Options and Derivatives

He finds himself split between his options and longing to explode. An attractive woman who used to be a man, another one who is the poster girl for the plastic surgeon – both unbelievably rich and vying for his attention. He couldn’t have imagined a better future for himself. He scrolls through medical and legal … Continue reading Options and Derivatives

Accused

She measured the countless hours of dedicated painting on the walls. He was sweating, but cheerful under a bright sun. He was weary, but inspired under cloudy skies. It was her job to shield him and his work from the vagaries of nature. At times, she held the lights at night because a deadline was … Continue reading Accused

The Table

They were finally at the destination wedding venue, despite opposition from the families, whom they had somehow managed to convince. Tisha stopped in her tracks as she was laying out her makeup for the next event. A table emerged from the shadows with eight legs bending and twitching, moving with the grotesque rhythm of an … Continue reading The Table

A thought reflects

“Memory full.” The message flashed subtly, certainly not in neon, but was enough to divert me. “Let’s find a parking space somewhere till the limited human deletes a few files,” I say to my homeless mates. It’s not easy for humans, for the rearrangement happens unbeknownst to the conscious mind. They forget something, but don’t … Continue reading A thought reflects

MYOPIA

Her best friend was the window, because it gave her glimpses of the outside world. And she was naïve enough to believe that people walking down the street in colourful outfits with different expressions constituted the world. The helicopter that pulled her out of the window was maligned as the villain. The pilot dragged her … Continue reading MYOPIA

Karma Coins

Aman walked out of the insurance office after getting the claim settlement amount on home insurance. A short circuit had burnt down his inherited property, and he had to shift to a rented house. He had barely fallen asleep with numbers clouding his mind – all that he inherited, gained, lost and retained to leave … Continue reading Karma Coins

Show Windows

“I can’t believe you want to refuse this coveted invitation. I have got my outfit ready.” She looked disappointed as she applied the night cream. “You have no clue about business games, Sara. These star-studded parties are a bubble created by the PR team.” “What do they gain by spending millions?” “They are setting up … Continue reading Show Windows

Facing Yourself

The words come in bursts, sharp and caffeinated, from her deepest core, but her focus keeps wobbling. Outside, rain streaks the glass, blurring the city into familiar watercolour smudges. Where will her words land, and what will be the impact on wet earth? Will they sink in the slush, or ignite firestorms in the form … Continue reading Facing Yourself

Where do shoes belong?

I’m impressed by the opulent interiors of the house. The hosts are equally eager to flaunt their wealth. The unusual décor that catches my attention is a sneaker wall. The most expensive sneakers in the world are displayed on floating shelves. Some of them cost $2 million to $17 million. I wonder if the sneakers lend … Continue reading Where do shoes belong?

Silence

Silence gnawed at her—an unhealed scar, raw and pulsating beneath the skin. At times, she was audacious enough to talk about her achievements – a published poem or book, a new outfit or being loved back by the dog. The last one always gave her immense joy. The response was always a stony silence - … Continue reading Silence