A star – yet to be born

If old benches and bikes remind you of grandparents, think again. Ascending those creaky stairs is daunting, but I make the journey with resilience. The space at the top may be modest, but it's all I need to thrive—a bed, a microwave, a chair, and a table with a reading lamp. The bike parked below … Continue reading A star – yet to be born

My teacher will disagree

The teacher had this nasty habit of writing test scores on the board. The toppers enjoyed the applause for sure, but many secretly wished it was not all put out in the open. Why should everyone know he prefers playing with his dog to solving algebra equations? Nobody cares to know that he draws and … Continue reading My teacher will disagree

The Red Sari

The red sari that widows are not allowed to wear mocked her whenever she peeked into her present wardrobe of pastels. “You are still young,”  said someone,  looking at her hopefully. She did not want to be trapped in a marital bond again, not after having experienced bliss in a solitary existence. “I’ll gift this … Continue reading The Red Sari

Personification

Personification is distinct from personal recognition. One is a mere image, the other a true understanding. When you personify, you translate my essence into an image that you have of me and eulogise or worship me. You have placed aquatic creatures that do not belong here, and I can sense their discomfort. You drew stars … Continue reading Personification

Appreciation

We are a network of people with a common ideal —tourists should always return with a positive impression of our beloved city. We formed a non-profit organisation to ensure their journeys were joyous and smooth. It wasn't very reassuring that memories faded as they returned to their own lives. Forgotten, we linger in the shadows … Continue reading Appreciation

Shadow-boxing

“Ensure you don’t repeat the same mistakes you always do”. “You are talking about the image you have of me, not the real me,” Amina's voice quivered, revealing the depth of her struggle. Tim was nonplussed for a moment. For the past few years, he had been locked in a relentless battle with himself, each … Continue reading Shadow-boxing

Anti-Satanic Vaccine

Imagine a transformative force, a vaccine against negativity, that could safeguard mental health, preserve integrity, and prevent harm to others. Let’s christen it the 'anti-Satanic Vaccine – Verses or Words '. The words would keep ringing in the thought process, extolling virtues of love, liberty and creativity. Under the influence of this vaccine, art would … Continue reading Anti-Satanic Vaccine

The waiting guest

The old woman kept repeating stories about the saddest parts of her life, cribbing, complaining and blaming. Gradually, people started avoiding her company. Happiness waited somewhere in the vicinity, begging for attention. Her infant grandson squealed with delight as her coffin was taken away. He had spotted the waiting guest. Weekend Writing Prompt #391

Culinary Adventures

Never a great cook, she rummaged through the larder to see if she could put together a meal for two. She wondered what her housekeeper would do with the limited ingredients, without the herbs and sauces she always kept handy. But whom is she trying to impress when she could easily order a fancy meal? … Continue reading Culinary Adventures

Change the Lens

“I believe that Gen Z is not difficult to work with. Unlike us, they were born into a fast-changing world, and their perspectives are not frozen in archaic timeframes”. “I appreciate your efforts to bond with the team and extract results, but not consistently the desired results,”  Harry said with knitted eyebrows, not looking up … Continue reading Change the Lens