2013Karma

 Karma by Cathy Ostlere
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On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi is gunned down by two Sikh bodyguards. The murder sparks riots in New Delhi and for three days Sikh men are targeted and killed in retribution for the prime minister's death. It is into this chaos that fifteen-year-old Maya and her Sikh father, Amar, arrive from their home in Canada. India's political instability is the backdrop and catalyst for Maya's awakening to the world. Karmais the story of how she straddles two cultures, endures personal loss, and ultimately learns forgiveness, acceptance, and love.

 _ //** Excerpt from the book: **//

How to begin.

Click.

How. To. Begin.

Click. Click. Click.

I like the sound of a ballpoint pen.

Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.

I’ll start with the date:

October 27, 1984.

Now the place:

Floating in air over ice.

Thirty-seven thousand feet, the pilot said.

But where exactly?

What latitude and longitude?

Is it Canada or Greenland

that fell away like a great sinking heart?

Is that a rising sun or a setting one?

The golden rays cut loose from India’s plains.

Where am I really?

Nowhere, I guess.

Somewhere between an old life and a new.