“Project complexity is the perfect counterfoil to showcase one’s ability,” she said, drawing a sharp question from her coach about who the goal-setter or challenge creator is. She clutched onto the chair in her search for words, then mumbled, “I believe in setting goals for myself.” “Choosing the toughest path shows an effort to prove … Continue reading Self-sufficiency
“Back home, we were called a lemon set. We are four sisters who are not quadruplets but look almost the same. We’ve taken after our mother.” “Did it not feel derogatory to be called a lemon set?” quips the interviewer. “For a while, it did, and we dressed differently. However, now that we all live … Continue reading Sameness
I exited the elevator and realised it was the wrong floor. I pressed the button again but had to wait till it returned from the 29th floor. Meanwhile, a toy winks at me from a box. I notice somebody’s life packed in a few boxes, waiting to find a new home. “Can we see the … Continue reading Life in Motion
I’m strongly tempted to open the boxes and see what lies within. Is it discarded junk? Why should anyone leave it in a public place, in a country where junk dealers abound? Or the lifetime belongings of a homeless person? I stop in my tracks out of respect for privacy. I cannot assume the right … Continue reading Unexpected
The sheer grandeur of the sculptures in the room struck him. With its intricate details and imposing presence, each idol felt like a living entity, ready to pounce on him. “No one can compete with you,” he muttered softly. “I’m sure no one would want to. They came; they saw the epitome of ugliness and … Continue reading Medusa’s Head
Tina stepped backwards as the sky's colours reminded her of the silken blue sari her arch-rival, Nita, had donned at their last meeting in the café. She wondered if they envied each other or were circumstantially placed on opposite sides of the fence. Did their rivalry help others win the battle? “We are the same … Continue reading Last whispers of a setting Sun
I could have turned the knife on someone who left this mess in the kitchen. But then the lockdown happened, and I applied my creativity in the same space. I proudly posted pictures of my culinary masterpieces on social media to counter my mother’s vicious jibes that I am a good-for-nothing in the domestic sphere. … Continue reading Bonding over Food
The fitness app chases a target of 10000. I need to walk back and forth as the steps are less than 10000, just like moments in life. Something happens in my body with each step, but mental movement takes me in different directions. The thought that so many others tread the same path changes the … Continue reading Back and forth
He held the “Best Performer of the Year” award, looking forlorn. Twitterverse responded with question marks when the picture was shared. His boss expressed displeasure at the kind of commotion created. The company expected returns from positive storytelling. He poured himself a drink as his wife set the table for dinner. “Let’s skip the grilled … Continue reading Appreciation
I wonder who waters the plants everyday, as I climb the stairs after two decades. I’ve inherited a house where my Grandma lived alone, and have no clue what to do with it. Should I retain it because of associated memories or put it on sale? After all, I may never return to this township … Continue reading Can I sell?
Creative Experiments and More 