile, each in their own box. So why change?

Why pay rent now?

*A normal scenario and news item that occurs on and off in Chennai, India!

T. Nagar footpath shops removed

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/t-nagar-footpath-shops-removed/article5322798.ecee

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Pondy-Bazaar-hawkers-move-to-new-corporation-complex-without-a-fuss/2013/11/08/article1878478.ec

*Friday Fictioneers is a talented group of enthusiasts penning down a story, a poem, a prose, etc., expressing their heart about a photo prompt, every week. Thanks for this week’s beautiful PHOTO PROMPT © Amy Reese

How long should I walk, Prakash? I’ve been waiting to remove this white bandage and see!

Almost there, Deepa. Just a little more.

Oh, finally you are removing the bandage, Prakash!

Open your eyes slowly and look, Deepa!

Wowwww! Its just beautiful. My first sight is beautiful light!

I wanted to you to see what I will be to you, always!

You have proved that you have been named right!

Let me come around you.

What are you doing?

Will do me the honor of being the lamp of my heart and home!

I will, for you have lighted my darkness!

 

*Deepa is a girl’s name in Tamil that comes from the word Deepam, which means lamp. Prakash is a boy’s name in Tamil that comes from the word Prakasam meaning bright or light!

(Sorry folks, if my writing seems cheesy. This pic took my breath away with its play of lights that I majored on it!)

*Friday Fictioneers is a talented group of enthusiasts penning down a story, a poem, a prose, etc., expressing their heart about a photo prompt, every week. Thanks for this week’s beautiful PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

Ammachi, what’s that?

That’s the grinding stone in a corner of our kitchen then. ithelped us make atta or rice flour.

How did you do it?

We would put handfuls of grain between the two stones. Bottom is stationary, upper can be rotated. Powdering is done when you move the stick round and round.

Must have taken ages. Seems painful.

Naaa. We used to tell stories or share our lives with one another. It was bonding.

Looks heavy. Guess it can’t be lifted by hand.

Naa. My mother used it to handle a man who wanted to harm her.

 

*Ammachi – grandmother, atta – wheat flour

*Friday Fictioneers is a talented group of enthusiasts penning down a story, a poem, a prose, etc., expressing their heart about a photo prompt, every week. Thanks for this week’s beautiful photo prompt © Shaktiki Sharma

 

 

*Friday Fictioneers is a talented group of enthusiasts penning down a story, a poem, a prose, etc., expressing their heart about a photo prompt, every week. Thanks for this week’s beautiful photo prompt -© Vijaya Sundaram

Jaya, finished the murukkus?

Yes, Amma. Athirasam and laddus too by 11.30 pm last night.

Idly, chutney, vadai, kesari, coffee must be ready by 5.30 am.

I started cooking at 3.30 am, so I will be done by then.

Marumagalae, hope you had your bath before starting. Maapillai is very particular.

I did at 3 am, Amma.

Viji, what are you still doing in the kitchen? It’s prayer time!

I am coming, Amma.

Marumagalae, come quickly. The whole family must be there for the first pattasu!

On the way, Amma.

Enough watching the mathappu. Run and serve the breakfast now. 
Remember lunch must be ready by 11.30 am.

 

* The scene described is normal during a festival in India.

In India, gender disparity and discrimination still exist, especially in rural and northern areas. Nowhere is this more evident than during a festival.

The daughter-in-law (marumagal) is expected to work hard, while the son-in-law (maapillai) of the family is treated like a king.

Amma – mother, pattasu – fireworks, mathappu – sparklers (fireworks).

Murukku, Athirasam, Laddu – sweetmeats usually made at home during festivals.

Iddly – rice cake, vadai – fried lentil dough circles, chutney – accompaniment for the rice cake, kesari – sweet pudding, all breakfast items.