“Arches in architecture always fascinate me – under a bridge, on doorways or elsewhere. At another level, the arc tempts me to complete the circle and let people jump in”. “Passing through an arch brings good luck”, chimes in my mother as the temple bells ring. “Then why do you pray for good luck after … Continue reading Arches
He realized that she had seen him and he couldn’t let her get away. This is a hackneyed story plot for a thriller, and the author decides to ditch the familiar today. The protagonist follows her to see what she is up to after seeing him. He is ever grateful to that momentary thought. He … Continue reading The story goes on
Who would think that awful b---h could have been a victim of abuse? The black diary reveals that she was a plaything for the top boss, who executed his wicked plans through her. How do ya’ know all this? Read the news item - A search of the woman’s desk revealed previously unknown details about … Continue reading Dignity
“The Six Sentence Bistro Café is closed for the week” – Nope, it isn’t, but I wish it were. The regulars are all there, waving at me, and the bartender is moving on roller skates with a tray delicately balanced in expert hands. I stare at the white expanse on my screen and feel nothing. … Continue reading Closed for the week?
His granddaughter was born with a speech defect. He is pained, notwithstanding that his wife was not allowed to have a voice. Weekend Writing Prompt #435
Spoilt for choice, she decided to walk away from all of it—the glittering offers, the curated futures, the voices that told her what she should want. She wandered into the quiet, beyond the reach of algorithms, where Google Maps could not identify her precise location. She imagined someone posting her picture with a caption “Lost … Continue reading Spoilt for Choice
They found her in a car park – her hair dishevelled, her appearance woebegone. But she carried self-respect instead of a begging bowl, and refused to accept alms. They promised to give her work and took her home. They fed her, clothed her and lent some makeup to boost her confidence. Soon, she disappeared with … Continue reading Woe-Begone
The pilot episode of “The First Date & Chicken Manchurian” ” was supposed to be the big break for Akash Sharma, a wide-eyed actor whose only prior credit was a toothpaste commercial in Assam. On set, nerves tangled with ambition as Akash delivered his lines with gusto—until a prop malfunction sent the spotlights flying on … Continue reading Spotlight
War spells disaster – especially those that drive hatred between two sections of the human race. We concealed our dwellings with black paper on window panes and skylights to avoid being detected by bomber planes. Those were the days when fighter planes were not as technologically advanced as today. The sound of planes buzzing overhead … Continue reading War and Peace
“I can’t stand him.” “Take time before you judge. The flibbertigibbet you hate actually showcases the content of his mindset.” “There’s nothing there.” “If he mentions a calendar, check the dates. If he is stuck in the past, he is not absorbing fresh inputs. That is the reason for the disconnect and growing apart.” “Hmm, is … Continue reading Clues
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