Sangeetha Kamath

You won't know what you've missed out on, if you haven't already picked up this Wonder of a book.  I won't even go to the extent of saying that it's a page turner. On the contrary, this story makes your heart so full and eyes brim over, you can't help but to not buy some time for yourself until you're ready to pick it up again.  It has the effect of churning your emotions to a fine powder and at the same time stay intact in the recesses of your heart. But try as you might, you cannot…will not abandon it halfway or stash it away, unforgotten and unread. No!  *** August,-- Auggie as he's fondly called by his family, is a fifth grade middle schooler struggling to find his place in a new prep school after being homeschooled in his initial years for the way he looks, attributed to a gene mutation. Going through umpteen correction surgeries from babyhood to present day, Auggie still doesn't fit the aesthetic norms set by society. Although the kid is intell...

As the last breath of autumn fades away, the days stretch into Mid October, bringing along with it grey,foggy noons and cold,misty dawns.  Without missing a beat, I push myself to walk more briskly in the garden this week, while simultaneously at it with my physiotherapy which I have slightly upgraded to a milder version of pilates I used to do before my life decided to hover on the edge of an abyss. It's now almost two months—two days short into my ASD open heart surgery , Dear Diary. Days have melded into weeks and then into months. Juggling through a topsy turvy maze I hadn't even in my wackiest dreams hoped to encounter this uncharted route life had smacked me in the face! Just when I thought that every throbbing pain was here to stay, I never realized that in the meantime, every cell in my body was working extremely hard to recover itself and give me back my lost vigour. Survival instinct, the will to carry on for my family especially my Babylou nudged me to do my best. ...

  The seasons have changed three times over along with the skyscapes, Dear Diary. It's already October, my favourite month of the year. From champagne colored fluffed clouds of April and the laden, dense overcast monsoon skies from June to September, I now longingly gaze at a spotless cerulean sky as I rigorously practice my physiotherapy exercises and a dedicated 30 min walk in our garden dreaming about my second home in faraway Singapore which is enveloped in the same powder blue blanket. Battling with the blazing summers of my mind, the auburning autumns of my heart and the frigid winters of my soul, I hold space for every sacred transition as a renewed me emerges slowly, steadily and yes…painfully. A metamorphosis in the true sense. Wishing upon a frosted star when the night unfolds as an indigo rose , I tether on the brink of delirious dreams, struggling to fall asleep, yet,not daring to toss and turn as my body is still relearning to balance my weight as I lean sideways with...

  I finally muster the energy, the grit and the emotional embrace to write about it. When life socked the daylights out of me in ways that I never imagined, I looked on the upside of it as a divine intervention and a another miracle to add to my list in this year 2024 which went down the memory highway full throttle ahead. July 7, Dear Diary is a day which left a distinct mark. A day when my father had a coronary follow up and I not only went along, but also had a check up done for myself. This was a couple of days after my visit to Sai Mandir where Sai Baba guided me to go for a cardiogram . A strong inner voice, authoritative yet kind, a heightened intuition, call it what I may, rang in a manner that couldn't be ignored. That said and done, I had a consultation with my father's doc who did my ECG and ECHO . Minutes flew by in deafening silence when he finally finished the tests and to my horror bluntly revealed that I have an ASD . A 38mm hole in my heart. I was advised t...

  I was excited for my first international trip!  Finally I was deemed worthy of this assignment. But I could sense the inside gossip that I was chosen because the best candidate backed out. My resolve didn't sway, instead it swelled by notches when my boss handed me a bulky package and escorted me to his chartered flight. The pilot sneered at me and the cabin crew smirked to see a greenhorn assigned for this role. Everyone was trying their best to exclude me from a clique!  But the ambience inside canceled their condescending behaviour. Leather couches, spaced out recliners…the regalia was out of this world! There was one other passenger besides me. The snooty vibes didn't stop. I was left out of all conversations. As the aircraft soared, I played out my next move, sipping on the best quality wine. The knots in my stomach started to relax.  “We're about to make our descent…” a voice announced. Beads of perspiration trickled as I reached for my package.  Moving...

