End View

“This book is going to be explosive, because it reveals so many secrets. Skeletons will keep tumbling out of cupboards for a few years.” “Manage the situation. Find a weakness with which you can blackmail the author. The manuscript needs to change immediately.” “I don’t think she will get intimidated.” “Fear of death is the … Continue reading End View

Hallowed Circles

Jamie wonders if the office will miss him, as he walks out after quitting his sixth job. It was not very long ago, when the Chief’s voice was singing his praise in the corridor, loud enough for everyone to hear. He was hailed for his efficiency and delivery against targets. Today, they accepted his resignation … Continue reading Hallowed Circles

Lure of freedom

“The weather looks lovely outside.” “The tales it carries from faraway lands may not be pleasant”, says Hazel as she fiddles with the remote flicking news channels. He was fed up with being imprisoned … Yes, perhaps that is what an ultra-protected life means. He was fed up with being controlled by an almost invisible … Continue reading Lure of freedom

Containers

Flowers neatly arranged in a teapot placed on the coffee table always fascinate her. Secrets tumble out during leisurely conversations around the table. Anne’s father worked for the railways, and always traveled in a salon attached to the train. She loved journeys bordering on luxury, and once flicked a teapot as a memoir. “You know … Continue reading Containers

Threads and Layers

“Don’t use drugs to numb an entire generation. We need them to execute our plans. We need that one ideology, one common thread that binds them together to spark a revolution that overthrows existing power centers.” “I beg to differ”, he lights up a pipe which holds something other than tobacco, “they need to be … Continue reading Threads and Layers

Surprise

How can Time stop moving? How can this room be exactly the same as when grandmother left it? The aroma of chocolate cake hits his nostrils. But there can’t be an oven, if there is no electricity here. He pushes the door, the lights come on …..and his family is singing Happy Birthday… “What are … Continue reading Surprise

Eye of the storm

“What’s happening out here? All the employees with broken arms in a cast? Accidents cannot cause similar injuries.” “I’m instituting an inquiry”, the Human Resources Head’s voice quivers as the CEO’s roar echoes across corridors. The smiles on faces with injured limbs belie a different truth. Journalists gather outside the office to cover the event. … Continue reading Eye of the storm

Ikigai

I’m impressed by the Ikigai diagram, but the book fails short of expectations. Viability of a project matters - whether it is business, art, a social enterprise or development of an individual. It takes resources to make a project viable. What happens if the desire is intense, but resources are not easy to gather? I … Continue reading Ikigai

Projection

“Neurotic projection was only a phrase for me, before I saw Manan practicing it regularly. I’m accused of things which are so evident in his own behavior - maybe it relieves him of guilt or inadequacy, but it’s getting completely intolerable,” I sense desperation in her message. Is she asking for professional help? Will it … Continue reading Projection

Dorian Gray

A famed comedian dies after a month-long struggle for life, and condolence messages swamp the internet. Someone writes “Why I don’t care” followed by a screenshot showing abusive language used by him on Twitter. Can this be the same person? It’s not easy unboxing another life, to find remnants of strange secrets and unknown temperamental … Continue reading Dorian Gray