Reena’s Xploration Challenge #406

Welcome back! In a country where Halloween is not a popular festival, and is largely celebrated by the young, the richest family of the nation set a trend by hosting an extravagant affair (their parties can't be anything but extravagant), and celebrities had to fly out of Bombay to attend it. A majority of the … Continue reading Reena’s Xploration Challenge #406

Shunned

The artist walked to the dais to receive the award, her gown's train carrying a not-so-glorious past. Despite being chucked out of her job for asking uncomfortable questions, and her marriage failing because she did not give in to gaslighting and unfair demands, she stood firm. She walked through a subway every day, and empowering … Continue reading Shunned

Immigrants

It is Christmas again, the first after her husband’s departure. The house opposite hers has distinctly changed. The new owners strung lanterns shaped like moons and stars, not snowflakes. No inflatable Santa, no blinking reindeer—just quiet warmth. Curious, she watched them humming tunes she didn’t recognise. On Christmas Eve, they left a small box at … Continue reading Immigrants

Crafting an Identity

On cosy winter evenings, she delighted everyonewith perfectly shaped wontons and steaming soup Reluctance fell drop-by-drop like chilli oil or vinaigretteas she dressed the saladwhile planning the outfits she would needon her impending trip to the Wild West “You have your fifteen minutes of fame”,said the organiser, “may be less”“You don’t receive awards under the … Continue reading Crafting an Identity

Human Existence

We stand, not still, but swaying with regretswrapped in whirlpools of choices, chances, echoes of steps we never took.Each ankle bound by silent storms, each toe trembling on shifting ground.Yet here we areupright, undaunted, dancing on the edge of collapse. Quadrille at dVerse RXC #405

Confidence

He’ll take time to reach meHe rolls on wheels through spiral pathsthrough fields and forests; the train stampedes onautumn leaves on the last journeyHe is unable to accelerate, driven by another’s willBut come he will; come he must the shared secrets will draw him inthe times we spent togetheridling away, cuddling on the couchThe movies … Continue reading Confidence

Heritage

Heritage makes and breaks me. It’s etched into my bones, whispered in my blood. I carry the genetic patterns—some I cherish, some I battle daily. I carry remnants of the value system my parents gave me. I’ve tried to scrub it off, reshape it, redefine it. But it clings, stubborn and familiar. Some parts nourish … Continue reading Heritage

Personality

Personality emerges from the complex interplay of biological predispositions, environmental influences, psychological processes, and social experiences. Its components—temperament, character, cognition, emotion, motivation, and behaviour—work together to create the unique individual. This intricate system continually tailors our responses to people and situations through perceptual filters, emotional reactions, behavioural patterns, and social dynamics. Understanding these mechanisms illuminates … Continue reading Personality