You lived intensely with others, only to have them disappear overnight, since the shadow class was condemned to movement. The men left for other jobs, towns, got deported, returned home, changed names. Sometimes someone came popping around a corner again, or on the subway then they vanished again. Addresses, phone numbers did not hold. The emptiness Biju felt returned to him over and over, until eventually he made sure not to let friendships sink deep anymore.
Kiran DesaiSlowly, painstakingly, like ants, men would make their paths and civilization and their wars once again, only to have it wash away again.
Kiran DesaiWriting, for me, means humility. Itโs a process that involves fear and doubt, especially if youโre writing honestly.
Kiran Desai