“Get me all reports on the espionage case.” I notice a change. There is caution in his usually stern, authoritative voice. “All fine, Sir?” “Get used to changes.” He points at the camera installed in his plush office, concealing the gesture. “Yes, Sir! You’ll have it in an hour.” I walk out with a new … Continue reading You’re being watched
She hailed America as a perfect capitalist society. There was a Russian backdrop for contrastive effect. I’m impressed by the way she described failing organisations decades ago. I see it happening around me all the time. Her concept of second-handers helped me make sense of irrationality around me. Did she foresee that no society is … Continue reading Cynical Atlas
“We don’t have your size, Sir!” The salesgirl gestured. “Okay,” the tourist smiled congenially, “Tell me your secret, how do you maintain such fab figures and skin textures?” “It is cultural - habits passed down for generations.” “We do have a cultural background as well - a very rich heritage.” "But you got busy imitating … Continue reading Selling skills
My five-year old cousin from the countryside visited Mumbai for the first time. He had never seen high-rise buildings and box-like apartments before. While he hankered to catch sight of an actor or celebrity somewhere, and loved the sea, he was not impressed by homes. ‘What’ll you do, if there are more guests? Where are … Continue reading Portable
The Managing Director called for an urgent meeting of all designers in the company. “Hereafter, all baby clothes will have pockets and will be in all possible colours - not majorly pink and blue. Change the store layouts to make them more inclusive.” “Is there a new directive on Diversity and Inclusion?” “No. I’m bringing … Continue reading Grinning away to victory
fast moving colors, change everything withinWho's trying to hide, disguised in rain?cloud bursts dropping secretsbut no one dares to catch Who's trying to hide, disguised in rain?allegations slipping off the skinbut no one dares to catchguilt accumulates within, dodging allegations slipping off the skin fast-moving colors, change everything within guilt accumulates within, dodging cloudbursts dropping … Continue reading Guilt
They hugged each other and cried, though it had been only two hours since they last met. They were strong individuals, but tormented by the agony of being lost in an alien place. They could not speak or read the local language. Phone calls did not go through for reasons unknown. It took ages rewinding … Continue reading The Shift
The high-priced biscuits are arranged in a pattern on the lawn. “What are you doing, Jamie? Food gets contaminated.” “I’m writing a pictorial story, Mom, not eating characters.” But Puppy did not seem to care about stories. He took a mouthful, while Jamie spoke to me. Jamie’s scream is heart-rending, as he slaps the guilty-looking … Continue reading Writing stories
“I see bare branches dancing in the light, shorn of leaves. You missed the beauty of natural surroundings.” Sandeve was actually missing his wife. “You know what, Sandeve! I danced alone yesterday. It feels so light to be alone, and free of expectations. I can lead my own life for some time.” “I don’t blame … Continue reading Freedom
“Take care, Harry! There’s a shredder in there.” He stepped back in a reflex move. “Don’t worry about your limbs. It shreds egos.” “When will you stop spinning stories?” “I already did. Might throw away the paints and brushes too…” “But why?” “I come here to accept defeat. I can’t replicate the original artist.” “Hmmm… … Continue reading One up
Creative Experiments and More 