The Hostess

An invite to Lisa’s parties was a sine-qua-non for entry into the hallowed social circuits, and people were willing to give an arm and leg to get there. Back home, she often struggled with her failing health, a wayward husband and a spastic son. She often wondered, if people were drawn by her magnetic presence … Continue reading The Hostess

Insights

“Hey, dude, that was cool! You glide thru’ your work without skipping any detail”. “Yes, I hopped thru’ life, gathering every single bit of information, on the territory I covered”. “What do  you mean by that? We are alumni of the same college, but you have better insights”. “With the kind of influence and backing … Continue reading Insights

The Trophy

The award ceremony was an annual mega-event, which all businessmen looked forward to. All nursed secret hopes of earning their fifteen minutes of fame, with an award. It was a gargantuan effort to work through the panel of esteemed judges, build lobbies of influence and make it all appear so effortless. “I just focus on … Continue reading The Trophy

Charged Existence

The Master loves to show off her ethereal beauty. He switches on the power supply, that drenches her in a watery shower, illuminated by multi-colored lights. The wow expressions on the faces around her, affirm that she is beautiful. The sharp tremors and vibrations running through her, induced by electric currents, are painful. Yet, she … Continue reading Charged Existence

Nerves

Being everything to some people, and something to everyone takes its toll. Susan had struggled to retain her own identity. Yet, she felt like being several parts that did not add up to a whole. She moved to get up, but the tassels of her scarf were entangled in the drawer. Her stylist was right, … Continue reading Nerves

Asylum

She was blessed with a better view of the external world, than the rest of the inmates. She was dumped here by her accomplished, well-to-do children. Three years in the mental asylum had taught her more about life, than a thirty-five year career in teacher in research.   Inspired by Sonya at  Three Line Tales … Continue reading Asylum

Toasted

Being roasted and toasted has been an inseparable part of life. The cheering in response to the toast raised to our wedded bliss had barely died down, when I was hit on the face by my husband, for serving a burnt toast. Or was it fate jeering, “You want to be happy?”   Inspired by … Continue reading Toasted

Imperfectly Perfect

She wondered why certain things never change. The imperfect stone walls, the uneven pavement and the unstable manhole covers in the town were all the same, as she had left it ten years ago. She enjoyed walking on the pavement, and idly thought that her shoes and sunglasses were more expensive, than what she used … Continue reading Imperfectly Perfect