The Medley

is a twice-a-year literary journal run by the students of Hansraj College, University of Delhi. It is a repository of stories, poems and essays sent to us from around the world since 2018.

Red was the Colour

Alisha Amol Shukla issue11 / poetry

Red was the colour of my saree, the day I married my husband. A soldier by profession, my red was as deep as his love would prove to be.

Red was the colour of the suitcase, in which I placed the things, which I was going to carry into this new chapter of my life.

Red was the colour of the door, that which gave way to his quarters. It was rustic but strong, a gateway into this life.

Red was the colour of the ladies, who celebrated their Karwa Chauth together. A shared sisterhood, a family formed away from family.

Red was the colour of my eyes, the first time I had to go and he had to stay. He assured me he would be fine, and I kept my tears at bay.

Red was the colour of the rose, he sent me soon after. It's nothing in front of you, is what the note attached to it said.

Red was the colour of the setting sun, the first time I looked into my son's eyes. The rose in the room was red, as I saw the first meeting between the two loves of my life.

Red is the colour of my love, and that of every human. And as Audrey Hepburn said, "There is a shade of red for every woman".

Alisha Amol Shukla

Alisha Amol Shukla is a third year student pursuing Political Science Honours at Maharaja Agrasen College, University of Delhi. With an interest in international politics and Indian public administration, she enjoys drawing and is the Content Head of Srijan, the Arts and Crafts Society. In addition, she's fond of creative writing with a focus on research-based articles and poetry of various formats, and is aiming to expand into short and long-format storytelling. She also enjoys reading, particularly fantasy, mythology and historical fiction in fiction and history and politics in non-fiction. She is learning Bharatanatyam, and likes to watch movies.