Release

“I can’t be rich and famous, however hard I try.” “What makes you say ‘I can’t’?” “A track record of failures, and a not-so-glorious family history….” “I don’t want to sound clichéd, but did all the rich and famous people start on a strong footing?” “They are born lucky.” “Luck is a term invented to … Continue reading Release

Vintage

They were meeting after three decades – three women struggling to rediscover their identity on the same campus, where they had studied. They reminded each other of their achievements – the path-breaking papers presented, the medals won and the admiration and envy drawn. Life had been a roller-coaster for them after that, as they stumbled … Continue reading Vintage

Honeymoon

“I’m not sure how are you going to live together.” “Baby, we are on our honeymoon…” “I’m not sure if I want to continue with the marriage. So many differences have surfaced already.” “We just had a fun-filled day capped by a candle-light dinner …” “But what about the night?” “Wait for the magic to … Continue reading Honeymoon

Repository of secrets

“Are the trees guarding territory, or making an effort to break in?” “I presume none. They cannot read the bad spelling, nor comprehend red alerts.” “Nor can I.” “Cheers, my boy! You’ve developed the right mind-set for this job. Now, let’s explore what lies inside.” I’d passed the inane test, but he did not know … Continue reading Repository of secrets

Take-off

She met the industrialist on the beach – a celebrity she respected and looked up to. “I’ve never done it before.” “You can. I never fail to spot talent.” “Are you sure you want me on board?” “An exciting career awaits you. Don’t lose confidence.” This vacation was going to be life-changing. She was ready … Continue reading Take-off

Movement

movement is the theme of a train –else it is just wagons and cars hissing out steam, or electric currents  running through nerves of steel it whistles, it makes forays through clouds, tunnels, forests and hills it onboards people fast , it bids them goodbye not knowing if it will be the last or will … Continue reading Movement

Unfamiliar

I’ve just completed a tour of the building, after studying the different forms of art on display. The inscrutability of this face bothers me – hiding itself with broken arms, refusing to lend itself to interpretation. It is so much there – in your face - and yet not there. Epiphany strikes, and I resolve … Continue reading Unfamiliar

It happens …

“Why does it look hungry for more?” “There are many more in the air.” What are you two talking about? Silence. Two days later, there is another storm which breaks all records. There appears to be a vortex, which sucks everything around it. Trees fall, buildings crash. The strangest phenomenon is several large bird-like creatures … Continue reading It happens …

Whose gain?

“That’s a hell lot of money to pay for painted pipes, and make it occupy pride of place.” “Remember the theme of the conference – Recycling Waste. We needed symbolic art.” “Hmmm… I wonder who is wasting what. We have energized some deep pockets … not sure of the research notes those speakers are doling … Continue reading Whose gain?

Patriotism

“Job completed as per instructions. Flag raised to the recommended height, and set to fly at the stipulated time…” This is another routine report the Admin Head checks every day at work. But today is different. The employee who executed the task has been sacked, and his own job is at stake. “What the hell … Continue reading Patriotism