Finding oneself

Maya packed his belongings with sadness and resolve in the dim light of their shared apartment. "Let’s part ways in style," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil. She handed him a neatly folded shirt, symbolising the life they had tried to build together. He looked at her, eyes pleading, but she had decided. … Continue reading Finding oneself

Shades of Truth

Stroke by stroke, she painted a dream.  It took ages of self-discovery to complete the picture. It featured the hues of her soul. Mixing colours on the palette took considerable effort to create the right shade. The tints of experience, dreams and space for herself turned out to be a striking combination. It was an … Continue reading Shades of Truth

Unveiled

The chairs are waiting for the hosts. Guests whisper, eyes fixed on the grand staircase. The couple was supposed to descend in style under a shower of confetti, a vision of elegance and love. But alas, it does not happen. The clock ticks and murmurs grow louder. Suddenly, a message arrives: "We’ve split.” And then, … Continue reading Unveiled

Being Smart

“The stock price has sunk to Rs.5/- per share”, Aryaman screamed in shock while checking the share price of a company on the verge of bankruptcy. Just before the National Companies Law Tribunal could officially declare them bankrupt, a saviour appeared to repay the debt, and the stock prices started surging again. “But why didn’t … Continue reading Being Smart

Overwhelmed

Maya is the CEO of a bank,  headquartered in Bombay, who  hails from a backward state in  India. She recollects how  she often felt stifled by the village's traditions. Her doting grandmother, cherished the old ways. One evening, Maya confided, "I want to explore the world.” Grandma smiled gently, "I once felt the same. But … Continue reading Overwhelmed

A star – yet to be born

If old benches and bikes remind you of grandparents, think again. Ascending those creaky stairs is daunting, but I make the journey with resilience. The space at the top may be modest, but it's all I need to thrive—a bed, a microwave, a chair, and a table with a reading lamp. The bike parked below … Continue reading A star – yet to be born

My teacher will disagree

The teacher had this nasty habit of writing test scores on the board. The toppers enjoyed the applause for sure, but many secretly wished it was not all put out in the open. Why should everyone know he prefers playing with his dog to solving algebra equations? Nobody cares to know that he draws and … Continue reading My teacher will disagree

The Red Sari

The red sari that widows are not allowed to wear mocked her whenever she peeked into her present wardrobe of pastels. “You are still young,”  said someone,  looking at her hopefully. She did not want to be trapped in a marital bond again, not after having experienced bliss in a solitary existence. “I’ll gift this … Continue reading The Red Sari

Personification

Personification is distinct from personal recognition. One is a mere image, the other a true understanding. When you personify, you translate my essence into an image that you have of me and eulogise or worship me. You have placed aquatic creatures that do not belong here, and I can sense their discomfort. You drew stars … Continue reading Personification

Appreciation

We are a network of people with a common ideal —tourists should always return with a positive impression of our beloved city. We formed a non-profit organisation to ensure their journeys were joyous and smooth. It wasn't very reassuring that memories faded as they returned to their own lives. Forgotten, we linger in the shadows … Continue reading Appreciation