On the other side of the line

A crowd gathered near the shore in the old port town. Women have always been punished for crossing the line. Eve took a bite of the apple. Sita crossed the line drawn by one man, to be kidnapped by another. The crimes against women have increased since, and the victim blamed. I tried to escape … Continue reading On the other side of the line

Reena’s Exploration Challenge #Week 35

Welcome to Week 35!   What does this quote inspire in you, or remind you of? It could be a personal situation like the crimes committed by a family member. It could be a political, business or corporate situation. It could be a social or environmental issue, that you feel strongly about. In short, it … Continue reading Reena’s Exploration Challenge #Week 35

Portals

“Who am I to forgive, if there is no right or wrong? It was the other’s life and circumstances on one side, and mine on another. The clash was incidental.” “What am I fighting for, if there is nothing to preserve? The world will take its own course anyway, after I perish.” “What am I … Continue reading Portals

Least Common Multiple

“The character of the main protagonist is my story is not developing further. I need to create a few more to lend credence to his actions.” “Are you in sync with your characters?” “Not really… this is an unusual writers’ block. It is created by having too many options.” “Like what?” “Like a single thought … Continue reading Least Common Multiple

Where does the artist go?

“How could I have imagined what was going on in that pretty head of hers?”, he was distraught by the separation. “Imagination takes you everywhere. Add the sleight of an artist’s hand to it.” “And create (un)reality, which the object you fancy cannot live up to. It adds up to the same thing-disappointment.”   Three … Continue reading Where does the artist go?

Deja Vu

The place had a distinct déjà vu feel to it. The green foliage was missing, and the flowing stream of water replaced by blue specks. The plane crash had left him stranded, and the only option was to wait for rescue. He suddenly recalled that painting. It had made him rich overnight. He hoped that … Continue reading Deja Vu

Seashore Palms

“The good life I once had floated away. Its remnants on the shore won’t let me start a new life. The salinity of experience does not allow.” Elaine was refusing an offer to set up an offshore branch of a large business firm. She was brilliant and well-qualified, but broken by vicissitudes of life. “Plants … Continue reading Seashore Palms

Blades

“Putting in extra effort is a sign of weakness … like those serrated blades in the fan. Those are not needed to cut through air.” “You never know. The air is thick with conspiracy and there is no temperature control.” “ wonder what all it cuts ….” “Cuts? Icy indifference and combustible temperaments can damage … Continue reading Blades

Being loved

Grotesqueness overpowers goodwill. My affectionate gestures are spurned, as people move away from me. I don’t know how Little Jamie finds me interesting. He knows a little about dinosaurs, and explores the uneven contours of my body to add to his meagre knowledge. He speaks to me for hours, tells me about his teachers and … Continue reading Being loved