  I was excited for my first international trip.  But the cab I booked turned out to be a jalopy sputtering and halting at intervals.  Finally! Upon arriving at the port, the majestic sight of the Star Cruiseliner held me in awe! Craning my neck to capture it for my Instagram, I stumbled backwards and my knees came crashing on the ground, bruising them badly! A steward, slightly resembling DiCaprio rushed towards me with a wheelchair. But a sense of foreboding took over me instead…was this ship destined to be a Titanic? Suddenly, a strong wind blew away his wig, revealing his bald pate. ‘DiCaprio’ looked like Shakaal ! I exhaled in relief! But my happiness was short-lived! I had booked myself on the Star Pisces, but due to a glitch, I was rescheduled on the Superstar Aquarius! A rival at my workplace was an Aquarian! Arggggh! Cursing my luck, I hobbled into my cabin to be greeted by chilled champagne, warm breakfast platter, also a Hermes scarf as an apology for the go...

Standing on the rooftop of a shop, I look all around me to a scene of apocalypse; the tumultuous Mandakini is ravaging the roads of Uttarakhand--- sweeping away houses, cars, vehicles...even people.  Having separated from my group of twelve hikers, I have no idea where they are or where I am! In the scuffle to save myself, I've dropped my backpack with all my food rations, essentials and all I have with me is a water-logged handphone. The melting Chorabari glacier and the unrelenting deluge has swelled the waters further making my worst phobia of death by drowning come to fruition. With the mercury dipping by the minute, I can't feel my feet, my gloves are soaked, my lips are cold and blue. The frigid wind is a whipping force cutting scars on my face. I don't know for how long I've been stranded up here, but it's going to be nightfall soon with no relief in sight. Am I fated to perish in this manner...I'm fighting to keep my head above the waters... (Word count...

  There was excitement in the air as Nathan packed a few bags and we bundled inside the SUV for a road trip to the mountains. Last week, after a visit to the vet, he had been terribly upset, burying his face in my furry neck, crying uncontrollably.  I just simply know… I haven't been myself for a long time now. The spunk, the stamina has been deteriorating. Marco, my best buddy has been frequently visiting me in my dreams too. **** It's been a few days since our stay here, sometimes camping out under the stars. While Nathan reminisces the good old days, I can hear Marco whispering in the wind that floats. I can see him in the clouds against sunset skies. Sitting on a ledge, visions of Marco and I as young police dogs revisit me. My ‘partner in crime’, there wasn't a failed mission on our records. Marco, loyal and patriotic earned his martyrdom when he shielded Nathan from gun fires. His body was torn but my spirit was damaged never to recover. Although I'll be sad to le...

The mists rolled, blurring the peaks yonder until they were only a faded outline on the dusking horizon.  The crisp autumn breeze rustled the leaves of the Sycamore and Birch trees, lulling me to sleep. I woke up with a start under twilight skies. The full moon was in all her glory bathing the woods in an ethereal silver shine. Fully alert, I listened hard to what seemed like muffled sounds of distress. Up on my feet in a jiffy, I raced along with lightning speed in the direction of the unusual sounds which weren't heard in these serene woods for ages. There he was, with a menacing look, pinning a hapless young girl on the ground, choking her to death. It was clearly a losing battle with her strength failing her. His eyes widened and he let go of her as he heard my sinister growls. My eyes glowed like embers in the darkness.  On this night, I was sinewy and thrice my normal size, with jaws that could rip pounds of human flesh with one crunch.  He met his end in this manne...

  Here she was praying for a stranger. A stranger who put his life on the line for her.  **** Stella walked down to the neighborhood cafe where she always met Alan for Friday night dates or a cup of coffee and warm snacks in the late evening when she got off work. She spotted him sitting in the far end towards the wall, scrolling down his phone, eyebrows knitted and lips pursed in a thin line.  It was unusual of him to choose that spot from their usual place by the French windows where they had a view of the quay.  Sensing some unpleasant news coming her way, she walked up to him anxiously. He gave her a wry smile and fumbled with his words. Finally he handed a letter with a sheepish look.  Her worst fears had become her reality. This was certainly bad news. Alan had been distancing himself from her and try as might she couldn't get through to him. This day had finally come when they ended their 5 year old relationship over a letter. No spoken words, just a hand...

  Pages infused with a scent of a bouquet of lavender My serene thoughts tumble into one another as they swiftly gather Giving it tender dimension, depth and sound,I write about the quiet breeze that blows Or the burgeoning black mass of cloud that rolls About raindrops tapping a rhythmic beat on my window Or the trees outside blanketed with frost and snow Spilling sun-drenched dreams on it or the winter's chill About snow capped peaks or the distant green hills Messy handwriting smudged by splotches of tears  Writing is cathartic when I pen down my fears Blank pages waiting to be filled with scribbles, doodles or colors Stories and tales yet to be told  Lyrics of songs, dancing as they unfold Shuffling between magic and reality Sad farewells steep in melancholy Long lost shorelines call with the softest whispers Pressed between the pages are fragile, withered wildflowers Water lily ponds soaked in the moonlight and owls hooting in the silent night  Crimson sunsets ...

