“Why can’t you sell a part of your ancestral property to fund the purchase of a new house for us?” “I’ve told you many times. I cannot sell anything while my mother is alive. You don’t have the patience to wait till she dies.” He walked out in a huff, slamming the door shut. It … Continue reading Remnants
The journalist always mocked a candle march. It seemed impotent, especially when the crowds were unable to prevent a crime. Of what use is indignation without an effort? Tonight was different. Tonight, shadows crept out of crevices in floors and walls. Stars dropped from the sky to hold a candle against darkness. A noose hanging … Continue reading Justice
What was the whistleblower thinking when he typed the incendiary email? What kind of superpower did he assume he would be blessed with? The bloke was not aware that money will continue to exchange hands till every protesting voice was silenced; everybody has a price; one should know how to assess and pay it. When … Continue reading The Whistleblower
The bright yellow graphics painted on the door do little to alleviate the overwhelming feeling of being dwarfed by the multitude of powers that have her back. She feels hemmed in with the pressure, though viewers look upon her quaintness with amusement. She is the woman who won over gold-plated hearts with the warmth and … Continue reading Choked
The city’s traffic lights started blinking in Morse code, spelling out a warning almost no one could understand. All those who could were in gaol, because their forecasts did not match the rosy picture painted by those in power. The masses were swaying to the tune of the Pied Piper, oblivious to the fact that … Continue reading The Coup
In the heart of Azadpur, a city pulsing with history and ambition, a group of idealists led by Meera Joshi and Arvind Deshmukh, filled with hope and determination, decided it was time. The old regime—headed by the formidable yet corrupt Devendra Rao—had held sway for decades. His policies were riddled with nepotism, his ministers bloated … Continue reading Traps
The CEO stared at the quarterly report, the numbers bleeding red like a wound he couldn’t heal. “Falling flat on my face is not an option,” he muttered, as he instructed his juniors to key in the phantom transactions — manipulated transactions and inflated profits. The auditors were managed, the boardroom approved, choosing to ignore … Continue reading Consequence
My mother told me about pots of gold encased in walls, at her ancestral home in the village. There was an old aunt who had entered the house young as a child bride, and witnessed all the hush-hush activity, perched on her mother-in-law’s hip. She was dead now, and the tragedy was a belief that … Continue reading Secrets
Why did she not respond there and then to say she did not like the other person’s behaviour and was not going to put up with it? It set up wrong expectations, and the relationship loops got badly entangled. She loses respect for herself whenever she thinks of it. She finds herself replaying those scenarios … Continue reading Digital Clocks
“How about a cup of coffee in Sundance Café?” He asked after the completion of a gruelling college project. What started as a kind gesture from a classmate rolled over into the darkest chapter of her life. He introduced her to friends who, despite their polished appearance, were involved in nefarious activities. Her swift entry … Continue reading Sundance Cafe
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