Clawback

“Do you think someone allegedly involved in a fraud deserves a bonus and stock options?” her quivering voice echoes in the closed chamber. The question is direct,  hard-hitting, and almost accusing. The honcho turns around in his chair, provocatively taps the cigar on the ashtray, and watches the dropped ash cool and shrink. “I know … Continue reading Clawback

Fearsome

The eerie feel in the air is unmistakable. It is the kind of evening when the sky could start raining aliens. The ground beneath my feet is firm, yet I  walk gingerly, fearing it could give way to instability.  I recall being caught in quicksands on a college picnic and how my classmates formed a … Continue reading Fearsome

Opportunity Cost

“I think it is time for me to get married.” Mrs. Sen’s face was surprised, as her son Pronnoy had resisted marriage for the last few years. “The woman I have in mind earns Rs.1.2 crores in a year and owns an apartment in South Bombay. I can focus on investing in stocks and cryptocurrency. … Continue reading Opportunity Cost

Muse

The shell of a human being passes by with unseeing eyes focused on the sunset and a device in his shaky hand. He shudders to recall the scene that had wrecked the core of his being many sunsets ago. She had jumped into the valley, and he was left holding a mask in his hand … Continue reading Muse

Two-sided

Did we ever stop to discover sterling qualities in each other? Ideologically, we were on opposite sides of an imaginary fence.  We lived at cross-purposes and tried never to cross each other’s paths. When I started writing, I learned to explore and develop characters' mindsets. I found myself thinking of you more often, and I … Continue reading Two-sided

Figured out

“Just when I think I have it all figured out, fate drops a bomb”. “My strategy is different. My goals are the answers I’d like to have, and then I frame questions in line with them. It’s not easy. I work hard, but get everything  in the right slot  in the end.” “No wonder you … Continue reading Figured out

Self-sufficiency

“Project complexity is the perfect counterfoil to showcase one’s ability,” she said, drawing a sharp question from her coach about who the goal-setter or challenge creator is. She  clutched onto the chair  in her search for words, then mumbled, “I believe in setting goals for myself.” “Choosing the toughest path shows an effort to prove … Continue reading Self-sufficiency

Sameness

“Back home, we were called a lemon set. We are four sisters who are not quadruplets but look almost the same. We’ve taken after our mother.” “Did it not feel derogatory to be called a lemon set?” quips the interviewer. “For a while, it did, and we dressed differently. However, now that we all live … Continue reading Sameness

The Soul City

The city is ancient with modern buildings. The secret lies in the roads that pass through it. Lifetimes have traversed through the lanes, adding their inputs, which only made the city stronger. It takes pride in its indestructibility. Neither war nor natural disasters can destroy it. This city just renews itself in a new garb. … Continue reading The Soul City

Nexus

The National Head of Human Resources, responsible for overseeing the human resource management of the entire organisation, is perplexed by the number of resignations and transfer requests from a particular branch—the reason quoted by all points in the same direction. Shocked by the situation, the National Head immediately calls the Regional Head for an explanation. … Continue reading Nexus