Un-knotting stories

On a stage lit in neon, drowning in kaleidoscopic noise, Samaira found solace in her mother’s artwork.She had discovered woven elegance in her attic, uncovered forgotten stories from an era long past. Each design held depth, contrasting with the fleeting scroll of social feeds. Knotted deliberately, some stories did not give in to untangling and … Continue reading Un-knotting stories

Lamp and Genie

The lamp stays aflame, waiting for the genieCome claim its freedomThe lamp is tired,watching the genie frolic around-multiple masters, numerous assignments-lot of adventure, a grateful clientele. I’ve borne you for 5000 yearsattracted innocents to accidental rubsbecoming Masters of their Fate While I remain sedate, cold or hotMiracle I am, Angel you are notI respect the … Continue reading Lamp and Genie

The road to power

I find him gasping for breath under the bridge. He could barely keep his head above water. “Who threw you under the bus …er bridge?” I feel almost like a monster when asking this. “Pull me out first. I’ll spill the beans.” I haven’t asked for a scoop. I recall his speech in a conference … Continue reading The road to power

Navigating the Unknown

When the soul’s lease agreement with the body nears its expiry date, I see the irrelevance of other contracts. Duality has never been so transparent and evident as in the almost posthumous messages invading my fading consciousness. The internet enthuses me as a carefully orchestrated image stares back at me. Mirror it is not, as … Continue reading Navigating the Unknown

Enablers

It is a place where relationships lived, revived or died with conversations. Connectedness was the keyword. Plants in the same space are watered regularly, but are starved of oxygen. What kind of oxygen are you referring to? I remember how I felt renewed and invigorated after hearing your voice. Texts do not have the same … Continue reading Enablers

Crack the code

This is the place that I once ownedTook pride in idiosyncrasies and quirksThis is where my first joint was rolledYes, it was a place I lived and worked. I knew not when someone wrote a protocolI was expected to work; play to the roleA workplace is not as relaxed as the campusWhen the collar gets … Continue reading Crack the code

Flirtatious Moon

Flash Fiction

The moon winks just as I start drawing curtains for the night. “Talk to me before a cloud interrupts our conversation,” the invitation is tempting enough to make the curtain rings stop in their tracks. “The night is hearing our inane chatter,” I warn the flirtatious Moon. “Nights turn poetic by absorbing secrets and let … Continue reading Flirtatious Moon

Bandaged Existence

Expectations make them bleed, as they struggle to hide their blues and bruises on seemingly unbroken skin. Religion arrives first, offering bandages emblazoned with sacred symbols, wrapping it in layers of divine justification. Morality follows close behind, labeling the wound as righteous and the pain as virtuous suffering. Nailed to a cross, the injury festered; … Continue reading Bandaged Existence

Pain

I don’t remember when I cleared the clutter after my exams. Or was it before that? It was not an easy task for a lazy Lulu like me. I don’t recall how much I spent from my scarce pocket money to prepare myself for the exams. I had not learnt the basics of financial planning … Continue reading Pain

Perfectly Executed

“It's Ronnie again... Rs. 122 crores have disappeared from the vaults of a bank." “Don’t worry ... He is our undercover agent, and I am sure we will get to the criminals soon enough.” Ronnie gazes into the mirror yet again as if trying to recognise his true self after spending months in the world … Continue reading Perfectly Executed