It was called a “black-out” in 1971. Windows and skylights were covered with thick black paper. The sound of an aircraft drove the neighbourhood into deep distress.They prayed for invisibility, huddled inside the silence of fear, pulling sheets above their eyes. I’d have loved to see the enemy’s face. But the next morning, Uncle said … Continue reading Changing face of war
“Those who don’t know the rules of the road impose a rule on rule-makers – of making their rules known in a language others understand.” “They also need to know the consequences of non-compliance. But they appear to know all the possibilities of getting away.” “Yes. They can fly, whereas we can’t.” “Especially if their … Continue reading Trendsetters
I’m curious. Why should anyone disguise a well-designed glittery exterior with silken strands of hair? Is there a lack of conceptual clarity on what a greater epitomisation of beauty is? A bulb glows, which helps me dive beneath the glitter. Do I see a conflict of values? I think she is unsure of what she … Continue reading Enigmatic Beauty
In the quiet of dawn, we stand between incomplete chapters, ink still wet. The afterlife whispers, veiled, a mystery we’ve yet to grasp. Hearsay and imagination intertwine, Threads of curiosity spin, but the future in this life—Ah, that remains a blank page. Yet, undeterred, we write. Words etched upon the present, A story unfolding, inked … Continue reading Blank Pages
She seeks solace in the darkness inside. The illuminated streets remind her of a life well-lived but now out of reach. Not that she misses it much. There is a satisfaction of having been there and done that. But the demons inside the house do not let her rest. She picks up the phone to … Continue reading Demons
The traffic light turned green, and a new radio jockey took over as she pressed the accelerator. The clock at home must have struck 10, and she visualised her Mom stepping out of the bedroom in her sharp work attire, looking for the car keys. She will not find the key in the blue and … Continue reading Crossing lines
She believes that each rock holds a secret. He worships the growth and adventure that grass represents. He makes an offer, “You keep the rocks. Leave the grasslands for me.” It becomes an unspoken pact between them. One fine morning, he stumbles against a rock with the word FREEDOM etched on it. He shows it … Continue reading Rock in the Grass
The celebration party is in full swing. Business heads claim credit for this quarter's record-breaking sales and thank their bosses for their support. The single shoe in police custody wonders if the unwarranted publicity has helped. It’s not much fun being the modern version of Cinderella’s glass slipper when the nation is hunting for the … Continue reading Cinderella’s Slipper
The evergreen actor follows some rituals that perplex his co-stars. A younger co-star suddenly stopped talking as she realised he was not listening to her. He was busy chanting, “I’m the best, I’m the best…” Later in the day, she quipped, “Do you need that confidence booster? You’re undoubtedly one of the best.” “Everybody needs … Continue reading Confidence booster
“Who spun this web around my dreams? Delusions increase the gap between perspectives. One cannot view things from the other side. Walking in another’s shoes is a remote dream. It is a mental state in which imagination is a mild term. Hallucinations lead to lowly acts that one would not think of otherwise.” There was … Continue reading Devil at the Doorstep
Creative Experiments and More 