One Part Woman

by Perumal Murugan

Even while planting it, he focused on the pleasure of being able to lie in its cool shade some day.

It annoyed Kali that though they might have a million things wrong with their own lives, people found great pleasure in poking and prodding other people’s miseries.

It is only when we give half of ourselves—both body and mind—to the woman that we can be good husbands.

If man had the prospect of living any longer than he already did, he would want to keep everything for himself.

Failed artistes suddenly become critics.

Even when you have spent years with some people, their real faces are revealed only when the right time comes. God knows how many faces lie concealed forever, with no opportunity to reveal themselves.

I need to fear only if I am among known faces and in known places.