lilamani
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#1: lilamani Author: mohiniLocation: india PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 4:53 pm


I wanted to write a cokkie or a drabble on Lilamani.
1) Do I have to write the whole story first and copy it here?

2) Should it be gramatically correct and without any spelling mistake?
because if I decide to write directly i ahve to type fast to keep up with my thought process and in haste my fingers wander abit on the keyboard and spelling mistakes occur.

 


#2:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 4:56 pm


Write the story first as a word document, then proof-read it and make any necessary alterations, then copy/paste it into the Post facility.

 


#3:  Author: ToriaLocation: London PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 6:12 pm


If you don't want to write it all in one go then you can write up bits at a time, check them and post them. It really depends how long you're intending it to be, if it's fairly short then post in one go. If it's going to be longer I'd post a chapter at a time!

 


#4:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 8:18 pm


Writing in word not only gives you the chance to run a rudimentry spell and grammar checker over it, but also means that you ave a yibble free copy to refer back to whilst writing the next bit, and it is safe if the board goes down for any reason.

You don't need to write it all them post, lots of us write as we post, finding the feedback useful, if only as a spur.

 


#5:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 10:01 pm


Looking forward to the story Mohini - I post bits at a time and find the comments and feedback extremely helpful - they give me ideas for later posts - and I always have it on a word doc and then paste onto the board.

 


#6: lilamani Author: mohiniLocation: india PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 5:41 pm


well here goes.
Wish me luck .
My first attempt at writing on net.


Lilamani was thinking. The day passed very rapidly and there was no time to think. At night, she would be so tired that she was asleep before her head touched the pillow. But now after 10 days at school, the regular hours were soothing and she could think. She knew it was not correct to fret about her mother. But she was worried. “ I should think of something nice”, she thought. After that horrible journey from Kashmir to France and then her mother falling ill and than the nightmarish journey to England. She would not think of it. Here she was in nice school. How many of her friends had a chance to study in a foreign school? Nor was she among total stranger. She had been dreading coming here. It was a nice surprise to see Lavender. Lavender had been kind. Giving her clothes and helping her. She remembered how Lavender had taken care of her. She had even taken her for prayers with her.
At this thought Lilamani suddenly sat up. A horrible thought came to her mind.
She had sat and prayed like the Christians do. Did that make her a Christian?
If she became a Christian no one would accept her back home. What will she have to do?
She remembered her grandmother saying that all your sins get washed in the holy waters of the Ganges river. But she did not have any water from Ganges.What could she do?

 


#7:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 7:46 pm


Ooh, interesting idea Mohini! I always thought Lilamani should have appeared more often and it's good to hear something more of her. Thank you!

 


#8:  Author: MarianneLocation: Bournemouth PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 7:58 pm


wow, very interesting
More please!

 


#9:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:02 pm


Very interesting, poor Lilamani to have to worry about that - surprised someone hasn't picked up on it -but suppose they all assume she's Christian!

Further installments gratefully received!

 


#10:  Author: gigagalLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:18 pm


That's really good..

Where -does- Lilamani pop up though? I mean, I've heard others mention her but I've never read a CS book with her in myself.

 


#11:  Author: cazLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:23 pm


She's in Lavender but I think that's the only one.

Very interesting, mohni. It was rather convenient for EBD that Lilimani was a Christian... Confused

 


#12:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:23 pm


She pops up near the end of Lavender. She knows Lavender from when she was travelling in Kashmir with her aunt.

 


#13:  Author: gigagalLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:32 pm


Ah, okay. Thanks. So how does EBD work her out of the series?

(Sorry, I'm quite interested in EBD bringing in an asian!)

 


#14:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:39 pm


She doesn't! Lilamani just isn't mentioned in the next book

 


#15:  Author: gigagalLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:47 pm


Ah, that's a shame...It'ud have been nice to have a book on Lilamani...but I bet this drabble will substitute for that!

 


#16:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 9:37 pm


*excited*

This is great...

*waiting for some more*

 


#17:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 10:12 pm


This is great Mohini!
More soon please!

 


#18:  Author: ShanderLocation: Canada PostPosted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 2:07 am


This looks really interesting.
I'm excited to read more when its up.

