“We raised this young man to be our prototype. I don’t know when he turned into a distorted version of our lowest self…” “Let’s confess that our approach was wrong. He is an individual in his own right.” My wife was dejected, but fiercely defended her son, like mothers do. “I see that our basest … Continue reading Shadows we cast
“What made you choose this angle for the picture?” “Watch the pain on the baby elephant’s face….” “Yes. It is not a merry expression.” “Have you heard the story of Lord Ganesha’s elephant head?” “This is a museum, not an Indian mythological movie.” “Allow me to complete. His father, Mahadev had ordered the head of … Continue reading Immortality
“I wish this had not happened.” “But it has.” She was smoothening imaginary creases on her skirt. “What do you plan to do with the unborn baby? Your children are already in college.” The meowing of the kittens draws our attention. Their mother has just slapped them, as she has a new brood to look … Continue reading Motherhood
The crash of wave and snap of sail sung to her. It would have been an idyllic state of being, if she knew where she was. But hold on, didn’t the anonymity and being lost add to the charm? She had wanted to get away from everything for so long. And here she was on a … Continue reading Staged
Molly looked crestfallen. “What happens when a leader you worship,displays negative behavior.” “Stop worshipping.” “But… “ Unconditioning was clearly not easy for her. “The majesty of a crane lies in its ability to rise up to the challenge. Stooping down or swooping down on anybody other than aggressors earns him no respect.” “I have been … Continue reading The Majesty of Cranes
Gunshots reverberated through the sounds of twilight, and the colored structures came crashing down on the kids playing there. After a pause filled with dread, people were relieved and surprised to hear the cackling laughter and mirth of kids again. The terrorist had clearly not done his research, as the structures were made of papier … Continue reading Miscalculation
The teacher followed an unusual methodology. He would make a statement, or give a postulate and ask the students to contradict it. He appeared to enjoy the interactions more than the viewers or students. “May I know where did you learn this methodology, Henry?” “All in corporate boardrooms,” he smiled, “I have lived in echo … Continue reading Dissent
“The view is hazy. Does the sky always look like this after a nuclear test?” “Remove the grain from the picture, and add a new one. What goes out in the media should be palatable.” “Aahh, the media… they don’t understand science.” “How can they? Nobody has done it so close to a city before.” … Continue reading Hazy Outlook
Autobiographies are passe. We write memoirs, which allow us to unleash selective amnesia. It helps us…. and helps the people associated with our lives. We wish to share to make a point, or document selected facts for posterity, or just indulge in self-obsession. But privacy remains a priority. We don’t want to let it all … Continue reading Stories worth sharing
The storm failed to show up, as people waited with bated breath for the predictions to come true. “No one can tell these days, neither the weather office nor astrologers. Weather moves at its own pace…”muttered people with heavy breath, as they prepared to show up at work. A holiday had been declared by local … Continue reading Awaiting the storm
