Shadow-boxing

“Ensure you don’t repeat the same mistakes you always do”. “You are talking about the image you have of me, not the real me,” Amina's voice quivered, revealing the depth of her struggle. Tim was nonplussed for a moment. For the past few years, he had been locked in a relentless battle with himself, each … Continue reading Shadow-boxing

Anti-Satanic Vaccine

Imagine a transformative force, a vaccine against negativity, that could safeguard mental health, preserve integrity, and prevent harm to others. Let’s christen it the 'anti-Satanic Vaccine – Verses or Words '. The words would keep ringing in the thought process, extolling virtues of love, liberty and creativity. Under the influence of this vaccine, art would … Continue reading Anti-Satanic Vaccine

The waiting guest

The old woman kept repeating stories about the saddest parts of her life, cribbing, complaining and blaming. Gradually, people started avoiding her company. Happiness waited somewhere in the vicinity, begging for attention. Her infant grandson squealed with delight as her coffin was taken away. He had spotted the waiting guest. Weekend Writing Prompt #391

Culinary Adventures

Never a great cook, she rummaged through the larder to see if she could put together a meal for two. She wondered what her housekeeper would do with the limited ingredients, without the herbs and sauces she always kept handy. But whom is she trying to impress when she could easily order a fancy meal? … Continue reading Culinary Adventures

Change the Lens

“I believe that Gen Z is not difficult to work with. Unlike us, they were born into a fast-changing world, and their perspectives are not frozen in archaic timeframes”. “I appreciate your efforts to bond with the team and extract results, but not consistently the desired results,”  Harry said with knitted eyebrows, not looking up … Continue reading Change the Lens

Strategic Grass

The spaces I leave for grass to grow give a different texture to stories. They tell me so much about what happens underground. I retain the choice to accept or reject theories. The lies in the world are spoken either with an  ulterior motive or because I could not say, “Wait till I dig the … Continue reading Strategic Grass

Wedge of the Moon

I dropped the fork and blew the candles, blinded by the glow on my plate. It is a wedge of the moon sitting atop the slice of cake. “Where do you draw your light from on this dark New Moon night?” “I stole it from your dreams to drive you towards newer goals.” My daughter … Continue reading Wedge of the Moon

Gaps

The countryside calls me back. I miss the music of the flowing river flirting with rocks, which spawns folklore about its origin and the blessings and curses it carries. I watch my shapely wife, wearing a red swimming costume, complete the 50 laps she does every day to meet her fitness goals. She is dedicated, but the stagnant pool … Continue reading Gaps

Transit mode

He has a presence despite his shabby appearance. Maybe we are drawn to his ferocious eyes, looking for a challenge. One feels compelled to keep a distance. The boundary lines are invisible but sharp. He surprises us with a mellow voice, “Can you help me in finding this address?” “Are you from the police?” “No.” … Continue reading Transit mode