She had spent several hours in the balcony, behind the branches of that tall tree, reflecting upon life, and writing. Her writing had won global acclaim, and yet, she remained unknown to the world. She looked in the mirror every morning, at the unsightly scar on her face, and could never dare to venture beyond … Continue reading Pulling it down
The pain was unbearable, as the familiar hand stabbed her in the back, and the trusted face twisted into a contorted smile. She turned away, not letting him see the blood or the pain. She had deprived him of a sense of victory. There were many more waiting out there, with a similar set of … Continue reading How many turns?
The devil in the vase smiled at her again. It was a mocking smile that scared the wits out of her. She screamed and ran out of the room. It was followed by torture in the mental asylum. She hated the nurses in white uniforms, with indifferent expressions that bordered on cruelty. She detested the … Continue reading Seeing the Unseen
The tracks inspired the villagers to reach their destination. Each had a different dream, and a different plan for the journey. She always wondered if those blue wagon cars had the capacity to hold all those rosy dreams. The only train that passed through that village was called Dadar–Lucknow Express. She preferred to call it … Continue reading The Dream Express
Oh, dear Path, I have traversed you every evening for a walk. You go as far back as memory, and move as far ahead as imagination. You have been a witness to my thoughts, as well as an inspiration. You have kept my feet grounded to reality. The planes, kites and birds that I saw … Continue reading The Path
The Inspector General of Police, was crestfallen. His department appeared to be hitting a blank wall, in the major cases being handled. He anticipated punitive action, or at least an inconvenient transfer to another place. The schools in the city wore a desolate look, deprived of their chirpy inhabitants, as parents refused to let their … Continue reading The Shock
Today, her steps faltered, and her graceful movement did not sync with the music. She fell to the ground with a thud, as her Master fell behind the curtain, killed by a cardiac arrest. Her painted lips parted in a genuine smile, relieved at the end of her ordeal. The Puppet had longed to … Continue reading The Puppet
Water is a colorless liquid that changes the properties of several other fluids. Water is an unassuming element that never asserts its own identity. It unleashes destruction on the planet, when powered by dark, underground forces, seething in its belly. Is that really a chosen role assumed? One suspects stronger powers forcing its hand, using … Continue reading Reflections
The sailors had been ferrying people from the port to The Picnic Island for several years. The decks had seen a lot of partying and merrymaking, as they sailed on choppy seas in the dark, and brought back the revellers safely to the shore. Very few stopped to notice a forlorn-looking waitress, with empty eyes, … Continue reading Picnic Island
The table was laid, and she looked wistfully at the slightly wilted blooms. The butler awaited instructions with bated breath, as he made preparations for dinner, but did not start cooking. The lady of the house, framed in the picture, looked at her lonely husband, and wondered if her children would dissolve their differences, and … Continue reading The Birthday Dinner
