Shades of meaning

“Power lies in changing the shape of the skyline”, said the star architect. “It can change in a few minutes, and go viral,” silently though the military chief. “How will it help me?” calculates the politician. A few strokes of the brush change colours, and the artist smiles, “What are the clouds made of?” “How … Continue reading Shades of meaning

Ominous

“Turn up the volume of protests …. change is never an easy feat to achieve,” the voice is dominating, emphatic and reeks of impatience to win the war. “Does change even matter any more?” I speak after a long, pregnant pause, sounding ominous to him, but at peace with myself. “What do you mean,” his … Continue reading Ominous

Tasteless

Pic: Dale Rogerson “Taste,” said my grandma, “is a function of all that you put in the pan, how and when.” I followed her advice religiously, while cooking meals for a husband who did not love me.  Very few words were exchanged between us. We lived in different worlds with different priorities, and blamed each … Continue reading Tasteless

Camaraderie

A pair waiting for another, just like that.... for companions on a journey to walk or run together share, yes... but not speak For companions on a journey vocal in silence laden with camaraderie share, yes... but don't speak lest it breaks the spell, my dearie vocal in silence laden with camaraderie they move on, … Continue reading Camaraderie

Convergence

Friday Fictioneers Out on the streets, I know convergence of views holds no meaning. A houseful of people scrambling for their own safety, fight suspicion, as they want to know where the other had been, and what is the likelihood of contamination. A pandemic has only highlighted existing divergence and mutual distrust. I scribble on … Continue reading Convergence

Lullabies

“We couldn’t have done it without you, Officer!” The Commissioner smiled as he pinned the medal on my shoulder. Operation Forest Trail had been successful beyond expectations, and all criminals who engaged in poaching and illegal cutting of trees were arrested. “Inspector Mario, will you share with us the secret of your terrific tuning with … Continue reading Lullabies

Hope lingers on….

It’s a sight I’ve not forgotten. I’d tried to avert the eyes of kids playing in the park, as I buried my infant son. My wife was distraught, but we had to catch the last train back home. The paediatrician was world-famous, but just said ‘Sorry…’. Years later, I come back to see if I … Continue reading Hope lingers on….

Cyclic fate

The arrival of that car means trouble. The mean owner has arrived, and it makes sense to stay away. He hopes to find work elsewhere, and earn a day’s bread for his family.  In the next street, someone is hiring people for slogan-shouting. They have to participate in a rally, in return for lunch and … Continue reading Cyclic fate

So long, and no longer…

“There is an end to an end to everything.” The words reverberated through her mind with the same intensity, though a decade had passed by. The days spent outdoors when she was busy doodling, and he was perfecting his photography had taught her so much. Unknowingly, she had started spinning yarns about a life together. … Continue reading So long, and no longer…

Missing

She walked out of her fave restaurant after a satisfying dinner, enjoyed alone. It was her last night in the city. She was going to miss a lot of it. The hurried walks through this street when she was late in the morning, the stroll after lunch and maybe a quick drink after work. The … Continue reading Missing