GRAVITAS

Dr Chaturvedi Divi’s short stories and poems have appeared in Only Men Please (anthology), Reading Hour, America the Catholic magazine, Twist & Twain, Spillwords, Borderless Journal, and elsewhere. He has an MA in creative writing from The University of Wales. His doctoral thesis is on diasporic literature.

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"I don’t have anything to declare,” Sandeep said to the airport official and moved out.

“Just the cabin baggage? Traveling so light!” said Easwar who was waiting for Sandeep.

Sandeep smiled. “How are you dad? How is mum?” “She has become busy these days.

She is working as the corporate communications officer in Tata Communications.”

While driving towards their home in Secunderabad, Sandeep asked, “Dad, are you really doing well?” “Why, boy, what makes you think so?” “You lost weight, there are wrinkles on your forehead, and you haven’t shaved for several days.” “No, I’m fine. I’m not getting younger at 55, you know.”

“I’m not convinced dad.” When they reached home, Easwar made some coffee for Sandeep and said, “Take rest. Your mother will be back in a couple of hours. We will have dinner together.”

“Dad, you’re not your usual self. Are you hiding anything from me?”

“Oh! No.”

At 8 pm, Sandeep woke up and went into the living room. Ramya was sitting there. “Hi Sandeep, did you have a good journey? Are you enjoying your work?” “Yes, mum. There is a lot of demand for cyber security specialists in the USA.”

“That’s good. I’m glad to know that you’re happy there.” Gravitas 2

“It’s quite warm here. It’s snowing in Chicago,” Sandeep said.

“Oh.”