Epiphany

She was a strict disciplinarian,  and her hawkish stance on policy matters was well-known. These are disputably good qualities for a leader of the high calibre and have carried her to the peak she occupies today. However,  the people she resided with lived in deep discomfort – compelled to become aware of their fears, foibles … Continue reading Epiphany

Is it too late?

The national symbol of Brotherland is a group of people huddled together. Aman is an avid international literature reader and often asks his parents if they have seen a better version of unity, love, and brotherhood. They reassured him that this was the best place in the world to be. Soon, a war is waged … Continue reading Is it too late?

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

Fuzzy places

What’s in a name? Everything. It’s my identity. It is how people know me. I revisit the above thought process whenever I’m unable to recall a person's name. The memory of the face and expressions and how that person made me feel is vivid. We assimilate the world in images, not in words. I’m happy … Continue reading Fuzzy places

Wolf Meat

The long, dark hair and red lips are beautiful. But the extended eyeliner and lip color leaking out of the perfect bow-shaped mouth makes one feel as if she just walked out of a horror flick. Then she smiles and the aura changes. Well, it could be the makeup artist overdoing his job. Her beauty … Continue reading Wolf Meat

The Auditorium

The darkest nights redefine our relationship with light. The coldest months rebuild longing for warmth. I looked forward to the concert with great enthusiasm, and my companions were what I called my comfort zone. Dressed to the hilt, we took our seats in the auditorium. As someone tested the mic, we looked around for elements … Continue reading The Auditorium

Thaw the Blues

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

Limitations

What a pity people live in dark corners while the sun and moon light up planets mechanically, with no intended recipients. You need to place yourself in the direction of light, grab it with eyes and hands and tools, store it in containers with fancy shapes, manage temperatures in specific time zones. You cannot pluck … Continue reading Limitations

Blinding sun

I emerged from a cave and discovered sunlight today. Was I born in that place, or made to believe so? Did I really think there’s no life outside, or was I happy in victimhood? Life’s easy when you can blame everything on others, not once thinking what you would do if you were free … … Continue reading Blinding sun

Mob mindsets

Independence Day falls on a Tuesday, and workplaces are inundated with leave applications for Monday. There’s no better way to celebrate freedom than get away from the office, and daily routines for four days. Transport and hospitality businesses gear up to meet the challenge. They’ll celebrate later after the moolah comes in. Radio stations mention … Continue reading Mob mindsets