 


#19: lilamani Author: mohiniLocation: india PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 5:10 pm


The sound of Lilamani sitting up woke Lavender and some instinct made her throw back her covers and pad to Lillian’s cubicle. When she saw Lilamani sitting there with a look of terror on her face and shivering, she ran to her and sitting on her bed and there by breaking all sorts of rules, tried to comfort her. “What’s the matter? Kya hua?”She added in Hindi.” Did you have a nightmare? Do you want water?” But Lilamani could not be consoled and in the end Lavender did a sensible thing. She went to Matron and woke her.
Matron acted promptly and looking at Lilamani’s condition carried her to the san, gave her a glass of warm milk and tucked her. In the morning she woke up the head.
Listening to Lilamani’s mutterings at night she had a fair idea of the trouble and thought it was better to tell the Head.
Miss Annersely woke up and seeing Matron beside sat up and said” What’s the matter? Is anyone ill?
“No it is Lilamani. Lavender woke me up at night as Lilamani as trembling. I took her to san. She is sleeping but she feels that she has become a Christian”
“What !!!!!!Whatever gave her such an idea?” exclaimed the Head
“ Apparently Lavender took her with her to the prayers.”
“So did you tell her that it is not possible to become Christian by attending prayers?”
“ No I feel you should talk to her. It is not so simple. It is deeper than that,” said matron.
“And it is not something which Joey can solve. It needs someone older and wiser. She added knowing the Head’s dependence on Joey

 


#20:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 5:16 pm


I'm glad someone's recognised that Joey can't do everything!

 


#21:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 7:48 pm


Thanks Mohini Very Happy

 


#22:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:34 pm


Looking forward to the next bit Mohini Very Happy

 


#23:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 5:03 am


Thank you, Mohini. I'm looking forward to hearing Miss Annersley's explanation -- and Lilamani's response.

 


#24: lilamani Author: mohiniLocation: india PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:04 pm


The Head went to san inwardly feeling troubled though no one would have thought so looking at her face. It was calm and collected. ‘Really’, she thought.’ It would have been nice to be able to dump the problem in Joey’s lap. I am basically a teacher and though I understand most of the problems of girls this is something new.’ She entered the san. Lilamani was sitting on the bed drinking her milk under the strict eye of the nurse.” How are you dear?” asked Miss Annersely.”What’s the problem? Tell me. I am here to solve it.” “ I am not a Christian. I do not want to be a Christian!!” Lilamani replied.
“But who said you are a Christian? And anyway what is wrong in being a Chirstian? We are all nice people.”
“No!! No one told me. But since I prayed to God in your service and listened to the prayers I must have become one. No one in my family will accept me. My mother will hate it. My grandmother will not allow me to enter the house or eat with her. Who will marry me?”
By this time she was becoming hysterical and matron who had followed the Head said in a firm voice “Now calm yourself. There will be a solution to this. Keep quiet. Take deep breaths. Drink this!!!” She indicated with her head to Miss Annersely to leave the room .

Miss Annersely went back to her room and called Madge and told her about the problem.Madge who had stayed for many years in India understood the fear and promised to come immediately.
Meanwhile Lavender woke up and went to matron’s room to inquire about Lilamani
.”No you cannot meet her now” said matron.

It was nearly afternoon by the time Madge arrived. She straight went to Lilamani and greeted her in Hindi. On hearing her native language, Lilamani broke down completely. Madge held her in her arms and comforted her and slowly extracted the story from her.Lilamni told her all about their long and tedious travel from Kashmir to France and then her mother’s illness and then the journey from France to the school. Madge listened patiently to all the story and then still holding her in her arms said” No you do not become a Christian just by praying to God with us or even in Church. You do not believe me? Let me explain.

 


#25:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:13 pm


*happy dancing* mohini this is great Very Happy

*hoping for some more* Wink

 


#26:  Author: cazLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:22 pm


Thank you. It's great to see Madge taking a hand. Somehow, the fact that she was in India as a child rarely gets mentioned.

 


#27:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:22 pm


Hopefully madge will be able to understand her fear and to help her. Whilst the staff seem to have seen her worry, they don't seem to have caugt the fear behind it. Madge may have a better idea of where she is coming from. Of course Madge won't have seen a lot of India while she was there, other than from the Anglo-Indian viewpoint.

