If only I could separate the kith and kin from well-wishers, and wish them well… If only I could interpret well-practised expressions to see the real intent… If only I could convince people to mind their own business and leave me alone. If only I could find un-polarized, inclusive worlds to welcome humanity If only … Continue reading If only…
Art by Anjolie Ela Menon Did she feel cheated or elated to know that she nursed divinity in her womb? It was gratifying to know that the Supreme Power needed her as a platform to descend into a world of his own creation, for he needed a human body, and only she could give Him … Continue reading Divine Mothers
He has been in the asylum for more than a decade; yet looks more serene and sane than anyone in the outside world. He was once declared fit to be discharged, but another hysterical act put him back with other inmates. Power was an aspiration as long as it belonged to someone else, but when … Continue reading Powerful Observations
Maya had no clue what a cold reception meant. But the sharpness of her step-mom’s sarcasm stung like leafless twigs on sore skin. Suddenly, the Destitute Childrens’ Home felt like a better place, where she’d friends and a matron who loved them. She’d to share a dorm with seventeen other inmates, and two washrooms between … Continue reading Cold Reception
Spooky is whatever our senses are not trained to interpret or understand. It lies outside the domain of ordinary life. My maternal grandfather had to reach his village where his wife was counting her last breaths. The bridge on the river he had to cross had broken down, and he was wondering if he will … Continue reading Spooky
This is Paundraka, no ordinary buffalo… Where does it come from? Lord Yama, the God of Death rides it as a vehicle. It starts moving when a human is born, and takes a lifetime to reach the person. Then, why not a turtle? Buffaloes signify ignorance, and that is how a major part of the … Continue reading Paundraka
I don’t remember the date or month we last. Yes, life is divided into two parts – before you and after you, turbulent and peaceful, demanding and relaxed, gaslighting and left alone. This alone-ness is so all-encompassing, that I’ve never felt a need t0 look back. I truly don’t remember when you absquatulated. I’d rather … Continue reading Absquatulated
All the required elements are available. You need to put them together in the right combination and proportion to achieve success. She is intrigued by the words in her late mother’s diary on the last page. Her mother was neither a scientist nor a great cook to give tips. Then, what was she trying to … Continue reading Wisdom
I see a shaggy tail mid-air, and there …. She has landed on the sofa or bench. It doesn’t help much that it is covered by a shaggy cover. Remnants of calcium bones get lost in it, and my girl has to work hard to retrieve it. It’s not easy for me to separate hair … Continue reading Shaggy tails
Turn off all the lights. Do not document barbarism, or give it a place in history. Destroy all records of past enmity induced by colonialist rulers who walked away after leaving nations to consume themselves. Let future generations not know what happened before. Silence the souls that cry for revenge. Invite them to participate in … Continue reading Obliteration
Creative Experiments and More 