“Is that you, Nostradamus?” “Unfortunately, yes … the world is not willing to forget me, though I’ve left it far behind.” “You left behind a lot of confusion. Tell me, dude, you spoke about earthquakes, increased use of technology, the economic crisis and global warming in 2020. How did you miss on mentioning the virus, … Continue reading Fortune teller
His words cut deeper than a knife. But it was not he first time she heard that. She had lost all respect for the man, who had continually been subverting her existence, and insulting her for years. Her completeness made him aware of his inadequacy. Her calmness triggered a storm of negativity in him. A … Continue reading The End
“I am alone in a dark hospital room, after a plane crash.……” He was sobbing on the bed, surrounded by monitors to keep his physical state in check, and the therapist sitting besides him with a calm expression. “Come out of it. That lifetime has ended. You are fine now. Digging into this past life … Continue reading Delving deep
The sketch-book revealed a life full of woes. There were heart-rending scenes of abuse. The victim was seen pleading for mercy, but kicked around into submission. The Smiths had been lauded for adopting a deaf-and-mute girl. It was the suicide of the girl which threw light on bizarre happenings in the house. Mary wondered how … Continue reading Silent Screams
I decide to walk it to the neighbourhood store to buy a few grocery items, which I had run out on. I had no clue, I would feel so inadequate and clumsy in my jeans and sweater and barely-there makeup. The sight which greets me on a Saturday morning is all the senior citizens in … Continue reading Age-ing in style
Contactless deliveries are in place. The delivery boy calls for the OTP, and leaves the parcel at the doorstep. I exercise care to leave the parcel in the sun for a few hours, carefully discard the packaging and carry only the contents inside - to be washed and disinfected again. Just that happiness isn’t as … Continue reading Best from Waste
“The newborn baby will be dressed up in tradition”, Armaan said as he held up his father’s shirt to the tailor. “I want at least two pairs to be made from this fabric. The rest can be fancy stuff as per latest trends.” The expression in the expectant mother’s eyes was changing, as she recalled … Continue reading Red Velvet
“You will not survive in the world, without this golden veil.” “What makes you think my starkness is not acceptable?” “A woman needs a certain level of grace and decorum. You do not fit in the norms.” “I still choose to be myself.” “If that is your last word, then there is no place for … Continue reading Unacceptable
“The new entrant is of a different color, Letz welcome her for the diversity she brings…” “Thank you, duckies ….. stay still and absorb the spirit I infuse into the water. It will show you what the world outside looks like.” “Don’t show us dreams which cannot be fulfilled. Can you take us out … Continue reading Show or tell?
We open the house after a couple of years. Spider-webs, furniture covered with old sheets and a skeletal kitchen greet us. My thoughts go back to the days, when the house reverberated with sounds - cackling laughter of children, my mother-in-law’s tyrannical instructions to all for doing things in a certain way and the cribbing … Continue reading End of an era