  Serene Dippityville town was in full fervour with Halloween fast approaching. Situated on the shores of Pairayte Qowe, the people of this quaint town grew up listening to old wives' tales about how pirate ships had sailed here to bury their gold coins, silver amphoras filled with sparkling gemstones and treasure chests packed with royal jewellery. The unspoken rule in the age-old days was---'Finders Keepers'.  No one had contested it, as no one had found any buried booty to date.  'Finders Keepers' law prevailed even today  to uphold the amusing tradition. *** Sarah was passing through Serene Dippityville from a neighbouring town with her eight-year old son, Luke and staying over at Jodi's--- her late brother's wife over the Halloween weekend. She was on her way after greedily claiming  an inheritance of a heavily studded  emerald necklace. Sarah showed it to Jodi. It was an antique, worth millions! Little Jimmy, the five-year old boy from next door whom ...

  Standing at the crossroads I look to my left and then to my right It's here where the magic happens and my wand sparkles bright It's a bend in the road in the middle of a thicket Surrounded by tall trees and rolling fog which dims the gloaming and indigo twilight  Under the twinkling velvet sky I watch and wait To collect moonbeams in a jar and stardust on a golden plate Path beyond the crossroads show me the bigger picture Patience is the key for dilemma at this juncture There ain't no road signs nor any map I have to chart my own course and work through these gaps It's a one way street, there's no rewind on the track The road to my past is a closed chapter there's no looking back Untrodden paths may hold a fortune great  My luck might turn for the better, go forth I must with a confident gait Destination is a reward for the arduous journey Crossroads are only a pit stop to shed my worry Rejuvenating after spell of introspection  I'm back on my feet with...

Your eyes speak volumes and their songs are a divine serenade  The silences between us are a sweet echo of things unspoken and unsaid Upon the sun-warmed beach we had built sandcastles, courtyards, turrets and towers Snapshots are in frames as we picked seashells or in the sand, carved our names with flowers  Swathed in silks my hair had shimmered like diaphanous pixie wings under the autumn moon Your eyes radiant like a chatoyant jewels had glittered with hues of the ocean and water lilies in bloom Summer turned to fall and frigid winter There arrived one fine day, your much awaited letter: Saying, let me be your wishing star and a safe harbor Herein I will moor my ship dropping my anchor If my world was a palette of paint, you are the blue of my sky  The red of my hopes, the gold of my sunshine and green of my joy The stars dazzled and danced beside the moon You were coming to make me your bride very soon The sky had blushed with streaks of coral and peach color Rouge...

  The yacht, brand new, bobbed in the pale gray waters where it was moored. Freshly painted in chrome, the Contessa was going on her maiden journey today with a family of three. Alan Barlow had purchased this beauty for a few million and before holding a party aboard, wanted to take his wife Ana and seven year old daughter to the middle of the sea to show them dolphins and seals. Family getaway. Or was it his guilt for not giving them quality time in the race for raking in the moolah and to stay on top of the Forbes list? The press was all over the place and that was all that mattered to Alan. Publicity! Glamour, glitz, ambition, millions…billions! The Barlow family posed on the pier for photographs with the gleaming yacht in the background. Ana’s white, flowing summer dress billowed in the soft breeze and her chestnut hair shone with streaks of gold like a halo against the sun making a slow, shy appearance.  Rosamund had an excited look on her face and was restless to embark....

  In this dark storeroom, the staccato gives me anxiety. I realize it's the thudding of my heart! In this room where there are shapes in monochrome, the daylight could once bring brilliant fuchsia or deepest scarlet, but for now it could be a still from an old movie. The door doesn't budge. With darkness all around the silhouettes are menacing, closing in!  Four walls…ceiling…floor. How long have I been screaming? My throat... hurts...Water… I noticed how time is so much like water; that it can pass in slow motion, freeze, or zoom in the blink of an eye. The past few minutes had passed like a million frames per second. In this slow time-bubble my heart explodes in my chest, my skin is clammy as I lean against a wall.  Outside this room is rubble from the massive earthquake which hit us out of the blue. There is nothing here to even mark time. Would someone come and find me in fifteen minutes or two hours… or ten days? Or never? Will I get out alive?  The panic is m...

