“Enter at your own risk”. A gruff voice resounded through the empty building. “And what is the risk?” The six-year old was not to be easily discouraged. “I made that mistake aeons ago. I have grown horns and a ring was passed through my cheeks. I was appointed janitor in this world of terror”. “Wow! … Continue reading I am not terrorized
Her heart sank on seeing the charred, blackened toys. It appeared that catastrophe had struck in her absence. She rushed inside to see if her baby was safe. She was greeted with his twinkling eyes and soiled hands. Look, Ma! I made those toys from mud and clay. Just like the ones Dad bought me…. … Continue reading Toying Emotions
The memorial built in the middle of nowhere intrigued me. Was it meant to signify a union with the elements, or a figurative spot where the departed souls wanted to be? Right on the horizon – in between sky and earth, water and clouds, life and death, light and dark …. I saw the fluidity … Continue reading Fluid Reflections
I stopped by to meet my aunt in the old age home. She was teaching the kids in the neighbourhood, and asked me to wait for a while, in the garden outside. This star-shaped stump appeared to be the remnant of a tree. The foliage flourishing around it, indicated that they still received nourishment from … Continue reading Nourishment
Why have empty rooms been haunting me today? It was Sacha Black first, and now Rochelle Wisoff. The architect had accompanied me to see the site, and make a remodelling plan. I asked the ladies why the paintings had not been taken off from the windows. Both moved out of the room silently. The architect … Continue reading Mysterious rooms
There is something about going against the stream. It takes overconfidence, smugness, a couldn’t-care-less or know-all attitude. Or it could take a very high level of self-confidence, and conviction in the path one takes. These two mind-sets are often confused for the another. The world does not get it right. But that is what the … Continue reading Against the stream
“Turning 40 heralds middle age, and 60 is retirement. What is it about 50?” “Well… Life spans are lengthening, and work spans are shortening. So, you never know, where will you be?” “Oh, Uncertainty!” I exclaimed dramatically, “Do you sell insurance or retirement plans?” “The pathos lies somewhere in between – the inability to plan … Continue reading Insurance
I have always wondered what do you think about when I think about you? What do you look for, baby When I am here for you? Chiselled beauty, sharp mind Sideways glances do bind Who plays with your imagination? What draws you so irresistibly, and who resists you? Do you look back at … Continue reading Just You
“Do you serve beef and pork out here?” “Yes, Ma’m. What would you prefer?” “I need to find another place to eat.” The young Lisa had watched the Indian girl walk out of the diner. She silently watched that the black Mary Jane was ignored, and served in the end. It was 1987, and apartheid … Continue reading The Divide
She traded her freedom for the social security her husband provided. She accepted subjugation for the wealth that her children would inherit. She had mastered the art of silent manipulation. She would not eat till her husband came home, just to draw him homewards. She pampered her own spoilt brats, so they would look after … Continue reading The Last Trade
