“Once upon a time, editors were human, and they liked to exercise control.” She wondered if the relic from ancient times on the creaking armchair was just nostalgic or lamenting the end of an era. He was holding a book with yellowed pages authored by him close to his heart. “Gramps, this is 2126. Algorithms … Continue reading Editors
Outside the crumbling courthouse in Lucknow, a group of activists proudly announced their “relay hunger strike,” as if skipping lunch in shifts would terrify a politician who dines on stolen millions. Ramesh took the first turn, dramatically sipping water every five minutes, while declaring he was “on the brink of collapse.” Meena replaced him after … Continue reading Protest
She walks past the crowded street, self-conscious like the only spot of colour in a drab landscape. Nobody ever told her whether she was beautiful or ugly, as her only companions on the island were flora and fauna. This place is different as there are so many with the same physical form, but none of … Continue reading Sticking Out
Once upon a time, a Piper wandered into the marketplace of nations, his flute gleaming with promises of aid and his shadow heavy with threats of tariffs. The rulers, eager for prosperity, fell into step, marching to his tune, believing his melody would lead them to abundance. But the Piper’s song was woven with threads … Continue reading The Pied Piper
She dreamt of giant spiders hiding in the garden who spun the web. How did the makers of Jurassic Park miss out on this species? A tiny rodent brought her to her senses as he cracked the deceptive net. It was a poorly crafted macrame wall-hanging, discarded by the novice artist. It takes close observation … Continue reading Perceptions
We had almost given up. Then, I yelled to call the doctor, as I felt his fingers curl around my hand. Screenshot “He is moving.” The doctor and nurses surrounded the bed and started pumping life. “God helped us through you.” I thanked them with folded hands. “No,” We heard a feeble voice from the … Continue reading The Message
There was only way to counteract the missiles being fired by stupid earthlings – drop a spark from the Divine Flame on the monstrous decision-makers to disempower them. She crept into the cavern where the gods kept their flame, her hands trembling with both awe and hunger. The masquerade she wore was stitched from mortal … Continue reading Fated
It might take longer reaching there. The path is jagged and I need to yield to traffic from the other side. There are butterflies in my stomach as I navigate the roads skilfully, with one eye on the look out for a traffic cop. I am committed to attending the gang’s meeting at the other … Continue reading With Consternation
We built a structure with great care where each brick represented us. It had space for all our sanity, freedom and nationalism. We called it democracy. Somehow, a section of the population was getting uncomfortable as there was no space for large thrones and executioners. Some people watched them out of curiosity and got hypnotized … Continue reading There was No Alternative
I don’t even know why we broke up; there was no acrimony or argument. It was as if we just floated away into different realms and did not miss each other. People grow apart in different spaces, irrelevant to each other; there are no separations as such. I’m not looking for validation or consolation; I … Continue reading Growing apart
Creative Experiments and More 