God’s Opinion

Baby Ganesha was the smartest kid on the block when he won the race to complete the fastest circumambulation worldwide by walking around his parents. His parents meant the world to him. Annie sets out on a pilgrimage when she travels to meet the author whose books changed her life. The books ended the author’s … Continue reading God’s Opinion

Gin and Tonic

A quote by Sir Winston Churchill sends me scurrying around for more information, “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen's lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire.” It turns out tonic  is quinine-flavoured soda, the  bitterness is balanced by sugar, and it became a popular, delicious drink with a dash of … Continue reading Gin and Tonic

Imperfect

Fallen leaves belie the truth of stories etched on tree trunks. Spring does not restore the glory of those who fall. Renewal is an illusion, a fallacy of nature that fails to grant permanence to anything other than the soul. A soul feels, records and then departs. It occupies another body with no memory of … Continue reading Imperfect

Loops

There was no way he was doing it. And that was that… Unless, of course, one of them relented to keep peace. Then, they nursed the resentment to bring it up later at inopportune moments. It is an unending loop till death or divorce pulls them apart. Story Starter - Saturday Mix

A point in life

“Ramji refused to pay for his brother's funeral, and I had to step in,” reminisces the nonagenarian, which puts others in a tight spot. Ramji’s son is sitting at the bedside. “Of course, I remember you – you are from a different religion, often smoked in my bathroom and I’d chided Ravi on marrying you.” … Continue reading A point in life

eGo

I wonder if a thief lives here. One of my tees hangs on the rack, but I’ve never been here before, and it doesn’t look like a laundry either. A closer look reveals it is two sizes smaller than I wear and looks famished without my ego bloating it up. My tee was not a … Continue reading eGo

Pages

I’ll spend my life climbing those stairs and never reach the top. I’ll read each word, each alphabet and each character on those stairs and ask them if they are self-made or compelled to be stepping stones for others. I’ll scan the steps for the footprints of readers to see if there was a mutual … Continue reading Pages

The Secret Wall

I fiercely protect this invisible wall in my house. Walls are meant to divide and protect; this one unifies me with the purpose of my existence. Gilt-edged dreams hang on nails made of clouds and bits of sky. Frames shape-shift to accommodate my versatility. I protect it to keep judgmental minds, unsolicited advisors and critics … Continue reading The Secret Wall

Starry Skies

It feels like an achievement today. Struck by insomnia, I’ve been staring at the night sky for ages. My unanswered questions keep bouncing back; not even a shade alters - as dead as the birthday blessings I received in childhood, holding visions of a bright future. I’m hearing this song for the first time: “Count … Continue reading Starry Skies

April

April saw examination halls buzzing with tension An eerie silence tells me schedules have changed. There is a new class starting somewhere, only to break again for the summer vacay. It is time to pause. It is time to plan the future. It is time to break trends and take off at a tangent. April … Continue reading April