Suspect

“Get this picture analysed again.” “What is it you suspect now?” “The arrow sign is not a part of the picture. It has been superimposed.” “These signs are there on roundabouts.” “Do you see a mountain in the background? The story given by the survivor is about driving towards a river. The buildings look similar … Continue reading Suspect

The Morning After

“Great to connect with you, buddy! It was beyond my wildest imagination that we share the same fears and concerns. You are seen as the blue-eyed boy of the master.” “What makes you think so?” “All that you shared yesterday…” “I must have been really sozzled. Let’s go back to where we started from… We … Continue reading The Morning After

Asylum

Eden saw doubt in their trembling smiles, they never expected her to recover.  She knew she will be shifted to a mental asylum soon. The family was already planning a life without her, rather a life without her bouts of insanity. She saw floating images from the past – moments of achievement, appreciation, happiness. There … Continue reading Asylum

As romantic as it gets

“Anamika and Arun have decided to separate. Another fairytale wedding ends.” “I’m not surprised. There’s a difference between knowing, understanding and loving.” “One leads to another.” “No. We don’t like everything we understand.” “And what do you prefer?” “Being understood correctly, rather than being loved for the wrong reason….” It’s time to leave for work … Continue reading As romantic as it gets

Interpretation

I remember the shape of your ship sailing away on the horizon, turning dark, reducing in size, till it moved out of sight. We did not share the same space any more, and my daughter had no access to your world. Your responses changed from reassuring to tardy to silence - she was foolish enough … Continue reading Interpretation

Ownership

It is not the same lock. I distinctly remember the brass lock I had put there. Twenty years have elapsed. Generation Next has taken over. But there are secrets I know – there is only one route to reach the treasure, and it can change lives. I’ll wait for them to come and ask. It … Continue reading Ownership

Whose world?

There is a name inscribed on each arrow – arrows that have pierced the softest part of my psyche. I count them every day, and remember the things that hurt me. I build an arsenal of my own – as a defensive measure. A mythological television show demonstrates to-and-fro fireworks , and their subsequent neutralisation … Continue reading Whose world?

What if I succeed?

“Section 309 of Indian Penal Code says than an attempt to commit suicide is punishable with an imprisonment term of up to one year or more ….” “What are you reading?” “Isn’t it a draconian law? A person with no will to live is made to live in jail.” “The Mental HealthCare Bill, 2017 has … Continue reading What if I succeed?

Storm windows

“Nothing will happen till you learn networking and promoting yourself,” my business mentor shuts his laptop with a vengeance before leaving. A solution is needed without overhauling the entire structure. It needs to be something like an overbridge or subway or bypass road. And then, I need a plan to divert traffic. I trained as … Continue reading Storm windows

What goes around comes around

Her book has clocked record sales across the world. Her financial planning to quit the job, and lead a semi-retired life is done. Cost of living on the island she plans to migrate, is not high. Three years ago, she couldn’t have foreseen this happening. It was the first holiday in the life of a … Continue reading What goes around comes around