Appreciation

He held the “Best Performer of the Year” award, looking forlorn. Twitterverse responded with question marks when the picture was shared. His boss expressed displeasure at the kind of commotion created.  The company expected returns from positive storytelling. He poured himself a drink as his wife set the table for dinner. “Let’s skip the grilled … Continue reading Appreciation

Before you judge

Give me time before you judge. Give me time to build a life worth showcasing, and then let it lose relevance. Time, the Ultimate Thief robs all achievements of their short-lived glory and diminishes the glow of self-esteem. I watch the idol being pulled down, whose neck appeared to bow a little daily with the … Continue reading Before you judge

Can I sell?

I wonder who waters the plants everyday, as I climb the stairs after two decades. I’ve inherited a house where my Grandma lived alone, and have no clue what to do with it. Should I retain it because of associated memories or put it on sale? After all, I may  never return to this township … Continue reading Can I sell?

Nostalgia

“We used to have a life -  chatting face-to-face, watching expressions before responding and displaying etiquette in easy, understandable ways,” Uncle Arthur is going nostalgic again. “I’m younger than you are,  Arthur,” interjected  Aunt Esther, “ and I remember the sounds when  you disconnected the  phone in anger or disgust and even the wooden pen … Continue reading Nostalgia

Trendsetters

“Those  who don’t know the rules of the road impose a rule on rule-makers – of making their rules known in a language others understand.” “They also need to know the consequences of non-compliance. But they appear to know all the possibilities of getting away.” “Yes. They can fly, whereas we can’t.” “Especially if their … Continue reading Trendsetters

Defraying Darkness

I  buy a handmade candle whose soft glow defrays the darkness in my house, struck by power failure. It helps the young widow pay electricity bills to keep her baby comfortable. Weekend Writing Prompt #375

Blank Pages

In the quiet of dawn, we stand between incomplete chapters, ink still wet. The afterlife whispers, veiled, a mystery we’ve yet to grasp. Hearsay and imagination intertwine, Threads of curiosity spin, but the future in this life—Ah, that remains a blank page. Yet, undeterred, we write. Words etched upon the present, A story unfolding, inked … Continue reading Blank Pages

Belligerence

“If I’m not a human,  I’ll be the needle, virus or weapon that kills you, but kill, I will. My rage against the patriarchy will not subside with the end of one lifetime. I’ll carry this belligerence to avenge the humiliation and defeat in this life.” They are stunned to watch an orangish light emanating … Continue reading Belligerence

Self-flagellation

The wounds we bear often stem from self-inflicted pain. I watched others sprint through the corridors of success while I remained a passive bystander. Excuses about not finding the right platform are clichéd. I never sought a godfather’s help, unwilling to accept anyone as divine. But in those perilous corridors, protection requires an army—one I … Continue reading Self-flagellation

Demons

She seeks solace in the darkness inside. The illuminated streets remind her of a life well-lived but now out of reach. Not that she misses it much. There is a satisfaction of having been there and done that. But the demons inside the house do not let her rest. She picks up the phone to … Continue reading Demons