Regional Stories of India

Regional Stories of India is an anthology of three stories from three different regions, with mine representing coastal South India- Tamilnadu.  Inspired by true events, my story titled " Manicure in Mundirikuppam" is a bitter sweet tale of human frailties. It shows a real struggle of a 9 year old girl Nila who grows up in a coastal slum that works for cashew - shelling and processing unit. They are manual labourers who hand pick cashew and - de shell them using pebbles, and mallots. That exposes them to cautic oil that seeps imto their palms causing black burns.  Nila's mother and grandfather too suffer the same health hazard. Nila strives to put an end through pursuing secondary education against their village norms and their unit owner's sly schemes. The secondary school stands 8 kilometers away from her home- and she had to walk up and down to study. Did she educate? Packed with suspense, riddles and a powerful climax, this tale shows the monumental sacrifice by the mother and the daughter. Manicure in this coastal village is beyond getting rid of stubborn black marks.  It is a poignant reminder to the privilldged who think life is a straight line journey from school to home.