It’s not a fear, just aversion. The hatred, resentment, conspiracies all make me feel like I’ve been there before, but it’s not a zone I’d like to re-enter. I can feel it in my bones, but I can’t extract that one toxic ingredient and give it a name -it’s not a person, but a widely … Continue reading (Un)Reachable
“I guess you love the food here. We’ve introduced a few new dishes”. The waiter pushed the sparkling menu card on the table. “Bring it on. I’d love to savour the food slowly”. The smile is clipped. “Oh, that’s the best way to enjoy our delicacies. The chefs really put in a lot of effort … Continue reading Watched
“But there’s no water anywhere around here” I exclaim on seeing a ship anchored to the threshold of my front door. Thankfully, it’s a dream. “Trevor, will you stop watching news and help me in the kitchen?” “The city is getting flooded. Didn’t you hear thunder last night?” “I saw a ship…” I stop in … Continue reading Warning
The handcuffs mock at past glory. The athlete is a gold-medallist in international sports, and has broken records of time taken to cover a certain distance. Fond of sight-seeing, he scans every illustrious corner of the countries he visits and makes new friends. Probably, he got carried away by success, or he loved and trusted … Continue reading Carried away
“Doff your hat to novelists for fleshing out characters from thought patterns, and screenplay writers for extending it to real life interactions. All poetic thought is abstract, and poets are escapists. They seek flexible spaces where they can fashion things out of nothing, there is room for interpretation and nobody could blame them for being … Continue reading AI Battles
“Borders have re-opened after the pandemic. This bus will take you a longer distance than it used to.” The coach guide volunteers information eagerly lapped up by many. Some are waiting to resume work-from-office after a long spell of working from home. Others have gathered courage to travel, since tickets are available at low rates. … Continue reading Variants of terrorism
Independence Day falls on a Tuesday, and workplaces are inundated with leave applications for Monday. There’s no better way to celebrate freedom than get away from the office, and daily routines for four days. Transport and hospitality businesses gear up to meet the challenge. They’ll celebrate later after the moolah comes in. Radio stations mention … Continue reading Mob mindsets
“How can you be so nonchalant towards your torturer?” “Because I never let him take charge of my psyche. He’s the dirty outsider I leave behind before entering myself.” “So, forgiveness is your panacea for sorrow?” “No. I don’t let the unwanted come in.” Weekend Writing Prompt
Sarah had been dreading her 47th birthday. Being on the wrong side of 40 is bad enough, and 47 is inching close to half a century. Isn’t it anticipated? Everybody goes through the age cycle. Calendars and clocks don’t stop. Even if someone does stop those with artificial intelligence, the earth won’t stop revolving around … Continue reading The Prediction
The freedom to walk unshackled is priceless. I walked free before this only when I took baby steps, and stumbled against every piece of furniture in the room. Somebody, obviously not a well-wisher, placed the burden of tradition on my shoulders. I was the eldest in the family, president of the business club and a … Continue reading Roots
Creative Experiments and More 