A period is definitely better than cancer! That was funny, but also sad, because of how education was then. I hope it got better for other generations.
Thanks Nadia. It definitely got better where I came from, although large parts of the world still operate in darkness. Many good people trying to change that fortunately...
For my daughter I am happy that we can have talks about this when the time comes, so she's prepared. If not with me, then with her mother. However, it will also mean she has to find inspiration for wonderful stories such as this in other things. Hopefully as human-natured as this.
A wonderfully written retelling of this story, Reena.
Aww thanks so much Arjan! I’m sure she’s in very good hands and will find inspiration in many worthwhile sources. Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season! 🙏
Hi Reena, I love your post. It brought back the fragrance of childhood in India.
I’m a filmmaker and was wondering if you write screenplays. I’m on the look out for feature length content. Do write to me on Bhavna@wsgpictures.com. If this interests you. Looking forward to hearing from you
Dear Bhavna - Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for your intriguing question. I do write and have written plays around Indian /diaspora families and women mostly.
And this piece above is also part of a longer piece I’m working on re. “sex education” which is somewhat autobiographical from growing up in the 70s/80s. Happy to email you. 😀
OMG! That must have been terrifying for her! For any girl who wasn't/isn't educated about her body. Ugh. I had two older sisters plus a very vocal mom. When I got my first period it was July 4 and my mom said, Independence Day! You're a woman now. I probably said, Ew.
It's a magnificent and very realistic post, based on the reality of a country where sex education and female sexuality still seem to be a huge taboo. The poet Rupi Kaur talks a lot about this. Thanks for the brave post Reena
What you say is true, and was even more so when I was growing up there. Although now things have improved dramatically at least in the metros, which I feel very happy to note. Ironically sexual repression also means horrific sexual crimes but that story for another time.
I have read some of Rupi Kaur's work and it is lovely.
Sidebar: I wonder if writers truly understand, or appreciate, how their words can affect others - stories or cookbooks, poems or pontifications. There is a certain immortality in that, one which I find by turns soothing AND daunting.
A period is definitely better than cancer! That was funny, but also sad, because of how education was then. I hope it got better for other generations.
Thanks Nadia. It definitely got better where I came from, although large parts of the world still operate in darkness. Many good people trying to change that fortunately...
I hope in time there will be more enlightenment!
Remember our first lesson about the same, by a well meaning cousin..😂😂
Haha! Yes. That’s been written too 😀
For my daughter I am happy that we can have talks about this when the time comes, so she's prepared. If not with me, then with her mother. However, it will also mean she has to find inspiration for wonderful stories such as this in other things. Hopefully as human-natured as this.
A wonderfully written retelling of this story, Reena.
Aww thanks so much Arjan! I’m sure she’s in very good hands and will find inspiration in many worthwhile sources. Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season! 🙏
I remember that piece you shared last year - very relatable :)
Thank you dear Minh!
Fantastic! Looking forward to your email.
Hi Reena, I love your post. It brought back the fragrance of childhood in India.
I’m a filmmaker and was wondering if you write screenplays. I’m on the look out for feature length content. Do write to me on Bhavna@wsgpictures.com. If this interests you. Looking forward to hearing from you
Dear Bhavna - Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for your intriguing question. I do write and have written plays around Indian /diaspora families and women mostly.
And this piece above is also part of a longer piece I’m working on re. “sex education” which is somewhat autobiographical from growing up in the 70s/80s. Happy to email you. 😀
OMG! That must have been terrifying for her! For any girl who wasn't/isn't educated about her body. Ugh. I had two older sisters plus a very vocal mom. When I got my first period it was July 4 and my mom said, Independence Day! You're a woman now. I probably said, Ew.
LOL! So true and funny. Yes we survived though and now we laugh... :-) Thanks CK!
It's a magnificent and very realistic post, based on the reality of a country where sex education and female sexuality still seem to be a huge taboo. The poet Rupi Kaur talks a lot about this. Thanks for the brave post Reena
Aww thanks Rolando. Appreciate it.
What you say is true, and was even more so when I was growing up there. Although now things have improved dramatically at least in the metros, which I feel very happy to note. Ironically sexual repression also means horrific sexual crimes but that story for another time.
I have read some of Rupi Kaur's work and it is lovely.
The news coming to Portugal about that subject is that somehow violations are sort of legal? Is that true?
This is a wonderful post, Reena.
Sidebar: I wonder if writers truly understand, or appreciate, how their words can affect others - stories or cookbooks, poems or pontifications. There is a certain immortality in that, one which I find by turns soothing AND daunting.
Thanks for reminding me of that...
Thanks so much Stone! I’m glad it reached you. I learn best by listening to stories so I love that this meant something...
Thank you, Reena. I am going to order that cookbook!
Awesome!