The room looked as if a tornado had passed through it. It was high time that he informed the police. His kleptomaniac ex-wife had not stopped visiting the house. All the trouble that he had gone through to get a divorce, appeared to have been wasted. Suddenly, he noticed that his son was not on … Continue reading The Blues
He saw the ugly rock on his morning walk every day, and turned away in disgust. Today was different. The rock looked clean, with a red piece of cloth full of coins and flowers, kept in front of it. He noticed with interest, that parts of the rock resembled a face, and had vermilion painted … Continue reading ReInvention
Howard Roark was slammed for building a flat Stoddard Temple in ‘The FountainHead’. It made humans feel tall, and not like pygmies in front of an imposing ceiling. God is only where you imagine it to be. Are speakers placed on a high dais, only for visibility? Do performers dress in exotic clothes, only to … Continue reading Slaves of Context
Every interaction is a story, since it involves more than one point of view. The world is what it is, because we see things differently. Conversations are not just an exchange. They are either challenges, coordination or conflict. And each creates a different storyboard for life. Multiple storyboards, and the mutual influence which they exert, … Continue reading Stories
It happened to Anarkali, aeons ago. The palace maid was punished for falling in love with a prince. The legend has lived on, with stories about her underground escape, facilitated by none other than Emperor Akbar. Maybe, she returned to be a part of the harem, when her lover became King. While I was buried … Continue reading Re-emergence
He tiptoes to come close, and deliver a surprise. He grunts to express disinterest or disappointment. He slurps with a look of satisfaction, on the dining table. He hammers and nails, to fix things around the house, even if it disturbs my writing. The whirr of the car engine reflects his mood for the day. … Continue reading My Spouse
Dr. Martha had answered all the messages with great care, with a special personalized touch of appreciation and gratitude. There was so much that close associates had added to her life in the last thirty-five years. She had chosen to remain single, and devote her life entirely to work. Back home, she looked at the … Continue reading Starting afresh
The lean tree, the semi-spherical huts with a twig and bloom garden outside – it is all the stuff of childhood fantasy. We created this with our mother, and spun stories around the quaint little setting. The best storyteller was rewarded with a cupcake. This was the springboard for all my creativity. Lost in my … Continue reading Inspired Creativity
I have lived in a bubble for too long, and I hear that it will burst at some point, breaking my reverie. The naysayers do not realize its immense advantage as an insulation. It shields me from the insanity outside. How many people know that celebrities are humans, with aches and wounds, just like ordinary … Continue reading The show must go on
“How do you like my new computer?” “Show me …” “It is on the table. One can illuminate any part to act as a screen. It doubles up as a robot, and moves on appropriate instructions. It is smarter than a human assistant.” “You look excited about your new acquisition.” “Well, aren’t you?” “Can you … Continue reading A better world
