The child-bride heard stories in hushed tones – of treasures ensconced between thick walls of the ‘haveli’, which was her marital home. She was told there was a curse on anyone who tried to extricate it – those who ventured died a premature death. She lost her husband. The child bride became a child widow. … Continue reading Family Secrets
The mystery of your presence behind the curtain always held an allure for us. ‘Us’? Yeah… you know the guy things we do, while in college. You were the hottest chick around. Hmm, I have all the letters sent by ‘us’. What? We are married now. It’s certainly not a ‘wife’ thing to do. … Continue reading Curtains Fall
Anna dressed carefully in her black dress, just allowing a dash of white in the scarf and bag. She had been widowed recently, and was following the mourning regimen. She noticed people keep their distance in respect to the widow. Some kind-hearted souls offered membership to the local clubs, so that the crushing loneliness did … Continue reading The Crushing Loneliness
“Congratulations, Ira! You have won three prizes this year. We really appreciate your performance, despite working with limited means.” The school principal patted the back of the nine year old, who was smiling from ear to ear. “Ma’m, I would like to be a veterinary doctor, when I grow up…” “You are good enough to … Continue reading Her friend
Being larger than life is no joke. I look at the white floating figures on the far-off horizon. I love to think that those are reflections of my glory, or wannabes trying to imitate my grandeur. But, I cannot eliminate fear – that they are competitors waiting to pounce and dislodge me from stardom. Who … Continue reading Larger than Life
The path was strewn with fossils of dead animals and maybe, humans who tried to reach the pinnacle. He felt his stomach churning, but the pinnacle looked different each time. A few turrets had been added, which were evidence of people having reached there. They were symbols of achievement, the targets set for travellers on … Continue reading Products
Ever since somebody told her she was rigid, she made an extra effort to be flexible. Working hours for her employees, interiors of her living quarters, parenting style were all tailored to flexi-perfection. “You know what, Tia, I’m unable to breathe in open air, and want to know if it a rare kind of disease … Continue reading Confession
I choose to beat a hasty retreat, before I get entangled in the twists and turns. It is all cool, interesting and attention-grabbing. But your Yes is laced with too many terms and conditions. Three Line Tales, Week 121
She loved watching the sun dance on the table, as the rays filtered through the fine micro-angles in the crystal vase. She would change the texture and colors of the table cloth, just to watch the varied effects. The black cloth she used today, seemed to have added allure. However, the furrows on her aging … Continue reading Sharp edges
“I saw the glove dancing in the air, and hovering over heads of people.” “What people? There is not a soul here at midnight, in this isolated metro station.” “Souls, perhaps yes…. they can see people.” “Who are you?” Photo Challenge #215
