If her writing style was jejune, so was her lifestyle. Yet, she connected incredibly well with her readers. We relate to familiar stuff. It’s not always about a phantasmagorical world.
Connecting
A father speaks
You wanted to be an astronaut, but ended up becoming a pilot. I’m proud of my daughter, but the wistfulness in your eyes haunts me, as I catch you staring at outer space. Our existence and our capacity to dream deserves to be celebrated, before aiming further. It was just yesterday we blew bubbles together, … Continue reading A father speaks
Speak to us, threaten….
I grew up in an era when television screens received inputs from metal antennae planted on terraces. Watching the sun entangled between bars saddened the child in me. I was taught at home not to catch butterflies and cause them pain, but dissecting a frog in the lab was forgivable. Dear Nature, your silence has … Continue reading Speak to us, threaten….
Folklore
The key drops with a thud on the cold floor. Beads of sweat on her forehead glisten in the sun. She has been warned against touching the ancient treasure. Her ancestors guard it in form of snakes and scorpions, and woe begone to anyone who goes near … or so the locals say. There is … Continue reading Folklore
Influencing justice
“It’s not possible”, pleaded the advocate helplessly, “all proofs and witnesses are against you.” “Tell me clearly if you cannot do the job, and I’ll hire another lawyer. I am paying you a bomb to manage the legal process.” “Whatever has already gone on record remains unchanged.” “Blur the background of incidents a little, circulate … Continue reading Influencing justice
Retirement
“I ordered baklava today, but it does not live up to my Mom’s cooking”, coos her daughter on the phone while ordering dinner online. Her husband senses her disappointment. “Let them live their own lives. You did your best.” She used to gloat in compliments after guests enjoyed her lavish dinners, and erroneously built her … Continue reading Retirement
Finding peace
She has changed. The expression is serene, smile relaxed and words very few, quite unlike the Martha Berends everyone knew. Martha was known for her sharp tongue, vivid descriptions of facts nobody was interested in and her propensity to occupy centre stage in all discussions. “Did the cat take your tongue?” “The cat does not … Continue reading Finding peace
What’s Real?
“Am I asleep, or am I dreaming?” This question whirled through her mind. The person standing in front of her looks very real, though his voice is low. “Let me ask you something. Who told you good things happen only in dreams?” “But this was a nightmare….” She stutters, “I’m happy it’s over.” “How do … Continue reading What’s Real?
Covers
I take pride in creating beautiful covers for household items – teapots, trays, scratched table tops or unsightly corners. It has evolved into a lucrative business, and my homemaker friends envy me for the financial freedom I gained through it. “Do I get any plus marks for creativity?” I ask with a smile in one … Continue reading Covers
Unfinished
“An unfinished story invites. It gives everyone the liberty to complete it as they like.” Henry’s words keep haunting me as I browse through his incomplete manuscript. Unfinished structures welcome every new brick or stone. They reach completion but not in the manner as perceived in the beginning. I call the publisher. “If this book … Continue reading Unfinished
Creative Experiments and More 