Perfectly Executed

“It's Ronnie again... Rs. 122 crores have disappeared from the vaults of a bank." “Don’t worry ... He is our undercover agent, and I am sure we will get to the criminals soon enough.” Ronnie gazes into the mirror yet again as if trying to recognise his true self after spending months in the world … Continue reading Perfectly Executed

Expunging Darkness

“Have you visited the Ajanta or Ellora caves? The wall frescoes, painted by ancient artists, tell many different stories. We have these outlines on a canvas and plenty of colours to fill in. Your life story depends on what you choose.” Words of wisdom fell off like ice cubes from a merciless face. He blamed … Continue reading Expunging Darkness

Mediums

“The increase in divorce rates is scary”, sighed my mother. “I work in HR, Mom, and the attrition rates are scarier than that.” “Why can’t young people commit themselves?” “Their values are different. The medium that connects is fluid, and expectations keep changing.” “We were taught there are no options to go back. It made … Continue reading Mediums

Malicious Gossip

I wake up drenched in sweat. It is one of those nights when a character, with a perspective that challenges my narrative, fights to blend in with my story but is not very welcome. I must include his perspective, which is in stark contrast to my own. This will alter my story's format and challenge … Continue reading Malicious Gossip

Other Side of Life

Komal stepped into the tunnel, driven by an unknown force. Each trembling footfall echoed, amplifying the doubts that clung to the walls. But with every step, she felt better. As she ventured further, the darkness seemed to close in, but a distant light began to pierce the shadows.  She knew the path to liberation was … Continue reading Other Side of Life

Culinary Adventures

Never a great cook, she rummaged through the larder to see if she could put together a meal for two. She wondered what her housekeeper would do with the limited ingredients, without the herbs and sauces she always kept handy. But whom is she trying to impress when she could easily order a fancy meal? … Continue reading Culinary Adventures

Change the Lens

“I believe that Gen Z is not difficult to work with. Unlike us, they were born into a fast-changing world, and their perspectives are not frozen in archaic timeframes”. “I appreciate your efforts to bond with the team and extract results, but not consistently the desired results,”  Harry said with knitted eyebrows, not looking up … Continue reading Change the Lens

Gaps

The countryside calls me back. I miss the music of the flowing river flirting with rocks, which spawns folklore about its origin and the blessings and curses it carries. I watch my shapely wife, wearing a red swimming costume, complete the 50 laps she does every day to meet her fitness goals. She is dedicated, but the stagnant pool … Continue reading Gaps

Malleable

We spread our arms to receive blessings from the Universe, and thunder strikes. It is only an announcement that God’s bounty or forgiveness will not take us anywhere towards Nirvana. We were created imperfect with a mission to achieve near perfection, and it is a rocky road with no shortcuts. The self-appointed agencies of God have … Continue reading Malleable

Clawback

“Do you think someone allegedly involved in a fraud deserves a bonus and stock options?” her quivering voice echoes in the closed chamber. The question is direct,  hard-hitting, and almost accusing. The honcho turns around in his chair, provocatively taps the cigar on the ashtray, and watches the dropped ash cool and shrink. “I know … Continue reading Clawback