Bastard Hall

I hear the term ‘bastardization of business channels” in corporate corridors and smile inwardly. People talking about it are responsible for bastardising talent or capability based systems in a way, that talent does not recognise itself. I guess the culture is getting at me, and simultaneously getting under my skin. It takes me more than … Continue reading Bastard Hall

Fortune teller

“Is that you, Nostradamus?” “Unfortunately, yes … the world is not willing to forget me, though I’ve left it far behind.” “You left behind a lot of confusion. Tell me, dude, you spoke about earthquakes, increased use of technology, the economic crisis and global warming in 2020. How did you miss on mentioning the virus, … Continue reading Fortune teller

The End

His words cut deeper than a knife. But it was not he first time she heard that. She had lost all respect for the man, who had continually been subverting her existence, and insulting her for years.  Her completeness made him aware of his inadequacy. Her calmness triggered a storm of negativity in him. A … Continue reading The End

Silent Screams

The sketch-book revealed a life full of woes. There were heart-rending scenes of abuse. The victim was seen pleading for mercy, but kicked around into submission. The Smiths had been lauded for adopting a deaf-and-mute girl. It was the suicide of the girl which threw light on bizarre happenings in the house. Mary wondered how … Continue reading Silent Screams

Best from Waste

Contactless deliveries are in place. The delivery boy calls for the OTP, and leaves the parcel at the doorstep. I exercise care to leave the parcel in the sun for a few hours, carefully discard the packaging and carry only the contents inside - to be washed and disinfected again. Just that happiness isn’t as … Continue reading Best from Waste

Reena’s Exploration Challenge 143

A warm welcome to all of you to this week's Exploration Challenge! It just struck me that we haven't done an image prompt for long. So, here we go ... PROMPT 143 As usual, there is no restriction on length or format of the piece. Write a post on your blog, and copy-paste the link … Continue reading Reena’s Exploration Challenge 143

Red Velvet

“The newborn baby will be dressed up in tradition”, Armaan said as he held up his father’s shirt to the tailor. “I want at least two pairs to be made from this fabric. The rest can be fancy stuff as per latest trends.” The expression in the expectant mother’s eyes was changing, as she recalled … Continue reading Red Velvet

Unacceptable

“You will not survive in the world, without this golden veil.” “What makes you think my starkness is not acceptable?” “A woman needs a certain level of grace and decorum. You do not fit in the norms.” “I still choose to be myself.” “If that is your last word, then there is no place for … Continue reading Unacceptable

Show or tell?

  “The new entrant is of a different color, Letz welcome her for the diversity she brings…” “Thank you, duckies ….. stay still and absorb the spirit I infuse into the water. It will show you what the world outside looks like.” “Don’t show us dreams which cannot be fulfilled. Can you take us out … Continue reading Show or tell?

Change

It is not easy to forgive injustice, whatever the soul gurus have to say about it.  She often found herself cursing all those who had deprived her of her rightful place in the world. She would imagine they dropped dead, were shedding tears on dead bodies of their loved ones or are humiliated more than … Continue reading Change