“Project complexity is the perfect counterfoil to showcase one’s ability,” she said, drawing a sharp question from her coach about who the goal-setter or challenge creator is. She clutched onto the chair in her search for words, then mumbled, “I believe in setting goals for myself.” “Choosing the toughest path shows an effort to prove … Continue reading Self-sufficiency
I wonder who waters the plants everyday, as I climb the stairs after two decades. I’ve inherited a house where my Grandma lived alone, and have no clue what to do with it. Should I retain it because of associated memories or put it on sale? After all, I may never return to this township … Continue reading Can I sell?
She believes that each rock holds a secret. He worships the growth and adventure that grass represents. He makes an offer, “You keep the rocks. Leave the grasslands for me.” It becomes an unspoken pact between them. One fine morning, he stumbles against a rock with the word FREEDOM etched on it. He shows it … Continue reading Rock in the Grass
The evergreen actor follows some rituals that perplex his co-stars. A younger co-star suddenly stopped talking as she realised he was not listening to her. He was busy chanting, “I’m the best, I’m the best…” Later in the day, she quipped, “Do you need that confidence booster? You’re undoubtedly one of the best.” “Everybody needs … Continue reading Confidence booster
The escalator was not working today, and each step felt … different, if not painful. It enhanced awareness of the journey without looking at a hand-held screen. I glanced at the other side and watched people alight quickly as if they enjoyed the process. I’m unsure if downward movement is always a joy, but it … Continue reading Steps
“Ramji refused to pay for his brother's funeral, and I had to step in,” reminisces the nonagenarian, which puts others in a tight spot. Ramji’s son is sitting at the bedside. “Of course, I remember you – you are from a different religion, often smoked in my bathroom and I’d chided Ravi on marrying you.” … Continue reading A point in life
I wonder if a thief lives here. One of my tees hangs on the rack, but I’ve never been here before, and it doesn’t look like a laundry either. A closer look reveals it is two sizes smaller than I wear and looks famished without my ego bloating it up. My tee was not a … Continue reading eGo
“A formidable opposition leader is arrested, but some drastic action was expected anyway.” “What makes you say so?” “The majority party has been caught on the wrong foot with a Supreme Court judgment about a scam to extort donations from the vulnerable. They will not let all the election preparation, publicity campaigns, hero-worship, some genuine … Continue reading Blow by Blow
In a fit of rage, she smashed her champagne glass on the marble floor and stared defiantly at him. She was fully prepared for the battle this time around. He advanced menacingly towards her, and she responded with a tight slap. A stunned silence pervaded the room. It was a slap on the face of … Continue reading Unending Fight
Whoever put the flowers there did not know he would define a turn in a life story. I woke up late after ringing in a birthday and rushed to work without peeping in the backyard. The sender of the flowers took offence at not receiving a timely response, and I lost a job opportunity. He … Continue reading Incidentally…
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