“All stunts are performed by trained professionals. Do not try them at home”. But I could try them outside, after being trained. I have to prove the naysayers wrong. The world watches with awe, the determination of a jilted lover. My well-built muscles show intense training. I lost my beau to an athlete. I don’t … Continue reading The Challenge
Why did John have to place the jar with those shiny junk pieces on her desk? The beautiful painting on the left, and the greenery outside inspired her to weave poetry. The unseasonal showers had lent a dewy look to the garden, and the sun was now peeping through a rainbow. She wished he had … Continue reading Shiny Objects
For how long has the lighthouse been there, in the middle of the sea? The ships have moved, using information relayed by it, and escaped hazardous shoals and reefs. Have they, or have they not? Maybe, they own better technology – the electronic beacons and navigational systems. I am forever on the move – mentally … Continue reading Self-Doubt
The statistics are perhaps right, that almost two-thirds of the country’s population is obese. I am not lecherous, but my eyes skimmed the midriff of every person I came across. My restless mind gets further mired in confusion. I have been trained to look for crisis, even when people around me are enjoying themselves in … Continue reading Who?
The young birds had flown off the nest. A few memories in the shape of scattered stationery and toys remained. A few months later, Joan could boast of seeing half a decade of life, and spending more than half of it, in cleaning up. Her job in the Fraud Prevention Cell of a bank, did … Continue reading Holding Together
The award ceremony was an annual mega-event, which all businessmen looked forward to. All nursed secret hopes of earning their fifteen minutes of fame, with an award. It was a gargantuan effort to work through the panel of esteemed judges, build lobbies of influence and make it all appear so effortless. “I just focus on … Continue reading The Trophy
Being everything to some people, and something to everyone takes its toll. Susan had struggled to retain her own identity. Yet, she felt like being several parts that did not add up to a whole. She moved to get up, but the tassels of her scarf were entangled in the drawer. Her stylist was right, … Continue reading Nerves
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
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
“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
