While Write Feelings was a journey to catharsis, a liberation from the mundane, Life’s Like That, my second real-life anthology, is more nuanced.

Like a boat gently rowing down the stream, akin to the nursery rhyme reminding one that life is but a dream, I am less hurried. It is not out of frustration or the self-resignation that nothing changes. Here, I take a step back to watch life from a perspective that few have time to pursue — and lend it wings with the hope that the thoughts will nest in the hearts of kindred souls. From the existential to the metaphysical, I dug deep into the mundane to create anecdotes that, I hope, will resonate with you at deeper levels, every time you read and re-read them. Life’s Like That is not quirky in its approach to life and its absurdities. It is an attempt to create a symphony on life, celebrating all its notes. It’s a concert of words.

feelings5
IMG_20201106_002902_210
Suresh bookcover 2 copy
Know Life is Like That

“After a mini civil war, my phone’s number lock was activated. Others followed suit. No one craned their necks to read messages on other phones. Credit and debit card numbers were not shared. I made them understand the significance of personal space in life. The space to read, write, listen to music, savour a cup of coffee in solitude, and view the world in your own perspective. Live life on your own terms, I preached.”

ALL'S FARE IN LOVE AND TECH WAR

“There was no exchange of telephone numbers or email addresses. There was no selfie taken. I remembered the apothegm, never meet your heroes. I have met one but am letting go the best human being I have met in my life. We glanced at each other one last time to ingrain our visages in memory.”

WHEN A STRANGER REKINDLES HOPE

“Listen, your son may or may not call you. I may or may not message you. Your wife may or may not cook for you. These shouldn’t be the parameters of your happiness. Use your solitude to converse more with yourself, and be intimate with yourself. And someone somewhere will understand you. Till then, be my cutie, cutie pug.”

DID MY ALONENESS MAKE ME CREATIVE

“The most difficult part of parenting is when your parenting succeeds to mould a well-mannered, well-rounded and altruistic generation. It’s a nightmare when the refined young adults try to parent you back. This is the trauma I am trying to endure now”

CHILDREN ARE THE PARENTS, I'M JUST A KID

“Life in a small space was more inclusive and transparent than in a larger home. People were closer than earlier; things were at an arm’s length. You could hear everyone’s heart and calls and everyone could hear you, too. Having no Great Wall of China between lives, you could read your loved ones’ emotions from a closer range.”

A SMALLER HOUSE MAKES A BETTER HOME