A warm breakfast

He had been warned by his mother not to take this route. But the place was calm and quiet early in the morning, and he liked riding on his bicycle, on his way to buy milk and eggs for breakfast. The ‘women in cages’ were fast asleep, and there were just a few faces trying … Continue reading A warm breakfast

The boat that never arrived

It was her first yacht party, and she was a tad nervous. Her boyfriend Sid claimed to have filthy rich friends, and promised her a wild night out on the sea. Seeing her discomfiture, Sid assured that she could leave whenever she wanted, and he’d call the boat to take her to the shore. The … Continue reading The boat that never arrived

Family Secrets

The child-bride heard stories in hushed tones – of treasures ensconced between thick walls of the ‘haveli’, which was her marital home. She was told there was a curse on anyone who tried to extricate it – those who ventured died a premature death. She lost her husband. The child bride became a child widow. … Continue reading Family Secrets

Curtains Fall

The mystery of your presence behind the curtain always held an allure for us. ‘Us’? Yeah… you know the guy things we do, while in college. You were the hottest chick around. Hmm, I have all the letters sent by ‘us’. What? We are married now. It’s certainly not a ‘wife’ thing to do.   … Continue reading Curtains Fall

The Crushing Loneliness

Anna dressed carefully in her black dress, just allowing a dash of white in the scarf and bag. She had been widowed recently, and was following the mourning regimen. She noticed people keep their distance in respect to the widow. Some kind-hearted souls offered membership to the local clubs, so that the crushing loneliness did … Continue reading The Crushing Loneliness

Her friend

“Congratulations, Ira! You have won three prizes this year. We really appreciate your performance, despite working with limited means.” The school principal patted the back of the nine year old, who was smiling from ear to ear. “Ma’m, I would like to be a veterinary doctor, when I grow up…” “You are good enough to … Continue reading Her friend

Larger than Life

Being larger than life is no joke. I look at the white floating figures on the far-off horizon. I love to think that those are reflections of my glory, or wannabes trying to imitate my grandeur. But, I cannot eliminate fear – that they are competitors waiting to pounce and dislodge me from stardom. Who … Continue reading Larger than Life

A dog’s life

The thieves took everything except the dog. The dog was beyond their reach anyway, and his value beyond their comprehension. It was not just about his love and devotion towards the master. The dog was the owner of all his master’s business and properties through a trust. His master had tried to ensure before his … Continue reading A dog’s life

Products

The path was strewn with fossils of dead animals and maybe, humans who tried to reach the pinnacle. He felt his stomach churning, but the pinnacle looked different each time. A few turrets had been added, which were evidence of people having reached there. They were symbols of achievement, the targets set for travellers on … Continue reading Products

Confession

Ever since somebody told her she was rigid, she made an extra effort to be flexible. Working hours for her employees, interiors of her living quarters, parenting style were all tailored to flexi-perfection. “You know what, Tia, I’m unable to breathe in open air, and want to know if it a rare kind of disease … Continue reading Confession