“Do you realize how you are trapped in a reactive mode? Preparing your offence or defence, in anticipation of the next move from the ecosystem- your wife, the boss, the market or your competitors?” “Agree that I need to be proactive, and let others plan in anticipation of my next move”. And so, the game … Continue reading In anticipation
She did not like the Christmas gift at first sight -- the elegant black and gold contraption, shooting laser beams. It kind of contradicted its own beauty. However, she placed it at an appropriate spot in the house, not wanting to disappoint Aaron. Their living room was done up in the same colors, but she … Continue reading A MIXED BAG
Robert snatched the bottle of sleeping pills from Florence’s trembling hands, and tossed it out of the window. “Look at that picture on the wall. It was clicked during the War.” Florence looked at him with listless eyes. Neither life nor the picture made any sense to her numb mind. Robert continued, “Blackouts would cover … Continue reading The Blackout
Goodbye, Son, if that is what you wish! Though I wonder, what makes you turn back. The red and white soles on the shoes that you so fondly bought with your meager pocket money are just soles, meant to walk. Life needs well-oiled wheels to take you forward. Board the right train, or hitch your … Continue reading Goodbye
She walked out at midnight with her belongings, headed to an unknown destination, while slumber caught him, after a hard day’s work. Her husband and the love of her life, loved her too much to leave her, and cared too much to fail on his conjugal duty. The call was especially painful, as she was … Continue reading Walking out in the cold night
Yes. It was the greatest challenge of his life. Wired, the River Creature led a difficult life, like that of Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat. Bhishma had vowed celibacy, so that he never had children, who could lay claim to the Throne. He had declared lifelong loyalty to the Monarch and his progeny. The River Creature … Continue reading The Challenge
Dear Joy, What pulls you back? The slimy, grimy past that you are trying to leave behind. Painful memories of betrayal, desertion and loneliness. The guilt of wanting to live for yourself. Get out of it, Joy! Else, your life will never justify your name. Peace is what beckons you, and whom you have wanted … Continue reading The Tug
He walked out of the office with a bowed head and heavy heart, after handing over the laptop, cellphone and car keys. He had been ‘terminated’ from services. He thought about the American university fees that he had to pay for his daughter, and the maximum period for which he could stretch his savings. Will … Continue reading Bare
The lad in blue with black hair, leading the faithful horse with a blue bridle and rein, and taking seven young girls with him, generated a lot of curiosity on the streets of New Delhi. The merry faces of the girls did not give any clue of danger. Were there only seven or more? The … Continue reading Santa’s Blessings
Son, this is how I had met your mother. Her wide-eyed innocence and babe-in-the-woods appeal took me. I offered to love her, protect her from the big, bad wolves in the forest out there, and she appeared to be happy. Life rolled on. We had a beautiful home, not too far away from the forest, … Continue reading The Forest
