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
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
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
“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
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
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
“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
“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
