Light and Darkness
The lights flicker with relief in balconies, telling me with a careful giddiness – lest their gratitude be tainted – we weren’t touched by adversity. The balconies that aren’t adorned with lights, with the exception of one sorrowful lamp, is telling me despondently that Ayodhya may have gotten their king back but the loss of their head burdens this house.
For each string of flowers that gleefully dangles from doors and hinges, there’s a garland that dolorously grips the frame of a loved one. For each diya that glimmers religiously celebrating the homecoming of a son, a daughter and a brother, there is a counterpart that mourns and wishes for the son, daughter and brothers that won’t return.
The festival of lights is a reminder of the darkness that’s all-consuming.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWelcome to Voice.Club, Nayan. This is a very intense deep micro fiction that it will take me several readings to grasp all the complexities. Could you please give me a little background concerning the Festival of Lights as it pertains to your writing?
Thank you for your feedback! The Hindu festival of Diwali is known as the festival of lights where we celebrate the homecoming of Ram and Sita by decorating our houses and adorning them with lights. However, it is a very common practice that in the case of a death in the family the Diwali celebrations are skipped, the house is instead in mourning. This piece was specifically written in reference to the… Read more »
Welcome, Nayan! I had heard of the Festival of Lights before but really didn’t know what it was, so I’m glad you explained it to Margarida. How sad it must be knowing neighbours won’t be celebrating due to a loss in their family. You have conveyed the feelings and empathy very well. I look forward to more of your stories ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleNayan, what a wonderfully bittersweet story that describes the joys people have of living whilst also celebrating the lives of those who can no longer live. I appreciate that you explained the Festival of Lights as well since I am not too familiar with that subject matter but would love to learn more! A truly enjoyable read!
Hello, Nayan. Welcome to voice club. Your first story looks so interesting to me. You set the scene and emotions perfectly. And thank you for sharing some of the Hindu practices and culture. Keep on writing. I am excited to read more stories from you.