 


#28: Lilamani Author: mohiniLocation: india PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 6:18 pm


“Your religion is what you believe in. It is all inside you. No one can make you change your religion without your consent. And just by praying in a church or even entering a church doesn’t change your religion. Do you know, there are many tourists who visit temples or mosques or churches to see how they are. They may even pray there or talk to the priest who may bless them. But when you pray, you pray to your God. And there is only one God Only the method of praying differs with different religion. And if you like we can make arrangements for you to pray in some other place when all the other girls are praying. There is no temple nearby, but you can go to some place and pray. “
Lialmani by this time was calmed down and was listening to Madge seriously. It made her feel better to be offered to pray in some other place. Talking to Madge had relieved her tensions quite a lot.
She did not feel that she had committed a sin.
Madge left her relaxed and went to meet Miss Annersely and tell her about making arrangements for Lilamani. “Give her a place to pray? But why? Why can’t she pray with us?” She exclaimed. Madge sat down and explained, “She has gone through quite a lot. She told me all about it. Her journey from Kashmir to France and then here. It is quite different from the place she stayed and she did not get time to adjust. And when she had this thought on top of everything she broke down. “ “Alright. But where can she pray? The girls are not allowed in the Dormitories during prayer and I cannot break rules for one girl”
“ How about the room next to san. She can use it. She needs only a place. She has no Gods with her”
“No Gods! What do you mean?”
“They practice Idol worship in India. And she has no idols with her.”
Miss Annersely then called Lilamani and told her about the plans. Lilamani thanked her profusely and was sent back to her class where all greeted her warmly.

 


#29:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 6:25 pm


That was lovely Mohini, thank you!

 


#30:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 10:19 pm


Thank you Mohini.

 


#31:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 2:14 pm


Mohini I have only just managed to read this, it was lovely. Well done for your first one.

 


#32:  Author: MarianneLocation: Bournemouth PostPosted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 2:22 pm


wow, v.g
thank you

 


#33:  Author: mohiniLocation: india PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 6:16 pm


“Are you alright?” Lavender asked anxiously.” What was the matter?” It’s all right. Madame explained everything. I can now pray separately.”Lilamani replied.
Do you really have many Gods?”
The girls had been discussing the problem about Lilamani. Somehow they had come to know about it.
“But how can anyone not be a Chirstian?”Sybil wondered turning up her pretty nose.” It is the only religion and the best. How can anyone pray to other God?”
“They do not have one God only. They have many Gods,” said Lilamani
“But how strange!!!!” exclaimed Julie Lucy
At this moment Lilamani arrived in the room and she turned to answer Julie who had asked her if they really had many Gods.
“Yes”, she replied
“Do you really practice Idol worship? “ asked Daphne
“Yes”
The girls except for Bride and Mollie shrank back a little. Seeing the girls move away from Lilamani made Lavender very angry. She saw Lilamani was hurt by their attitude.
“What’s the matter?” she asked
“We cannot associate with girls who practice idol worship. How can Aunt Madge let such a girl amidst us?” sneered Sybil
The girls were so busy discussing that no one noticed Madge and the Head enter the room
“Why?” asked Lavender
“Because she doesn’t worship our God”
“And she worships Idols and so she may be practicing witchcraft”
“And she worships many Gods”
A chorus of answers came at Lavender’s questions and before she could reply to this heatedly Lilamani suddenly spoke “ Madame told me that your religion is what you believe in. she also said that we all pray to the same God only the methods of praying are different. As for different Gods even the Greek have different Gods. And if you say that Christianity is the best religion, even you have differences among you. You pray to the same God but why do you pray differently?”
“What do you mean?” asked Sybil. All others were too stunned to speak
“Don’t you have Protesters and Catalysts among you and you separate for prayers. Why cannot you pray together if you are all Christians?”
“It is Protestants and Catholics” replied Madge choking back her laughter. “Girls please assemble in he Hall in 5 min I want to talk to you”

 


#34:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 6:31 pm


Love the Protesters and Catalysts bit! Laughing

Hope Miss Annersley or someone is going to stop the other girls baiting Lilamani.

 


#35:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 6:37 pm


That was very interesting to see Mohini. Poor Lilimani.

Just a pedantic point - Sybil is Madge's daughter, not her neice. So her mother let in the "heaten" not her aunt.

 


#36:  Author: Annie PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 7:25 pm


Oh this is sooooooooooooooooo sweet! More please! Well done Mohini and thanks!

 


#37:  Author: LadyGuinevereLocation: Leicester PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 9:48 pm


This is really interesting! Nice work! Looking forward to more....

