Rainbow in the Sky

I paint a rainbow on the sky. The lighthouse waits for a ship to pass. The lighthouse keeper stopped coming, as advanced technology took over. I feel its loneliness, and the feeling of irrelevance in the absence of ships seeking guidance. I move the torchlight on the wooden benches. Where have all the people gone? … Continue reading Rainbow in the Sky

Mis-life

Happy runs fast as he chases something I can’t see. He looks frustrated about missing a target. I realise it’s a housefly he can see across the glass of sliding doors. I wonder if the life we lead is a ‘mislife’ or missed life – something that exists outside a glass window, but is unreachable. … Continue reading Mis-life

Wish

The history of flights taken by my owner is testimony to my contribution. I lament my irrelevance floating in the air, or grounded – close enough to be gobbled up by a curious kitten or puppy. Did the bird support me, or I supported her? Whistling winds and blue skies cast an inviting glance, but … Continue reading Wish

Never say die

It's a night of reminiscing and sharing. The campers are all above 60 years of age. Mona strums her guitar around the fireplace, while Aatish grills chunks of meat, veggies and fruits. Bernie is a little low, as she has to vacate the rented apartment next month, with no alternatives in sight. Karishma poses a … Continue reading Never say die

Story-driven

“Geometric magnificence with tiny imperfections gives so much character to the building. I’d like to come back to this place.” “This is the seventh time you are visiting, and you haven’t found the person you are looking for.” “This is what gives me so much character ….”, She smiles wryly. “Hey, come out of the … Continue reading Story-driven

Unsecured loans

The live-in relationship of Jane and Austin had some strings attached. Both were free to use each other’s financial assets and resources on the condition that every dime was returned if they decide to separate. Months later, Austin is arrested on charges of credit card fraud, and she is only one of his victims. “Everything … Continue reading Unsecured loans

Farewell

The weekend getaway is promoted as holding high potential for complete renewal of jaded souls. Sheila, being a marketing director of an event management company, is weary of the hype being created around the all-women’s event. Will it be another bonding opportunity with an audience, where they get to offload whatever’s ruining their peace of … Continue reading Farewell

Soil

A strange sense of peace descends on her. She struggles to get comfortable with it, and then realises that struggle is what she has eliminated from life. She’d forgiven everyone and emptied her home. Of all that gave it meaning, seemingly happy moments destroyed by sarcasm, creative efforts downgraded by derision and a denial of … Continue reading Soil

Control

She senses something out of place before ringing the doorbell. The brass statue of a gunman in the porch looks askance, as his angle of vision changed. It looks like plants have not been watered in the morning. She enters her own house with trepidation as she expects monsters to emerge from the walls and … Continue reading Control

Shells in the sand

She is neither dead nor alive. She was waiting for her brother to fetch her, when a sandstorm happened and wiped away all plans. It was no mean task to plot an escape from prison. The lecherous Emperor had incarcerated her with evil intent. Getting out from the underground pathway felt like an achievement. Her … Continue reading Shells in the sand