“The civil servant looks back at the file and says flatly, as if reading, “No children?” and then, looking directly up at Somer, “No babies?” Her cheeks flush with familiar shame in this country where fertility is so celebrated, where… — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share
“At some point, the family you create is more important than the one you were born into.” — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share Image
“Now, her mother lifts Kavita’s head up out of her lap and holds her face, hot with tears, in her cool hands. “I am glad it is you who is going,” her mother whispers. Kavita looks up at her with shock. “I won’t worry about you, Kavita. You have strength. Fortitude. Shakti. Bombay will bring you hardship. But you, beti,… — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share
“You've got to check your ego at the door, and change your goal from having the right answer to learning everything you can. Understand?” — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share Image
“Wedding was quiet and small, home they shared was soulless, their food bland. Sarla and her husband felt like guests in that home rather… — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share Image
“Kavita’s arms are still outstretched, but they hold nothing. After the metal gate clangs shut behind them, Kavita can still hear Usha’s piercing wail… — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share Image
“At some point, the family you create is more important than the one you’re born into,” — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share Image
“And she knew her defiance in escaping his grasp, even temporarily, had shown Jasu the depth of her strength. In the months afterward, though he behaved awkwardly, he had allowed her the time and space she needed. It was the first genuine show of respect he had made toward her in their four years of marriage. Jasu’s parents made no… — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share
“Everyone has been overjoyed with the birth of their first son, bringing celebratory sweets, new clothes for the baby, fennel tea to bolster her milk supply. They have showered on her all the traditional gifts, as if this is her first baby, their first child. What about the other times I’ve carried a baby in my womb, given birth, held… — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share
“It has been an assault on her senses: smells that suddenly overpower her, and heat she can taste, thick as dust on her tongue.… — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share Image
“Kavita looks peaceful when she's sleeping, when the Morphine finally brings her some comfort. Jasu sits in a chair next to the bed and reaches for her frail hand. With his touch, her eyes flutter open and she licks her dried lips. She sees him and smiles. “Jani, you’re back,” she says softly. “I went there, chakli.” He tries to… — Shilpi Somaya Gowda Copy Share
“Notice if you are holding your breath after inhaling, and if so, what are you afraid of letting go. Or are you holding it… — shilpi somaya gowda Copy Share Image
