In a trance

Dinner with Diana on Fridays was a ritual, inmates of the asylum had always followed …. some had to be wheeled in by attendants, in a semi-conscious state after medication, but they were all present. ‘You know what, the shots aren’t as bad as you think, and I like the way they put me in … Continue reading In a trance

Warning bells

“Let’s go back…” “I’m fed up of these daily excuses not to run.” She was training for the next event at national level. “It’s not an excuse. I’ll complete the distance running to and fro, to this point, but not beyond this.” “Why?” There was exasperation in his tone, “there are no ghosts on that … Continue reading Warning bells

Breaking new ground

The shapes and symbols are unfamiliar. He looks around to spot a clue or see similar objects around. No help in sight… he turns back to the screen in desperation and sees the lines getting translated to a known language. The messages give him directions on things he should and shouldn’t do, during his stay … Continue reading Breaking new ground

Confusion

She came every Thursday, dressed in a shade of blue matching her eyes and her straight, long, auburn tresses burnt the consciousness of all participants there.  “I’m fit enough to leave the asylum”, declared a confident-looking young man. “Good to know that, and I’ll bid you goodbye after you have undergone the mandatory tests.” “I … Continue reading Confusion

Double Loss

“I transferred the money to her account. She has to return it.” I could see only the accusing finger in the courtroom, and then her well-moisturised ankle. She hushed up facts about the investment that ran into a loss, and it being in my name, because she expressed inability to sign papers on a working … Continue reading Double Loss

Confession

My father is breathing his last.  He is the only support I’ve ever had in life. I lost my mother in infancy, and did not have any siblings. A relationship was initiated, but ended badly due to my insecurities. The girl found me too possessive and clinging. I hold his hand, as his breathing gets … Continue reading Confession

Games people play

“I’m sick of magic mirrors”, my teenage daughter protested, “I don’t like seeing grotesque forms of myself.” “These are not those deforming, illusionary mirrors. You will be transformed forever.” His voice appeared to come from another plane. “What? You mean deformities will be permanent?” “There are no deformities here. The tormentor and tormented look alike, … Continue reading Games people play

Curating Experience

“The haziness of a disappearing platform and culture is evident in this artwork. The artist was planning to retire.” “Does an artist ever retire? There are curators who work at preserving art.”  “Do you won a museum or art gallery?” “I build castles out of the sands of collective experience. The story of this artist … Continue reading Curating Experience

First Line Friday

Dominic bowed his head to hide his face. He forgot that he did not need to do so, after the plastic surgery which has changed his appearance. It was an instinctive response on seeing the person who trusted him, but was backstabbed. He wondered if she had recognised him. But his body language was enough … Continue reading First Line Friday

Paradox

It was a client who gave the counsellor the right perspective. “The problem is we cannot have part of a person. We need to accept the whole, though certain parts are so exasperating.” Parineeta thought about her husband who mirrored her father’s value system, and had attracted to him for that reason. He valued family, … Continue reading Paradox