The national symbol of Brotherland is a group of people huddled together. Aman is an avid international literature reader and often asks his parents if they have seen a better version of unity, love, and brotherhood. They reassured him that this was the best place in the world to be. Soon, a war is waged … Continue reading Is it too late?
The annual performance review is battle time, and this company is like many others, where diversity and inclusion initiatives are mere lip service. Shinjini, with a determined look, met the CEO's gaze as he stumbled over his words, clearly uncomfortable. “Your performance is undeniably exceptional, but we must strive for consistency across the board.” “Sure, … Continue reading Ironically…
Baby Ganesha was the smartest kid on the block when he won the race to complete the fastest circumambulation worldwide by walking around his parents. His parents meant the world to him. Annie sets out on a pilgrimage when she travels to meet the author whose books changed her life. The books ended the author’s … Continue reading God’s Opinion
A quote by Sir Winston Churchill sends me scurrying around for more information, “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen's lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire.” It turns out tonic is quinine-flavoured soda, the bitterness is balanced by sugar, and it became a popular, delicious drink with a dash of … Continue reading Gin and Tonic
Fallen leaves belie the truth of stories etched on tree trunks. Spring does not restore the glory of those who fall. Renewal is an illusion, a fallacy of nature that fails to grant permanence to anything other than the soul. A soul feels, records and then departs. It occupies another body with no memory of … Continue reading Imperfect
“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
I’ll spend my life climbing those stairs and never reach the top. I’ll read each word, each alphabet and each character on those stairs and ask them if they are self-made or compelled to be stepping stones for others. I’ll scan the steps for the footprints of readers to see if there was a mutual … Continue reading Pages
I fiercely protect this invisible wall in my house. Walls are meant to divide and protect; this one unifies me with the purpose of my existence. Gilt-edged dreams hang on nails made of clouds and bits of sky. Frames shape-shift to accommodate my versatility. I protect it to keep judgmental minds, unsolicited advisors and critics … Continue reading The Secret Wall
It feels like an achievement today. Struck by insomnia, I’ve been staring at the night sky for ages. My unanswered questions keep bouncing back; not even a shade alters - as dead as the birthday blessings I received in childhood, holding visions of a bright future. I’m hearing this song for the first time: “Count … Continue reading Starry Skies
Creative Experiments and More 