We got back in touch after decades – a bunch of cousins who had shared some delightful vacations. It is a Whatsapp group, adorned by a pic of our grandparents. We named it “Sepia Tints to Ammonia Prints”, to symbolize a movement from past to future. It feels worthwhile to see achievements being shared, along … Continue reading A mix of both
The sky is clear, and the day bright. It is a level playing field, as much as one can expect. But what hits the psyche is the emptiness of it all. I returned here after a lapse- to the ideal place of my dreams. I wanted to be away from the VUCA world, back to … Continue reading Anachronism
A petition from the Students’ Association is on my table. They want the start of the academic year to shift from July to October. Heavy rains, traffic jams and the long queues for admission exacerbate tension. I call the secretary, still lost in my thoughts, “Tell them we’re taking the process online. There is no … Continue reading Romancing the rain
The light filtering in from the skylight kept her alive. It was 1971, the year of war and the year of blackouts. At night, the window was covered with a black paper to avoid light filtering out. She longed to see the moon, but heard the drones of aircraft flying low. What if they dropped … Continue reading End of the tunnel
“Isn’t it easier to increase font size on a screen?” “It’s all about reading between the lines.” “It can be done on devices too.” I suppressed a smile at my Dad’s stubbornness. He is a retired professor of psychology, and a writer of repute. “That’s too much of change and too much of manipulation there. … Continue reading Between the lines
“Get the black suits out for the funeral.” “Are you crazy, Tom? He is your father, and we are just shifting him to hospital.” “This plant had grown 55 inches in a day, when Mom passed away. It is again growing at a high speed. These tendrils are the tentacles of death.” “Letz throw it … Continue reading Tentacles
“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
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
“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
“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
