A crowd gathered near the shore in the old port town. Women have always been punished for crossing the line. Eve took a bite of the apple. Sita crossed the line drawn by one man, to be kidnapped by another. The crimes against women have increased since, and the victim blamed. I tried to escape … Continue reading On the other side of the line
“Who am I to forgive, if there is no right or wrong? It was the other’s life and circumstances on one side, and mine on another. The clash was incidental.” “What am I fighting for, if there is nothing to preserve? The world will take its own course anyway, after I perish.” “What am I … Continue reading Portals
The place had a distinct déjà vu feel to it. The green foliage was missing, and the flowing stream of water replaced by blue specks. The plane crash had left him stranded, and the only option was to wait for rescue. He suddenly recalled that painting. It had made him rich overnight. He hoped that … Continue reading Deja Vu
“The good life I once had floated away. Its remnants on the shore won’t let me start a new life. The salinity of experience does not allow.” Elaine was refusing an offer to set up an offshore branch of a large business firm. She was brilliant and well-qualified, but broken by vicissitudes of life. “Plants … Continue reading Seashore Palms
I met a spiritualist who said that obesity may be a result of bottled up rage. Cortisol collects in the form of gel, which does not disappear with diet or exercise. What is the remedy that you prescribe for accretion on the soul, Mr. Expert? How do I forgive sweet talkers who robbed me of … Continue reading Where are you?
His smile was like some kind of magic. It reminded me of Linda Goodman’s description of a particular zodiac sign. They just have to say, ‘Pass the pickles please’ with a smile, and the pickle-passer is soon palpitating with interest. Anyway, I’ve learnt to decipher the intentions of people now. Smiles and words need to … Continue reading Unmoved
The lantern fish was holding a seminar for other species. “The bottom of the ocean has a temperature of minus 28 degree Fahrenheit, and you need to learn to survive it. We teach you another sport – use your lower pectoral fins as legs to walk on the bottom of the ocean, and explore it … Continue reading Holiday Resorts
I know my destination, the distance to be covered and the velocity needed. An unexpected hurdle in the path throws me helter-skelter, looking for support in all directions. There will be something or someone, known or unknown, to help. In the process, I spread myself thin to explore surroundings, and notice whatever would normally have … Continue reading Unbroken
“Why forest-bathing?” My botanist beau loved the idea of this impromptu trip, but was not convinced of the nomenclature- Shinrin Yoku “Because we do not have clean air to breathe in, in our citadels of development….” “The trees have purified the world for years, wherever they were allowed to take roots. We left them to … Continue reading Finally Convinced
This used to be the stuff of dreams. It is now the stuff of memories. The tiny apartment where he started life, still exists but is dark. He moved from being a salesman to the President of a construction company, transforming dreams into concrete reality. The stories of people he destroyed in his quest for … Continue reading Acrophobia
