FOUR JUNCTIONS MAANASWINI MANISH

I Come From

I come from a realm of fairies, longing eternally for a glimpse of fame.

From thrilling road trips through meadows and marshes and the destination changing each day. From grasping her hand on the first day, and leaving it on the last.

I come from devouring kulfi on cloud nine and fish and chips near a river, rowing far, far away until all I see is a speck of golden dust. I come from experiences through my taste buds and adventure through my eyes.

I come from draping myself in six yards of elegance and making snow angels outside. I come from countless recitals and after-party cheer.

Dancing till I can’t anymore and Michael Jackson on full volume as we steer.

Plenty of quarrels yet I still hold them close, trips to the library, pouring over books about knights and castles and talking animals too. I come from Pink Floyd and freshly ground coffee, bubble tea on Saturdays and long car journeys.

Harry Potter movie marathons on a cold September night.

From lighting lamps along the courtyard to watching the flickering of Christmas lights.

Carol services and hot chocolate with a secret side of whipped cream; jet fuel and piping hot pongal at dawn.

Darting through the field with my cousins hot on my trail, stumbling through the paddy and countless grains. I come from unanswered questions and an unquenchable curiosity, from driving to school and driving back again. Writing till my hand aches and then writing some more. I come from midnight reading and ghost stories under the covers, from Maths and English and History. I come from my fairy land, an obscure land full of dreamers with unapologetic imaginations and thoughts. Maybe one day, we will be part of that.