The Pickling Process

The systems had been hacked, despite installing firewalls and meticulous planning. The experts were called in for damage repair, but her professional credibility had immensely suffered. Sheila had never found herself in such a pickle before. She spent the next one week working with the experts, learning more about the vulnerability of each component, and … Continue reading The Pickling Process

The Guilty

The stage that was set with great care, and illuminated so perfectly, lay in shambles after a public outrage. The people who had teamed up to create the magnificent structure, shed silent tears, but no disappointment is greater than the artists not showing up, after building great hopes. God is as guilty as the artists, … Continue reading The Guilty

Starting afresh

Dr. Martha had answered all the messages with great care, with a special personalized touch of appreciation and gratitude. There was so much that close associates had added to her life in the last thirty-five years. She had chosen to remain single, and devote her life entirely to work. Back home, she looked at the … Continue reading Starting afresh

Inspired Creativity

The lean tree, the semi-spherical huts with a twig and bloom garden outside – it is all the stuff of childhood fantasy. We created this with our mother, and spun stories around the quaint little setting. The best storyteller was rewarded with a cupcake. This was the springboard for all my creativity. Lost in my … Continue reading Inspired Creativity

Soul on vacation

The sadhu dressed in a single loincloth and rudraksh beads, and carrying a ‘kamandal’ was caught shoplifting in the mall. I swear I had seen him deliver a discourse in the temple yesterday evening, with a seemingly divine glow on his face. “Baba, is your soul on vacation today? What made you steal?” I asked … Continue reading Soul on vacation

Love on props

Our meetings would never have been the same without props. Books, music or a bar have always been the glue. I loved the intellectual discussions, the challenges thrown by your provocative ideas, and the revolutionary thoughts we shared about changing the world. The characters in the books we read, or planned to write and various … Continue reading Love on props

Whirlpools

The pleasure of a hunt takes me afar, while you are right here, in front of me. I ignore you in my quest for a sense of achievement. Who has ever been hailed for finding a treasure on the doorstep? And anything that chooses so mundane a place, does not qualify to be called a … Continue reading Whirlpools

Commitment

This is an elite business, and I only take committed clients. Don’t worry, it is not about the pain. My tattoos last beyond relationships. (138 characters)   Inspired by the inimitable Kat Myrman at Twittering Tale #43 Pic: favoritesunfl at Pixabay

A better world

“How do you like my new computer?” “Show me …” “It is on the table. One can illuminate any part to act as a screen. It doubles up as a robot, and moves on appropriate instructions. It is smarter than a human assistant.” “You look excited about your new acquisition.” “Well, aren’t you?” “Can you … Continue reading A better world

Shifting shafts of light

She lived in a castle all her life, but never knew happiness. The cold stone floor, the bats hanging upside down on the ceiling and a Spartan meal served in a metal plate without cutlery defined her existence. Her detractors feared that she would use broken china or cutlery to hurt herself, or them. The … Continue reading Shifting shafts of light