I can't believe it's already July. It's been a long wait…" The clock was ticking to the appointed hour. Midnight was such a fascinating time. With her hood pulled up and arms crossed, Vinca leaned against the broad trunk of a tree. The ' Buck Moon ' shone more than brightly this night. So fascinating and powerful. It was twenty past the agreed time. With an impatient glance at her watch, she kicked at a loose pebble in frustration. She was about to walk away when she heard a crunch of leaves beneath brisk footsteps. "Vinca…I'm here…Sorry, I'm late." Vinca appeared from behind the tree and took lazy strides towards him.  "Oh there you are!" He walked towards her excitedly. He would make this night memorable for her! Midway through his thought, he felt a sharp jab and a warm stickiness on his neck. Slumping on the ground, his life ebbing away, he looked up to see Vinca's bloodied mouth, fangs bared! "At this very spot, I put ...

In a garden full of flitting butterflies and flickering fireflies  Lying down on picnic mats and dreaming of the summers gone by, Gazing at airplanes flying in the sky so high! My songs are all about the sun, stars and the moon shining bright Rainy days saw me splashing in puddles Winter, in warm quilts and snug fleece bundles A home lit by fireplaces and cozy light of candles Running through sweet, wet grass on a summer day Ice cubes tinkled in tall jugs of fruit punch and lemonade Daisies and dandelions were my wreath and crown Tucking every wildflower in my hair and playing until sundown Every grove, meadow and stream Lent me tender memories and many sweet dreams  Take me home to yesterday, a childhood studded with rhinestones and daintily woven macrame  When I was happy sailing paper boats in my wonderland, spangled with dewdrops and rime. I have stumbled into this world, my eyes sparkling with a stardust sheen As my palms clutched at a pearly moonbeam, I patiently lo...

My daydreams pirouette like a ballerina on tiptoes Always holding the audience enthralled, in ecstasy with my pliés and all my moves I transform into an ice skater on the rink Swooping in rhythm on the glassine floor in a blink My eyes meet yours across the prom, stealthily Wishing that you would sweep me off my feet instantly Withered flowers of your name I preserve among the pages of my diary A decade old rose too, once scarlet, now crisp and a shade of muddy The tributes and letters unsent to you were poetic and lengthy I keep my secrets beneath my eyelids, coyly I tell my stories to the moon and the shooting stars To the butterflies and the breeze and all the flowers You and my unrealized chimera are like a candle flame making my heart sigh Incessant sparkle a pie in the sky! Some secrets are to be held close, not to flaunt It's stashed away in a hidden cache of a coded vault. ©️ Sangeetha Kamath

In an icy hamlet with a wintry fairy tale, lived a snow-bird who sang sweeter than a Nightingale.  She warbled at daybreak to a girl who always had a song on her lips and wore rainbow tiaras for hair clips.  "Weren't you the one, once so happy and bright? Did the dark side of the moon steal your sunlight?" "I'm May, Neptune's beloved child Who naively glided through a wonderland mild With a flawed cast-iron heart shield, merrily wild." Snow-bird cooed, "What did transpire, dear? Are you in some icky quagmire?" "My life's a cryptic screenplay I'm a dilapidated puzzle, jigsaw pieces all in disarray. 'Twas supposed to be my wedding day. He never did show up on time, When the bells at 8.30 did chime." To the snow-bird, it was easy to discern, That a chirpy girl had become forlorn. Someone had ruthlessly impaled May's chambray heart, with an arrow of iron. "With stardust in my eyes, clutching at moonbeams, 'twas my...

After the last guest had left the birthday party, Timothy, all of ten, dashed inside the house to unwrap all his gifts and presents. He squealed in delight as each package unraveled the objects of his heart’s desire. Just as he thought he was done with it, a slim rectangular box dropped onto the floor as a pile of scrap was being cleared.  It was shoddily wrapped in brown paper.  Gingerly, he picked it, turning it over but there was no name or gift tag. Upon unwrapping, the contents revealed a wristwatch with a tacky, plastic strap but the timepiece shone with a polished glow. A single sprig of an aromatic herb was tucked into the cloth it was swaddled in.  A handwritten note said, “From your well-wisher. Wear it.” Timothy's parents were quite wary of gifts from anonymous sources but Timothy was quite adamant about discarding it. As soon as he wore it, a random number flashed on the display and…started counting down! Aghast at this witchcraft, Timothy's parents swiftly ya...