The Last Train

“Don’t miss the last train at 1.30 am. We’ll be waiting for you.” The train rolled in a little late, and only one door opened. He was the only passenger to board the train. The names of stations on the display panel were strange. “The last train goes to Churchgate. I don’t see the name … Continue reading The Last Train

Update your Version

"Retirement has brought me back to card games and books, but the companions are missing." "Why do you need a companion to read?" "The most enjoyable part of reading is the book and the different perspectives. These diverse viewpoints often open my eyes to new ideas and enrich the reading experience." "Join a book club. … Continue reading Update your Version

War and Peace

“One or more terrorists are still hiding somewhere.” “How can you say that?” “They abandoned the rocks after the full-fledged army attack, but two rocks are missing from this box. I’d counted all.” For once, the Captain believed him. “Take your positions, quick”, he barked. Silence. There was no sound of gunfire from anywhere. “Look … Continue reading War and Peace

Un-knotting stories

On a stage lit in neon, drowning in kaleidoscopic noise, Samaira found solace in her mother’s artwork.She had discovered woven elegance in her attic, uncovered forgotten stories from an era long past. Each design held depth, contrasting with the fleeting scroll of social feeds. Knotted deliberately, some stories did not give in to untangling and … Continue reading Un-knotting stories

Lamp and Genie

The lamp stays aflame, waiting for the genieCome claim its freedomThe lamp is tired,watching the genie frolic around-multiple masters, numerous assignments-lot of adventure, a grateful clientele. I’ve borne you for 5000 yearsattracted innocents to accidental rubsbecoming Masters of their Fate While I remain sedate, cold or hotMiracle I am, Angel you are notI respect the … Continue reading Lamp and Genie

The road to power

I find him gasping for breath under the bridge. He could barely keep his head above water. “Who threw you under the bus …er bridge?” I feel almost like a monster when asking this. “Pull me out first. I’ll spill the beans.” I haven’t asked for a scoop. I recall his speech in a conference … Continue reading The road to power

Enablers

It is a place where relationships lived, revived or died with conversations. Connectedness was the keyword. Plants in the same space are watered regularly, but are starved of oxygen. What kind of oxygen are you referring to? I remember how I felt renewed and invigorated after hearing your voice. Texts do not have the same … Continue reading Enablers

Choose what grows behind your back

“18 years, and I still remember what happened that fateful night. It is a sight that hasn’t left me ever since.”  “A lot of good things happened after that. Do you celebrate and commemorate those?” “I lived through those like many other people do. But whatever happened that night, happened to me alone.” “And yet, … Continue reading Choose what grows behind your back

Crack the code

This is the place that I once ownedTook pride in idiosyncrasies and quirksThis is where my first joint was rolledYes, it was a place I lived and worked. I knew not when someone wrote a protocolI was expected to work; play to the roleA workplace is not as relaxed as the campusWhen the collar gets … Continue reading Crack the code

Muse or Terror?

The city that never sleeps fascinates me. I walk under the streetlamps like a model walking the ramp under arc lights. I drape a scarf around my frail shoulders in different ways. One night … an invisible force tugs at my scarf. I’m pulled up to the bridge above the lights. It is a new … Continue reading Muse or Terror?