Articles from the author

The things people say. And what they really mean. A parent's immortal phrase, since you won't listen to me, go ahead and do what you want.

The cutting edge of competition. Best exemplified in the playing fields. Cases of sportspersons burning out before reaching their peak, some resorting to steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.

They say an elephant never forgets. In that case, I have three elephants in my family. A trio of siblings. In spite of our parent's frequent injunctions to forgive and forget, these three have obviously never taken their well-meant advice to heart.

It never rains but it pours. Literally. In a place called Bengdubi. A name which exemplifies the saying.

Great expectations. A younger sibling looking up to an older one. Take a pair of brothers just a year and a half apart. What a difference a year makes, particularly among children.

Family friends. Friends of your parents whose children you inherit - as friends. Not that you are ever told that you have to be friends. It's just understood that you will get on famously. Like a house on fire. The two sets of parents soul and sole mates.

The world of make-believe. A world unfettered by rules or restrictions. One you can enter without benefit of passport, visa or sponsorship.

Women are made of sterner stuff. Than men.

A sneaking admiration for an older sibling. Of course, you would rather die than acknowledge this.

Cards and camaraderie. There were always packs of playing cards in my house. To be taken out on a rainy afternoon when going out into the garden to play was out of the question.

A sense of humour. What, according to you, most people lack and only you possess.

Out of the mouths of babes. The word 'babes' here not referring to the kind that elicit wolf-whistles. But to children. Who know how to get to the crux of the matter.