My latest book is The One Who Swam With The Fishes.

"A mesmerizing account of the well-known story of Matsyagandha ... and her transformation from fisherman’s daughter to Satyavati, Santanu’s royal consort and the Mother/Progenitor of the Kuru clan." - Hindustan Times

"Themes of fate, morality and power overlay a subtle and essential feminism to make this lyrical book a must-read. If this is Madhavan’s first book in the Girls from the Mahabharata series, there is much to look forward to in the months to come." - Open Magazine

"A gleeful dollop of Blytonian magic ... Reddy Madhavan is also able to tackle some fairly sensitive subjects such as identity, the love of and karmic ties with parents, adoption, the first sexual encounter, loneliness, and my favourite, feminist rage." - Scroll



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3 September 2004

The Conversation

I caved and called K. the other day. I know, I know (hides face in shame), but it was just something I had to do. Here's a transcript of the conversation, just how I remember it.

Me: Hey
Him (rather too enthusiastically): Hi!
Me: Just wanted to... y'know... check in and things. See how you were doing. Coz we should stay friends and all (realise I am babbling and trail off)
Him: Yes, that's what I want as well.
(Long pause)
Him: So, how's work?
Me: Oh. Oh! Work is... work (pat myself on the back for this profound statement) I'm busy. It's book and theatre season so I'm out all the time.
Him: Yes, I read your paper every now and then. But in bits.
Me: Yes (think: Yes, well you never read it when we were dating either didja?)
Him: So, your hair looks good.
Me: I know.
Him: It looks really good
Me: I know.
Him: It looked good at that party too.
Me: The one where Randeep (his friend) treated me like I was part of the enemy camp?
Him: Did he? We talked about it and decided it was okay if he wanted to carry on in touch with you.
Me: (Think: How kind) Yes, well, he hasn't called.
Him: Is Dhati still pissed with me?
Me: Yes, all my friends are (laugh to take the truth out of this statement). Your dad must be very happy, no distractions.
Him: Actually, my family was quite upset with me for a couple of days.
(I think Good. At least it's not out of sight out of mind for them.)
Me: Oh, one more thing. If you start seeing someone else, I'd like to hear it from you and not from anyone else coz we have a lot of common friends.
Him: Well, there was this one girl who I spoke to for a couple of days.
Me: (Thinking Oh. My. God. Oh. My God.) Uh-huh?
Him: But nothing really came of it.
Me: (rather squeakily) Okay.
Him: I just don't want to be in a relationship right now.
Me: (overcompensating brightly): Yeah, me neither. I'm taking a sabbatical. (pause) Would you mind if I started seeing someone else?
Him: No! No, I'd be really happy for you.
Me: (thinking: all is lost) I wouldn't be so happy if you were seeing someone else.
Him: Fair enough.
Him: So let's meet up soon
Me: Yeah. No. Not yet. Give me a call sometime.
(We hang up and I take all his..our.... pictures off my bulletin board, out of the frames, and his ring off my finger. It feels naked.)

*sigh*


7 comments:

  1. Check your mail babe. I expect a reply!!!
    - Ash.

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  2. What you did - understandable. But DON'T do it again. You might end up feeling worse.Take care!

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  3. I came upon your blog from the "next blog" toolbar (it's become something of a sad addiction) just wanted you to know that your posts are lovely. you are a very dexterous writer and I'm impressed. but really why I'm posting is to say a huge thank you for that PoA link. It was awesome, I haven't laughed that hard in weeks. thnx

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  4. I couldn't help myself...I did the same thing a few days ago. You handled your call marvelously. I did not, however, fair as well. I think he was expecting me to beg him back (since I was the one who ended it) but I didn't. He was pissed that I still just want to be friends...oh well. What are ya gonna do? But, brava, You! I did delete his number from my cell phone...that will keep me from doing it again.

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  5. Gah!! What's wrong with your email addy? Mail me your new address or one that works, you know mine.
    - Ash.

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  6. Thanks for all your comments guys! (Though I am concerned that my readership seems to be only women) Yes, I don't think I'm going to call him again, but I would really like to be friends with him... maybe in the happier future?

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  7. oh and ash, that angelfire account of yours keeps bouncing!

    ReplyDelete

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