“It feels good to be set up as a trap. But it does not feel good when no one falls in the trap.” “Let’s change our names. Maybe we have already gained notoriety.” “They must have flashed our faces on news channels too.” “Change the caps, colour on your hair and pull your cheeks in.” … Continue reading Anti-national
In the face of adversity, they stand tall, unyielding, their reputation a fortress unassailable. Their every action, a reflection of an inner light, guides others through the darkest times. Their paths are marked by honesty and truth imprints, leaving inspirational trails for those who follow. In a world where reputations often falter, theirs remains untarnished. … Continue reading Untarnished
I'll talk about guineas, not pennies. My mother often spoke of Guineas – gold coins used as currency during British rule. She came from a landowner (zamindar) family. Her grandparents packed guineas in metal pots and hid them between brick walls. She also mentioned slabs of gold and silver-coated decorations on arched doors and ceilings. … Continue reading Guineas
“Have you visited the Ajanta or Ellora caves? The wall frescoes, painted by ancient artists, tell many different stories. We have these outlines on a canvas and plenty of colours to fill in. Your life story depends on what you choose.” Words of wisdom fell off like ice cubes from a merciless face. He blamed … Continue reading Expunging Darkness
You’re on a mission to spread your message, enslave thought processes and make people do what you want them to do. The population is unaware of what they are subjected to. Your weapons come in the guise of an identity crisis, religious fervour, conspiracy theories and constructed fear. There will be moments when you feel … Continue reading Motivation
The girl who paints murals of fierce goddesses on crumbling walls silently declares herself unaffected by judgmental remarks. I cannot help but notice the dark clouds she paints overhead in some places. Natasha is labelled as being overambitious when she stakes her claim to a leadership role in the company and offends others vying for … Continue reading a-changing
Someone feels trapped amidst the bric-a-brac. They collected it in the hope of building a home. But the magic potion evaporated, and now, they bleed as they touch the shards of dreams. The story is not over because buyers are willing to pay a price for the promised magic. Soon, they will be on the … Continue reading Dream Merchants
“The increase in divorce rates is scary”, sighed my mother. “I work in HR, Mom, and the attrition rates are scarier than that.” “Why can’t young people commit themselves?” “Their values are different. The medium that connects is fluid, and expectations keep changing.” “We were taught there are no options to go back. It made … Continue reading Mediums
“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” – an idiom that encapsulates the weight of leadership, often burdened with legacy or the chains of slavery to those who gifted the crown. As the workday draws to a close, certain corridors come alive with gossip, manipulation, and collusion. It's not just a matter of an … Continue reading Power Dynamics
She wakes up drenched in sweat to switch on all the lights. She touches Arnold to ensure he is there, and he is real. “Are you alright?” He mumbles something in a somnambulist state. “All these toys came alive to save us. A boat capsized and we were drowning.” Arnold has opened his eyes now. … Continue reading Speculative fiction
Creative Experiments and More 