Thursday 25 June 2015

My Upper Room

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It is a small 15'x20' room with two  doors opposite each other and a small   window. A room above my house where old and unwanted things are stacked. Nothing spectacular physically. Only its history makes this room special to me.

 For it was here that I, a cross-major (a zoology graduate) succeeded in writing the thesis required to  complete my M.Phil degree.To those who knew my past history, it would sound absolutely absurd that I should aim for an M.Phil in English.

Not only was it in a subject different from my own, its standard and range were also beyond mine. No wonder then that my guide, Mrs Thayalnagaki should grumble her heart out that she was forced to guide me as an obligation to a colleague.

And with that she began to rattle off the topics on which I could do my thesis. Greek and Latin. I couldn't understand a word of what she said.When she finished, I said, "I'll think and let you know."

The only word I could remember was 'Bharati', an author whose name meant 'India.' (to my luck).I asked another known Master what he knew about this author. With a list of the books written by her, I approached my guide.

With an 'okay' from her I proceeded with my work. And then stopped. Clearly my brain had no space for whatever    Ms Bharati had in mind. I switched authors  and luckily for me, it worked. I was able to work in detail.

On a Thursday afternoon, the day scheduled for me to present my work to Mrs Thayalnayaki,I washed the room (it was obviously home to a cat in my absence) and letting it dry under a slow fan I went down to receive her. (She had to go past my house and had kindly agreed to stop by).

I'm still not sure what exactly got Mrs. Thayalnayagi bowled over- the 'dump' room converted into a flower scented study or the effectiveness of my work. In any case I managed to convert  a grumbling Mrs. Thayalnayaki into a praising and smiling Mrs. Thayalnayaki.

And the room above my house is a still reminder of Virginia Woolf's emphasis, 'A room of my own'


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Sunday 14 June 2015

It's my Birthday!

'Tis my 2nd Birthday!








But my mistress ignored me this year!



She should at least make up in the coming year!




                                                                                                              ....SURE, Sweetie