Ashok had been the security guard of Misty Meadows for years. He had watched people arrive with suitcases, boxes, and eyes full of curiosity and hope. He had watched people leave for work every morning, and return home in the evenings, sometimes cheerful, a lot of times tired. He had watched the children hurry off … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #9: The Man at the Gate

Raghu, the grocery store owner, was very well-versed in the likes and dislikes of the people of Misty Meadows. He knew exactly which breakfast cereal little Tara loved. He knew the brand of tea that Mrs Desai used. He knew the snacks that Akash and Amritha would reach for on their late-night workdays. He had … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #8: The Man Behind the Grocery Counter

If there was one person on whom everyone at Misty Meadows depended, it was Surekha didi. She worked as a maid-cum-cook in several houses in the community, and lived in a tiny one-bedroom outhouse in a corner of Misty Meadows. She was always punctual, always tidy, and always dependable. She had moved from a tiny … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #7: The Didi Everyone Counted On

Boo, the golden retriever, belonged to Tom Uncle. Technically. In reality, he was the pet of the entire community of Misty Meadows. He was pampered and loved by everyone. The children adored him. Every evening, Boo would stand by the playground, tongue hanging out, tail wagging enthusiastically, and barking at everything that happened around him. … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #6: The Dog Who Belonged To Everyone

Every morning, at exactly 6:15 AM, Misty Meadows echoed with the sound of shoes hitting the ground rapidly. Radha would be seen sprinting across the trail around the community every single day. She would wear an athletic outfit, a hair band, earphones plugged in, and of course, her trusty running shoes. To the residents of … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #5: The Woman with the Running Shoes

Thomas Uncle was one of the oldest residents of Misty Meadows. He was often seen carrying an old, faded, tattered bag slung over his shoulders. None of the residents knew what he kept inside it. But what everyone knew was that he was one of those people who could instantly brighten up the atmosphere with … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #4: The Cheerful Uncle and His Bag of Stories

A little note before we begin: This happens to be the 200th post on The Soulful Nib. When I started writing 10 years ago, I never imagined I would get to this number. What began as "just another passing hobby" turned out to become one of my strongest identities. My thoughts, perspectives, ideas and writing … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #3: The Girl with the Red Bicycle

Akash and Amritha stood out in Misty Meadows. While the rest of the residents often looked laid-back and unhurried, it wasn’t the case with this young couple who had recently moved into a modest 2BHK villa in Misty Meadows. It hadn’t been a long time since they moved in, but everyone had already noticed them. … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #2: The Young Couple with the Laptop

Misty Meadows is a small residential community tucked away somewhere in the hills of Karnataka. It isn't luxurious or sprawling. It is simply a collection of well-planned, well-built independent homes. There is plenty of greenery. A cobblestoned walking path winds through the community. There is a small children's play area where the sounds of cricket … Continue reading People of Misty Meadows #1: The Woman with the Book