~LadyG

 


#38:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 10:24 pm


This is really interesting Mohini, and just as I can imagine Sybil acting too. Looking forward to more

 


#39:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 5:49 am


Lilamani certainly has a point about the not praying together!

*wonders whether the separation would still hold in daily prayers if the CS series continued today*

 


#40:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 12:58 pm


This is very thought-provoking. I want to see how it turns out.

 


#41:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 8:13 pm


I'm sure none of us ever thought of this before for Lilimani. thank you for opening our eyes, Mohini!

 


#42:  Author: Elisabeth PostPosted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 9:13 pm


This is a really original and interesting idea, Mohini.
Love it.

 


#43:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 4:08 pm


Certainly thought provoking. We get so used to the snitised EBD versions of things we forget that would probably be like this. Howvever ladylike, they would still have given their opinions. Hopefully Madge and Hilda will be able to nip it in the bud.

 


#44:  Author: mohiniLocation: india PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 6:22 pm


When all the girls had assembled and were sitting quietly, Madge stood on the dais and said “ Girls I want to say something to you. I heard some of you tease Lilamani. It is not correct. Iwill not allow it. I am going to talk about religion. Religion means worship of God. It is inside you. Your religion is decided depending on when and where you are born because you follow the religion followed by your parents. As there are different types of people living in different lands they all have their own customs and behavior and also different religion.
Miss Annersely said, “People all over the world are not same. Some are educated and know what is going on in the world. There are some places in the world where the people haven’t even seen a plane or heard a radio or even know that such things exist. With their limited knowledge they try to find out answers to some mysteries of life and if they cannot find a suitable explanation they call it God’s work and as they have no concept of how God looks they all try to use their imagination and make an image of God. So in every religion, the image of God is different. Therefore the methods of praying are different”
“Everyone in the world has a right to follow his or her own religion. And no religion makes you superior for after all we are all praying to God and in His eyes all are equal. You find the method of praying strange because you have not come across it till now. But after all worshiping God is important, the way you do may differ.”
“ It is like coming to school to learn. Some come walking some by train. And if all follow the same path think how crowded the road will be! Therefore there are various paths to reach God. ” Added irrepressible Joey who had come to join the discussion for she felt hurt being left out of school activities. She had to have her finger in every pie.
“Joey!!!!!!!!!! What a horrible similie.” exclaimed Madge
“But the girls have an idea of what you mean . You were being all serious and it was a bit heady stuff.”
“But what does that mean? “ asked Bride.
“Only that during our prayers Lilamani will pray in a different room during our prayers.And no one should tease her about it or sneer at her. Do you understand Sybil?”
“Yes. I am sorry Lilamani”
It’s alright” smiled Lilamani and they all went back to their own work.

****************************************************
I find it difficult to express what exactly I want in words which will sound like coming from Madge's mouth.But I hope you get the general idea.
Mohini

 


#45:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 6:26 pm


I thought it was expressed really well, Mohini. I liked Joey's simile!

 


#46:  Author: Elisabeth PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 6:29 pm


mohini wrote:

I find it difficult to express what exactly I want in words which will sound like coming from Madge's mouth.But I hope you get the general idea.
Mohini

I think you've done it perfectly Mohini.
And I like the simile of different ways of coming to school!

 


#47:  Author: LadyGuinevereLocation: Leicester PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 8:41 pm


Definitely expressed beautifully.

~LadyG

 


#48:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 8:52 pm


Lovely, Mohini.

If only we could persuade the world to take that view .........

 


#49:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:08 pm


PatMac wrote:
Lovely, Mohini.

If only we could persuade the world to take that view .........


Echoes that!

 


#50:  Author: LulaLocation: Midlands, UK PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 4:01 pm


Wow. Only just caught up on this, and I just want to say that it's fabulous. Some very hefty stuff dealt with here.

 


#51:  Author: BookwormsarahLocation: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 5:17 pm


I have just read the story and thought it was wonderful. I love to read unusual takes on the series, and I think this is a wonderful 'insight' into an intriguing character who should have appeared more. Excellent story, I'm looking forward to reading more of your work!

 


#52:  Author: Annie PostPosted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 4:41 pm


Wow! Love the simile of people coming to school!

 


#53:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 4:50 pm


Well done, Mohini.

 




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