The imposing façade succeeded in concealing long-standing conflicts in the family. But the patriarch’s death suddenly brought it all out in the open. “Find a place for yourself and your families. I’m selling this house.” The matriarch dropped a bombshell on unsuspecting generations. They had come to take this house and the identity it gave … Continue reading Shade of the Oak Tree
The holiday resort boasts of having a frozen chamber – in a country that sees snow only on mountain peaks. Her boisterous teenagers come out with shades of blue on their skin. It has been a tough battle keeping them in. Yes, snow would be the easy way out, even if it was artificial. “Mom, … Continue reading Thaw the Blues
The final walkout was not liberation. It was the realization that she had left doors open for manipulators. She disrespected herself by believing flaky promises, and catering to his desire for control. She felt a surge of relief, a burst of freedom, a spark of joy. She felt like she had reclaimed her life, re-discovered … Continue reading Walk Out
I don’t mind being called the Rebel of the Century or a cynic or spoilsport. But whenever someone who is in power or an aspirant to power highlights a story, I look in other directions. What are they trying to conceal, or divert attention from? “You fall victim to people’s stories ….” is an oft-repeated … Continue reading Gaslighting
If only I could separate the kith and kin from well-wishers, and wish them well… If only I could interpret well-practised expressions to see the real intent… If only I could convince people to mind their own business and leave me alone. If only I could find un-polarized, inclusive worlds to welcome humanity If only … Continue reading If only…
Art by Anjolie Ela Menon Did she feel cheated or elated to know that she nursed divinity in her womb? It was gratifying to know that the Supreme Power needed her as a platform to descend into a world of his own creation, for he needed a human body, and only she could give Him … Continue reading Divine Mothers
He has been in the asylum for more than a decade; yet looks more serene and sane than anyone in the outside world. He was once declared fit to be discharged, but another hysterical act put him back with other inmates. Power was an aspiration as long as it belonged to someone else, but when … Continue reading Powerful Observations
Maya had no clue what a cold reception meant. But the sharpness of her step-mom’s sarcasm stung like leafless twigs on sore skin. Suddenly, the Destitute Childrens’ Home felt like a better place, where she’d friends and a matron who loved them. She’d to share a dorm with seventeen other inmates, and two washrooms between … Continue reading Cold Reception
Spooky is whatever our senses are not trained to interpret or understand. It lies outside the domain of ordinary life. My maternal grandfather had to reach his village where his wife was counting her last breaths. The bridge on the river he had to cross had broken down, and he was wondering if he will … Continue reading Spooky
This is Paundraka, no ordinary buffalo… Where does it come from? Lord Yama, the God of Death rides it as a vehicle. It starts moving when a human is born, and takes a lifetime to reach the person. Then, why not a turtle? Buffaloes signify ignorance, and that is how a major part of the … Continue reading Paundraka
Creative Experiments and More 