Consternation

“Whom are they taking away now? The presence of the green car is ominous.” “Don’t over-stretch your imagination. Our neighbors bought a new car.” “If they can afford this car in recessionary times, check what they do or who favors them.” “You are a conspiracy theorist. Can’t someone just buy a green car?” I can't … Continue reading Consternation

Respect

I saw him gasp for breath every time he came out after having his head dunked in water. “Call the police. It’s an attempt to murder.” “Calm down. It’s a belief that one can wash sins by dipping in the holy river. It is a process of purification.” I look at the donut from Dunkin’s … Continue reading Respect

Branches

The Sixarians are an interesting bunch of people - intellectuals with distinctly different styles of writing, drawing inspiration from different feeds across the world, who come together to share ideas when Denise hosts her weekly event. Are they branches of the same tree? Not really, they are roots, branches and leaves who combine to make … Continue reading Branches

Voices from the past

my head bursts with painat the end of a tetheris it indignation,weariness or disdain? I shut my doorsto negativityit constantly pourstesting sensitivity phones switched offSIM cards swappedWhy doesn’t the phone ring stopI’ve pressed all buttons… I spin with reverberationsof a past that staysvoices from other worldsdemons I can’t slaygames I can’t playrecitationsincantationsare of no use … Continue reading Voices from the past

Final moments

It’s almost dawn, and embers in the fireplace glow in the dark. Spent fuel lends its last bits of energy to the world. I guess you know that the doctors have given up. Else, what could make you tell me all those stories, as if you are rewriting the truth? Tell me … when we’ve … Continue reading Final moments

Too Late

“You don’t like me because I’m not like you. Take time to understand that I’m different, because I’ve invested a lot of time and effort in being so, in giving a structure to my life that helps in nurturing my own dreams.” Tears well up in my eyes, obstructing further reading of the note. Only … Continue reading Too Late

Going with the wind

“Sell off this junk. Buy some decent things." My son is visiting us for Christmas. “The income from this store took care of your college education. Now my health does not permit running it.” “I’m a brand new person after college. Renewal is the name of the game. You need to change the scene around … Continue reading Going with the wind

Framed

It was my first day at work as a repossession agent. “Do you have the number to call an ambulance?” Dan asked. “What for?” “Loan defaulters often get collywobbles or feign myocardial infarctions when you approach them. They should be hospitalized immediately, lest you are slapped with a suit.” Three days later… “I can’t believe … Continue reading Framed

Twins

We’ve always been here, seeing each other, communicating in deemed interactions –where words are exchanged but understanding is zero. It’s like a transparent film separates us, but also serves as a string that does not let us drift too far apart. Born to the same parents, the manner in which we absorbed the same reality … Continue reading Twins

Intended Destinations

The journey from this point to that which was so arduous before, does not hold appeal. My feet and bottom are too big to get on those shaky metal rods. When did I outgrow myself? How cool is it to not know the possibilities, the horizons that lie beyond your view and see yourself as … Continue reading Intended Destinations