Imperfectly Perfect

She wondered why certain things never change. The imperfect stone walls, the uneven pavement and the unstable manhole covers in the town were all the same, as she had left it ten years ago. She enjoyed walking on the pavement, and idly thought that her shoes and sunglasses were more expensive, than what she used … Continue reading Imperfectly Perfect

In Retrospect

I was trained to tally signatures in my bank job. The best method was to look at the signature upside down. The slants and curves revealed themselves much better. I thought of the technique today, long after quitting the job. I was in my hometown, and preferred staying in the room, once occupied by my … Continue reading In Retrospect

Kill me

“I thought you would never want to see me again.” “Tell me, why did you bring me to that stage?” “I was reshuffling priorities in my life.” “That is exactly what I want to do today – lay to rest all ghosts that trouble me.” He moved away, looking scared. “Don’t worry! I am not … Continue reading Kill me

A Writer’s Dream

The woman in black finally decided to reveal her identity. I watched with bated breath, as she lifted her veil, and then, I almost stopped breathing for a while. She was not strikingly beautiful, as I had expected, but was a relic of the past. What had happened in her life, in the interim period? … Continue reading A Writer’s Dream

A Rainy Night

Rainy nights, waterlogging and traffic jams …. a lethal combination, but the monsoon is so incomplete without it. It was on one of those evenings, when we decided to take a diversion, and drive on the captive road for BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.). A friend had given me the right passwords to pass through … Continue reading A Rainy Night

Different Takes

The beauty of a clover, which looks like a heart from another angle is perceptible only to an artist. He brings it alive with vivid colors and contrasts it with the calmness of water around it. A poet sees romance in an isolated spot. What would a couple do on an adventure of this kind? … Continue reading Different Takes

Experience

Life is a sum total of experience, experiential learning and application of learning. Experience is the summation of all incidents in life, and the impact that they have on us. Incidents are unplanned events. I plan, as per my knowledge and ability, but learn lessons from what I had not planned. The heart collects impure … Continue reading Experience

Fate

Business had been low, since the Chipotle outlet opened across the street. Michael was toying with the idea of taking up a franchise of another fast food chain. Pearl Diner had been an old favorite for many, but was losing ground to competition. He set up a meeting with the Domino’s Pizza guys at 10 … Continue reading Fate

The Voice

Lightning struck the night sky, and a voice thundered “Your sins have crossed all boundaries. Be prepared to face the consequences…..” Another small voice from below “Why did you set boundaries and permit sin, God? There should have been no space.” “It is the Will of the Lord. Do not challenge the Father, child.” “My … Continue reading The Voice

Failure is only the first step

Anything that failed is only the first phase of a project. It is to be followed up by better versions, and redoubled efforts. What we lose is time and maybe money. But the experience and the learning will always remain. Maybe, the resources are utilized more effectively and economically in the next round, and overall, … Continue reading Failure is only the first step