He was rejected for lacking social grace and having two left feet, but he was getting used to it all. “You are getting too comfortable with your single status,” whined his mother, who had always been too involved in his personal life. He took some time to think of the right words to answer, but … Continue reading Punch line
I exited the elevator and realised it was the wrong floor. I pressed the button again but had to wait till it returned from the 29th floor. Meanwhile, a toy winks at me from a box. I notice somebody’s life packed in a few boxes, waiting to find a new home. “Can we see the … Continue reading Life in Motion
I met your mother yesterday at the mall. She was looking at ornate jewellery for her prospective daughter-in-law. I watched the gleam in her eyes with awe, which induced a strange, sad feeling. I am haunted by how much our mothers do not know. We can blame them for not building a congenial atmosphere for … Continue reading Living in Ignorance
I’m strongly tempted to open the boxes and see what lies within. Is it discarded junk? Why should anyone leave it in a public place, in a country where junk dealers abound? Or the lifetime belongings of a homeless person? I stop in my tracks out of respect for privacy. I cannot assume the right … Continue reading Unexpected
He promised magic with his ale; people drank, wept and danced, their hearts healing in the shared joy and unity. He stipulated that they sip the brew in company, basking in the warmth of shared memories. Undeterred by bankers' derisive laughter and refusal of a business loan, his family set up a riverside resort on … Continue reading Magic Potion
“Dad was out of business in 2021. His customers did not turn up to collect the painted signboards”. “I wonder how many of them survived the Second Wave”, said Gavin with a sigh. “I’m looking for the order book … just in case a customer turns up or his survivor.” “Survivor?” “Yeah … just like … Continue reading Taking charge
The North Star is called Dhruv Tara in Indian mythology. The story goes that the younger prince of a kingdom was admonished by his stepmother for going near the throne. Her infamous words – The highest seat is not for everyone. The Prince meditates hard to please the Lord and receives the following blessing: ‘Go … Continue reading North Star – Dhruv Tara
The grandfather clock stopped ticking. “Let’s replace this outdated clock with an electronic piece.” Someone breathed his last in an assisted home for senior citizens a few miles away. “We have to go. Dad’s no more.” The clock's face, worn yet resilient, mirrored his journey. As the pendulum swung, it whispered tales of joys and … Continue reading Time Span
“I failed to change the content every time a reader picked up the same copy” is the notorious last confession of a magazine publisher out of business. When a smartphone outperforms in this aspect, it's a game-changer. Phone addicts, you now have a solid defence. Trust, a relic of bygone eras, is looking for new … Continue reading Trust in the age of AI
The sheer grandeur of the sculptures in the room struck him. With its intricate details and imposing presence, each idol felt like a living entity, ready to pounce on him. “No one can compete with you,” he muttered softly. “I’m sure no one would want to. They came; they saw the epitome of ugliness and … Continue reading Medusa’s Head
Creative Experiments and More 