Shon Mehta

Viprasta did a lot of things he didn't want to. He wanted to sleep till noon, but instead he got up before dawn. He wanted to take a hot water bath, but instead he took a plunge into the lake's freezing water. He then stood in the water, chanting the hymns he knew by heart, and hated, since his childhood. He got out of the water, and walked towards his house. It was still dark outside, and there was a lamp burning in his house. His ceta, a slave boy of ten, was up and had plucked fresh flowers for the god of gods, Sarvabhu. Viprasta examined the flowers. A few of the flowers were wilted. He called his ceta, and scolded him. "You are becoming lazy."  Viprasta said, by way of a warning.  "You need a flogging." The boy cowered in a fear. He knew that his owner is a man of his words, and will do as he says. Viprasta wore his best maroon Tapasi robe, the one he wore every year on the day of "Dhi". Dhi was a yearly festival in Vanpore. V...

Judge a man’s character by how he treats people he does not know, and things he does not own.  ―   Shon Mehta, The Timingila “May you drink so much that you lose your fear, but not so much that you lose your mind. May you eat so much that you gain your strength, but not so much that you lose your shape.” ― Shon Mehta, The Timingila Originally posted Tasvak had this vague idea about the person who could be his soulmate. He was sure that this person will forever remain in his imagination,  because existence of such a person was not possible.   But now, when he was face to face with her, he didn't know how to behave. He sensed a warm, fuzzy feeling in his heart,  a feeling of overwhelming happiness. He smiled, and gazed at her as she chatted happily. He even thought of straightening her unruly hair.  Tasvak was falling in love. ―   Shon Mehta, The Timingila

Rudhata, the Tapasi monk, was on his way from Vakshi to Vanpore. As he passed by a house on the way, he saw a large cage with several birds inside. A compassionate man, he was troubled at the sight, and decided to do something about it. He immediately knocked on the door. The owner stepped out, surprised. It was not often that a monk came knocking at his door. “Why have you kept these sweet birds in this cage?" demanded Rudhata, as soon as the owner came out. "Because I love watching them.” answered the owner. "They are rare birds. I have paid a hefty price for them." "If I pay you, will you free them?" asked Rudhata. The owner pondered for a moment. He did not want to argue with a monk. "Sure," said the owner, "I will free them for ten copper karshikas." Rudhata went to the village square, and asked for donations. Once he had collected ten copper karshikas, he went back, and gave the money to the owner. The owner bow...