What was it?

Untouched books crowded his shelves, shiny leather spines and faded first editions, meticulously dusted and never read. She wondered how long it had been, and what had happened in his life after she left. Those days and nights of reading, and long evenings of deep discussions were still fresh in her mind. She had become … Continue reading What was it?

Next Show #writephoto

It has been six hours since we got lost.… We are playing a game for a TV show, buddy! Dan was irritated. But I don’t see the cameras following us… I think I heard the buzz of a drone. I’m on the verge of giving up… I can sense that. But, hey, look there … … Continue reading Next Show #writephoto

Nights come alive

100WW I never knew nights come alive Is it just your presence, my friend? something brings out an inner glow sand grains explode with passion I know, it takes a certain conviction…. Something brings out the inner glow Optimism lights nights ahead I know, it takes a certain conviction to overcome obstacles laid Optimism lights … Continue reading Nights come alive

Selling pain

Her autobiography is being published long after the star is dead. Somehow, she could not muster the courage to expose her wounds to the world. Celebrityhood imposes certain expectations - of always looking flawless, born privileged and made of stardust. She was made of blazing sun rays, not stardust. The fire had burnt non-stop to … Continue reading Selling pain

Sepia Tints

“I don’t know how many spirits have stopped by, or lived here in the last few years. It feels criminal to disturb their abode.” “You cannot build a new structure, without pulling this one down. See what a grand plan I have for our new home, ” he held the architect’s blueprints in his hand … Continue reading Sepia Tints

(Im)permanence

It was my first dream after coming to the city - living in the tallest building there.  A passer-by who saw me gaping at the heights whispered, “You know, only one window belongs to a person. There are so many up there, and so many wanting to get there.” He did not wait to hear … Continue reading (Im)permanence

Death

It is a death carefully painted. The right place, time and suit - to get noticed by the right people. Pictures are splashed across social media. People are divided into camps guessing if it was a suicide or murder. Hate campaigns against the suspects are launched. It is the beauty of living in internet times. … Continue reading Death

Invigorate

“You know how I practised my sport every morning to be the State Champion. I’d won the district trophy in 1965, but was not going to stop there.” Phil and Jim were both seen walking on the pavement in the evenings. Phil had recently developed a slight limp, and was worried about his physical fitness. … Continue reading Invigorate

He used to be ….

“Crowded streets in Covid times are scary…..” “It’s not a fraction of what it used to be on this day.” “This day?” “Yes. Today is Gokulashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna. Traditionally, people tie up yoghurt and sweets in a pot and hang it very high. There is an art of science of getting up … Continue reading He used to be ….

Situation

He noted the situation had become grim. He was asked to choose one door, which would determine his future. He did not know what lay behind the doors, but was asked to make a guess.  His eyes darted towards the bright colours on the right, and he was inclined to choose yellow …. Till he … Continue reading Situation