Wish

The history of flights taken by my owner is testimony to my contribution. I lament my irrelevance floating in the air, or grounded – close enough to be gobbled up by a curious kitten or puppy. Did the bird support me, or I supported her? Whistling winds and blue skies cast an inviting glance, but … Continue reading Wish

Never say die

It's a night of reminiscing and sharing. The campers are all above 60 years of age. Mona strums her guitar around the fireplace, while Aatish grills chunks of meat, veggies and fruits. Bernie is a little low, as she has to vacate the rented apartment next month, with no alternatives in sight. Karishma poses a … Continue reading Never say die

Story-driven

“Geometric magnificence with tiny imperfections gives so much character to the building. I’d like to come back to this place.” “This is the seventh time you are visiting, and you haven’t found the person you are looking for.” “This is what gives me so much character ….”, She smiles wryly. “Hey, come out of the … Continue reading Story-driven

Unsecured loans

The live-in relationship of Jane and Austin had some strings attached. Both were free to use each other’s financial assets and resources on the condition that every dime was returned if they decide to separate. Months later, Austin is arrested on charges of credit card fraud, and she is only one of his victims. “Everything … Continue reading Unsecured loans

Farewell

The weekend getaway is promoted as holding high potential for complete renewal of jaded souls. Sheila, being a marketing director of an event management company, is weary of the hype being created around the all-women’s event. Will it be another bonding opportunity with an audience, where they get to offload whatever’s ruining their peace of … Continue reading Farewell

Soil

A strange sense of peace descends on her. She struggles to get comfortable with it, and then realises that struggle is what she has eliminated from life. She’d forgiven everyone and emptied her home. Of all that gave it meaning, seemingly happy moments destroyed by sarcasm, creative efforts downgraded by derision and a denial of … Continue reading Soil

Control

She senses something out of place before ringing the doorbell. The brass statue of a gunman in the porch looks askance, as his angle of vision changed. It looks like plants have not been watered in the morning. She enters her own house with trepidation as she expects monsters to emerge from the walls and … Continue reading Control

Shells in the sand

She is neither dead nor alive. She was waiting for her brother to fetch her, when a sandstorm happened and wiped away all plans. It was no mean task to plot an escape from prison. The lecherous Emperor had incarcerated her with evil intent. Getting out from the underground pathway felt like an achievement. Her … Continue reading Shells in the sand

Confession of Guilt

Harry gulped. His heart pounded inside his chest as he reached his hands into the air. He had gulped the liquid from a forbidden bottle. The genie had told him clearly that the Bottle of Blues will take him back to an era, which he had escaped after a lot of struggle. But what was … Continue reading Confession of Guilt

Petrichor

“Where do you think you’ll go?” Amina asks with concern. “Back to my village. I can’t afford rent in a city without a job,” Ahana was one of the many employees laid off by a loss-making startup. The doorbell breaks the silence in the room, and minutes later, Ahana is unpacking her bags. “I was … Continue reading Petrichor