Rating:3.5/5
Finsihed on:November 28th 2013
Awards: 2009 PEN/O. Henry Prize
I came across the works of Mohan Sikka through the movie B A Pass. I
loved the movie and when i came to know that it was based on the short
story viz The Railway Aunty. I ordered the anthology Delhi Noir and
while browsing for author’s more work i came across this short story. So
i bought it.
Although based in Delhi this story has entirely different theme.
Sanju
is a ten year old kid,who has to move to his grand parents house,as his
parents were abroad. In the neighborhood lives Musto, Sanju’s mothers
cousin. He has kept a secretary, Rose, and there is a rumor that he’s
carrying on an affair with her. The incidents that follow this are
narrated by Sanju and how this transforms his opinions.
‘Before i would hide she approached me. ‘ How are you Sanju beta? What
news from your mummy papa.’ The pan stains, i noticed, were gone from
her lips. She looked at me so kindly i smiled back without thinking. I
was about to answer when i remembered what grandma had called her: a
common prostitute. I made my face hard and walked brusquely past on the
sidewalk.’
The story was an engaging read.I liked the story.
You can get the book from the below link:
Uncle Musto takes a mistress
