“I must have the yellow raincoat”. The voice emanating from the tiny frame is emphatic, like a final ultimatum. “I’ll try my best. But may I know what makes you so stubborn about yellow? We do have some other bright shades there.” “It makes a difference to the rubber duckies. They like to see someone … Continue reading Learning the ropes
Let her not feel so small. The entire officers’ union stands by her in her hour of bereavement. Famous last words from a trade union leader, on the death of a colleague and rival for leadership positions. The lady he consoled is the widow of the guy who said (a few days earlier), “I can … Continue reading Condolences
My grandpa dissuaded us from getting on these rickshaws, as it felt cruel to have a human pull your weight. By refraining, we deprived the rickshaw-puller of his income. But there is no end to certain ethical dilemmas. Then, came the cycle-rickshaw which was also a novelty for us. We had none of those in … Continue reading Humanity
“Beauty is a flavour or fragrance that keeps everyone around fresh.” “Don’t delude yourself, for Beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror. What happens when the same person acts arrogant or misbehaves? Do we give them the licence to do so?” “Beauty is incomplete, if it does not transcend from the physical to spiritual, … Continue reading Beauty
A resolute expression belies the frailty of her small frame. Lines etched deep on her face hold the key to untold stories. She remains an enigma to the village, after spending more than a year here. She prefers keeping to herself. The tightly shut doors crack a little, when she attacks a hooligan to protect … Continue reading Subject of a story
The tree swayed like a dancer moving her hips to the music. Not very long ago, it was dejected on seeing monsters with machines invade the forest. They were an evolved version of woodcutters from the previous era. Then, huge crowds of environmentalists swooped down on the monsters. It was another turn of history recorded … Continue reading Trees
At the fag end of life, I wonder why I did whatever I did, and what could have happened on the path not taken. I strained authenticity to prove a point to people who didn’t matter, and never stood by me. I followed rules which made no sense to me. A few approving glances came … Continue reading Masked
A large collage in vivid colours strikes the eye, as soon as one enters the living room. Undoubtedly, it’s been a labour of love to put together pieces that seemingly don’t match, but come together to write poetry on the wall. Grandma refuses to let go of this, though the rest of the house is … Continue reading Textures
I paint a rainbow on the sky. The lighthouse waits for a ship to pass. The lighthouse keeper stopped coming, as advanced technology took over. I feel its loneliness, and the feeling of irrelevance in the absence of ships seeking guidance. I move the torchlight on the wooden benches. Where have all the people gone? … Continue reading Rainbow in the Sky
Happy runs fast as he chases something I can’t see. He looks frustrated about missing a target. I realise it’s a housefly he can see across the glass of sliding doors. I wonder if the life we lead is a ‘mislife’ or missed life – something that exists outside a glass window, but is unreachable. … Continue reading Mis-life
Creative Experiments and More 