Expectations can be claustrophobic. I need a set of rules to give direction to my life, but the ones that I write, the ones that allow me to be myself. I refuse to carry the burden of their dreams and projection of their unfulfilled wishes. Yet, when I return from the battlefield, battered and broken, … Continue reading What is it that binds?
The unguarded windows offered a ray of hope, amidst the pale yellow, gloomy sunlight that lit the lawns of this enclosure. It could be the path to freedom, or the end of a miserable life. Yet, none of the women residing there had ventured to do it. The underlying fear of rejection by the outside … Continue reading Ostracizing the Self
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
The glass artist said marble collections inspired him. “Ur take on the stained glass deceptions painted on canvas?” “The artist has grown up.” (140 characters) Challenge by Kat Myrman available at Twittering Tales #47
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
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
“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
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
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
“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
