It is not easy to learn ancient languages, especially those that are not in vogue now.
They carry history – not just dates, but culture, emotions and compulsions. One wonders why they did whatever they did, and then, the answer pops out of someone’s monologue.
The fears that shackled their mindsets, and the hope that made them document their lives, dance on the wall in the arc created by the yellow light of her grandfather’s table lamp.
This library has always been her favourite place in the ancestral house, but it feels haunted at times.
Characters fly out of books to hold me in a spiritual arrest, demanding answers.
My grandfather loved me, but was jailed for a criminal record. Most of his alleged victims were women, and the person who documented his dark deeds was his wife.
I want to rearrange the pieces and write a story, but both scream from the graveyard, “I was framed. Pull me out of ignominy.”
Creative Experiments and More 
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My son was married in a Hindu temple to a woman born in Gujarat. She came to Canada when she was two years old. The priest performed the ceremony in Sanskrit, Gujarati and English. I can’t speak to his Sanskrit or Gujarati, but his English was flawless. Also a very long ceremony.
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Wedding celebrations last a week here with 4-6 events.
Someone made the “pheras” (Going round the fire) longer with a special version of mantras + songs. He adds English to Hindi and Sanskrit, if the marriage is international, and charges a bomb for it.
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I watched a programme about Pompeii, which followed three survivors, and their story was retold beautifully.
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The context often changes with retelling of stories.
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what a provocative juxtaposition! a clear parallel between a language lost with the passage of time and a history hidden in the darkness of time passed.
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Thank you, Clark!
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This is so interesting. I had not the slightest idea where the story was headed. The secrets that words hide-will we ever know them!
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Languages can be a bridge or barrier.
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this is so powerful, reena. we carry those ancient pieces with us
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Thank you, Beth!
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What an interesting piece, Reena – a very good one too!
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Thank you, Chris!
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Thatvwas a damn good response to the prompt Reena. From a reluctance to learning an ancient language to unraveling an ancient mystery!!
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Thank you so much, Geeta!
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This is an excellent piece of writing Reena. Loved the intrigue and suspense of the story. Thanks for joining in.
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Thank you, Sadje! Glad you liked it.
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A very awesome piece, Reena! Ancient languages are not just languages, but they carry the history, the culture, and the compulsion. They are, however, not easy to learn. 👍
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Thank you, Aptivi!
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You’re welcome, Reena! ☺️
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