UNTIL YOU HAVE

WALKED THROUGH THE

MARKETS

Veda Nandikam

Until you have walked through the markets, where the pervading scent of jasmine blossoms and cloyingly sweet mangoes fills every corner, sleepy dogs lie in the shade, and vendor’s stalls clutter the streets; until you have ridden an autorickshaw through pounding rain and flooding streets, a chilling night breeze replacing the humidity of the afternoon; until you have slept on a dabba under the twinkling stars, and lulled yourself to sleep with the cacophony of guava leaves and crickets; until your early October days are filled with the tolls of temple bells and sparkling silver anklets, and winding pieces of art are on the hands of every woman; until you have drank freshly made sugar cane juice or eaten pani puri straight from the cart, you have not stepped foot in my hometown.

• Category: Prose