“Borders have re-opened after the pandemic. This bus will take you a longer distance than it used to.” The coach guide volunteers information eagerly lapped up by many. Some are waiting to resume work-from-office after a long spell of working from home. Others have gathered courage to travel, since tickets are available at low rates. … Continue reading Variants of terrorism
“The twins are growing up to very different from each other,” rues an exasperated aunt who pampered the duo in their early years. “Whose imprints do they carry?” She looks baffled, “You mean what did they inherit?” “They did. But what makes each individual unique is their experience and how they react to external stimuli. … Continue reading Shades, hues and intensity
I don’t know when life passed us by. We taught the cute munchkins how to walk and keep their balance. Soon, it was their time to run and it was part of our responsibility to provide the playground. It was a pleasure to watch them fall, get up again, discover their velocity. We just kept … Continue reading Empty Nest
“Grandma, you missed a note”, chimes a sweet voice. It’s one of the kids who attend the same music class. “Thanks for taking me in, Hank! I was turned down by all music classes for my age.” “You are doing fairly well. Just keep at it.” Hank waves at her as he guides another kid … Continue reading Beginner
My grandpa dissuaded us from getting on these rickshaws, as it felt cruel to have a human pull your weight. By refraining, we deprived the rickshaw-puller of his income. But there is no end to certain ethical dilemmas. Then, came the cycle-rickshaw which was also a novelty for us. We had none of those in … Continue reading Humanity
It's a night of reminiscing and sharing. The campers are all above 60 years of age. Mona strums her guitar around the fireplace, while Aatish grills chunks of meat, veggies and fruits. Bernie is a little low, as she has to vacate the rented apartment next month, with no alternatives in sight. Karishma poses a … Continue reading Never say die
“Geometric magnificence with tiny imperfections gives so much character to the building. I’d like to come back to this place.” “This is the seventh time you are visiting, and you haven’t found the person you are looking for.” “This is what gives me so much character ….”, She smiles wryly. “Hey, come out of the … Continue reading Story-driven
yellow lights dot a sky which isnot yet darkpessimistic shadows show shapesfamiliar, yet scaryunrealistic, but stonedto stoke fears of what is probablewhat can happenfrom a particular perspective those yellow lights look like signals from heavento someone who can’t sleepin fear of being overtaken, overpoweredby rivals, enemies or competitorsbut knows there’s a way out theresomewhereeven if … Continue reading Not Again
The place hasn’t changed much in a decade. But an intriguing sight greets me. Two dogs are lounging around in the chairs which the senior Smith couple used to grace. I push the gate open and see a young girl serving their food in bowls on the table. “I haven’t seen you here before.” “How … Continue reading Stretching beyond life
Vintage is a numberarbitrarinessof those who thinkthey define contemporary Vintage is what lends valueto a historian orarchaeologist’s workor a fashionistarunning out of ideas Vintage is digging intoclosets or atticswhen there’s time to spareand you can return to lifewithout a hint of carefor what you posted onhandles for likes Vintage is an erasmiling at visitorsfrom the … Continue reading Vintage
