Did we ever stop to discover sterling qualities in each other? Ideologically, we were on opposite sides of an imaginary fence. We lived at cross-purposes and tried never to cross each other’s paths. When I started writing, I learned to explore and develop characters' mindsets. I found myself thinking of you more often, and I … Continue reading Two-sided
“Just when I think I have it all figured out, fate drops a bomb”. “My strategy is different. My goals are the answers I’d like to have, and then I frame questions in line with them. It’s not easy. I work hard, but get everything in the right slot in the end.” “No wonder you … Continue reading Figured out
“Project complexity is the perfect counterfoil to showcase one’s ability,” she said, drawing a sharp question from her coach about who the goal-setter or challenge creator is. She clutched onto the chair in her search for words, then mumbled, “I believe in setting goals for myself.” “Choosing the toughest path shows an effort to prove … Continue reading Self-sufficiency
“Back home, we were called a lemon set. We are four sisters who are not quadruplets but look almost the same. We’ve taken after our mother.” “Did it not feel derogatory to be called a lemon set?” quips the interviewer. “For a while, it did, and we dressed differently. However, now that we all live … Continue reading Sameness
The city is ancient with modern buildings. The secret lies in the roads that pass through it. Lifetimes have traversed through the lanes, adding their inputs, which only made the city stronger. It takes pride in its indestructibility. Neither war nor natural disasters can destroy it. This city just renews itself in a new garb. … Continue reading The Soul City
The National Head of Human Resources, responsible for overseeing the human resource management of the entire organisation, is perplexed by the number of resignations and transfer requests from a particular branch—the reason quoted by all points in the same direction. Shocked by the situation, the National Head immediately calls the Regional Head for an explanation. … Continue reading Nexus
He was rejected for lacking social grace and having two left feet, but he was getting used to it all. “You are getting too comfortable with your single status,” whined his mother, who had always been too involved in his personal life. He took some time to think of the right words to answer, but … Continue reading Punch line
I exited the elevator and realised it was the wrong floor. I pressed the button again but had to wait till it returned from the 29th floor. Meanwhile, a toy winks at me from a box. I notice somebody’s life packed in a few boxes, waiting to find a new home. “Can we see the … Continue reading Life in Motion
I met your mother yesterday at the mall. She was looking at ornate jewellery for her prospective daughter-in-law. I watched the gleam in her eyes with awe, which induced a strange, sad feeling. I am haunted by how much our mothers do not know. We can blame them for not building a congenial atmosphere for … Continue reading Living in Ignorance
I’m strongly tempted to open the boxes and see what lies within. Is it discarded junk? Why should anyone leave it in a public place, in a country where junk dealers abound? Or the lifetime belongings of a homeless person? I stop in my tracks out of respect for privacy. I cannot assume the right … Continue reading Unexpected
Creative Experiments and More 