The Real World

The contestants were supposed to shoot the eye of the fish. The fish was fake and wooden, rotating like the blades of a fan on the top of a pole, and they were allowed to look only at the reflection in a tub of water beneath. Arjun was the reluctant winner, who got to take … Continue reading The Real World

Vices

Getting lost in the forest is an awful feeling, especially, when the phone is low on battery, and the GPS not working. And suddenly, there is manna from Heaven! “Do you know that caffeine consumption can raise blood pressure, cause gout attacks, increase risk of heart strokes, insomnia and incontinence? The caffeine in black tea … Continue reading Vices

Hallucination

The Messengers of Death lunged out of the black void, one by one. She wanted to scream, but somehow, knew that it was of no use. The television screen opposite her was covered with a black cloth, to stop her from hallucinating. But this time around, it was not hallucination. (50 words)   Weekend Writing … Continue reading Hallucination

The Escape Artist

“I own a walnut-shaped pink contraption, which serves as my personal spaceship. It takes me to unknown lands to explore virgin landscapes, and paint my own pictures.” “Can I see it?” “No. I keep it protected in a bony case.” “I insist on seeing it.” It might shock you to see your own talking, walking … Continue reading The Escape Artist

Shopping on credit

My six-year old nephew looked pretty upset on the last visit to my brother’s house. “What’s up, Charlie?” “I need to talk to you. Come to my room.” He walked away in a huff. I looked askance at my brother, who was grinning from ear to ear. “Let me answer. He wanted to buy a … Continue reading Shopping on credit

On the cusp

The nonagerian took three minutes to put his slippers on, and moved to the washroom with slow, measured steps. The attendant reminded him that he had just been to the washroom, five minutes ago. Did he? He is hungry and breakfast has not been served as yet. The attendant might claim that he has already … Continue reading On the cusp

Power of Speech

“This is the skeleton of a reptile excavated by archaelogists,” explained the zoology teacher, “the mystery that remains unresolved is the functions of its odd-shaped mouth.” “A mouth is used to catch the prey, clean, sense the way ahead, bite or eat,” opined a Smart Alec student, “reptiles are not known to ruminate.” “Power of … Continue reading Power of Speech

WHEELS

Sakharam was not allowed to park his bicycle in the porch outside the office, or the parking lot. That space was meant for the shiny cars of executives. So, he found a space on the backside of the office to park his wheels. It was not very convenient. Sakharam would run at least six errands … Continue reading WHEELS

The Rare New Moon

Helena thought her eye-protection glasses were not right. The cloud of smoke was assuming a human form. She was terrified to hear a vaguely familiar voice in close proximity, “Help me. It has been eight years.” “Eight years since what?” “He said that New Moons signify hope, not darkness. But, ninety-six New Moons have been … Continue reading The Rare New Moon