Fraudsters

They emerge from shadowed alleys of ambition, cloaked in charm and stitched with silence.  Their pasts are inked in midnight—untraceable, unspoken—but their voices gleam like polished silver. They speak of galaxies, of futures spun in gold thread, of destinies that shimmer just beyond reach. With practised grace, they lift the sun and cradle it like … Continue reading Fraudsters

It is smoky outside

the whimper of the last firecrackercuts through sleepy windowsas tired revellers go to bed A hazy smog challenges visionwhat’s coming next-appreciation for hospitalityinsufficient to last a seasonor credit card debt? I check the heatingtear off dry-cleaning labelsfrom last year’s laundry-The wedding season startsI need a warm wardrobe readyto look my bestwith well-moisturised skinand a colourful … Continue reading It is smoky outside

Ab initio, Ad Infinitum

Doors that open or closeDoors that respond to knocksor don’t-each door hides a storystories that deserve a mentionor a coffin underground Did their hearts stop beatingor I chose to un-listen?-decibels well-adjustedbelow my hearing range Did they migrate to receptive soilsor transmute to strange forms?Each act of mine speaks volumes.Each word echoes the underground What lies … Continue reading Ab initio, Ad Infinitum

Loops and Tangents

Loops offer reconciliation with established patterns and estranged elements. They sat on the picnic table to share a packed lunch, and looked into each other’s eyes before they solemnised the bond. Unfortunately, they could never see eye to eye on anything after that. Tangents are invitations to take off somewhere in the unknown; they attract … Continue reading Loops and Tangents

Spaces

I was told water finds its level, but no one warned me that the subconscious does not. It fills up uneven places—behind the eyes, beneath the lungs, blocking oxygen, struggling to find its space in speech, in the silence between words. It disregards all the logic I was raised on — logic that connects me … Continue reading Spaces

Arches

“Arches in architecture always fascinate me – under a bridge, on doorways or elsewhere. At another level, the arc tempts me to complete the circle and let people jump in”. “Passing through an arch brings good luck”, chimes in my mother as the temple bells ring. “Then why do you pray for good luck after … Continue reading Arches

The story goes on

He realized that she had seen him and he couldn’t let her get away. This is a hackneyed story plot for a thriller, and the author decides to ditch the familiar today. The protagonist follows her to see what she is up to after seeing him. He is ever grateful to that momentary thought. He … Continue reading The story goes on

Work-Life

I reprimand someone for carelessly unmuting themselves during an online training session. Deep down, I’m grateful for the sounds of music that streamed in, altering our states of consciousness. Frowns in open windows change to smiles, but disappear as quick as the sun between heavy showers. He switches on the camera to apologise and I … Continue reading Work-Life

Un-musical

Death parted the two topmost talents in the music industry, not divorce. She raised a hue and cry when she was barred from accessing his bank lockers and other assets by his children from a previous marriage. She was drunk and particularly vocal that evening, “My voice complemented his music well, but I wish we … Continue reading Un-musical

Confronting the Real

She sat in the chair, just staring off into space. She wondered if Neil could see her from his spaceship. Maybe he is out on a spacewalk. “It is not easy”, he had told her, “it takes a lot of practice to experience nothingness.” She rummaged inside to check what her feelings were like. Is … Continue reading Confronting the Real