The Writer’s Soul

I embellished the moss, painted pictures to cover the cracks, and made the neglected wall presentable to the world. Yet, one more crack appeared, and I wondered, if the wall needs repair or a fresh coat of paint. I am a writer, and the wall represents my soul. Written for Three Line Tales, Week Forty-Six … Continue reading The Writer’s Soul

In anticipation

“Do you realize how you are trapped in a reactive mode? Preparing your offence or defence, in anticipation of the next move from the ecosystem- your wife, the boss, the market or your competitors?” “Agree that I need to be proactive, and let others plan in anticipation of my next move”. And so, the game … Continue reading In anticipation

A MIXED BAG

She did not like the Christmas gift at first sight -- the elegant black and gold contraption, shooting laser beams. It kind of contradicted its own beauty. However, she placed it at an appropriate spot in the house, not wanting to disappoint Aaron. Their living room was done up in the same colors, but she … Continue reading A MIXED BAG

The Blackout

Robert snatched the bottle of sleeping pills from Florence’s trembling hands, and tossed it out of the window. “Look at that picture on the wall. It was clicked during the War.” Florence looked at him with listless eyes. Neither life nor the picture made any sense to her numb mind. Robert continued, “Blackouts would cover … Continue reading The Blackout

Goodbye

Goodbye, Son, if that is what you wish! Though I wonder, what makes you turn back. The red and white soles on the shoes that you so fondly bought with your meager pocket money are just soles, meant to walk. Life needs well-oiled wheels to take you forward. Board the right train, or hitch your … Continue reading Goodbye

Walking out in the cold night

She walked out at midnight with her belongings, headed to an unknown destination, while slumber caught him, after a hard day’s work. Her husband and the love of her life, loved her too much to leave her, and cared too much to fail on his conjugal duty. The call was especially painful, as she was … Continue reading Walking out in the cold night

The Challenge

Yes. It was the greatest challenge of his life. Wired, the River Creature led a difficult life, like that of Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat. Bhishma had vowed celibacy, so that he never had children, who could lay claim to the Throne. He had declared lifelong loyalty to the Monarch and his progeny. The River Creature … Continue reading The Challenge

The Tug

Dear Joy, What pulls you back? The slimy, grimy past that you are trying to leave behind. Painful memories of betrayal, desertion and loneliness. The guilt of wanting to live for yourself. Get out of it, Joy! Else, your life will never justify your name. Peace is what beckons you, and whom you have wanted … Continue reading The Tug

Bare

He walked out of the office with a bowed head and heavy heart, after handing over the laptop, cellphone and car keys. He had been ‘terminated’ from services. He thought about the American university fees that he had to pay for his daughter, and the maximum period for which he could stretch his savings. Will … Continue reading Bare

Santa’s Blessings

The lad in blue with black hair, leading the faithful horse with a blue bridle and rein, and taking seven young girls with him, generated a lot of curiosity on the streets of New Delhi. The merry faces of the girls did not give any clue of danger. Were there only seven or more? The … Continue reading Santa’s Blessings