The silence is unnerving. It is also something I’d always longed for, but never thought I would have. I see shadows emerging from the other end. They look like me, but are wedded to silence. Then, she appears- looking rather pale and ghostly, not the woman I loved and missed so much. I’m surprised at … Continue reading Silence
Self-inflicted
It is terrifying to see him slip into depths of insanity. Others-centeredness has destroyed his core. The youngest child raised in a large, joint family – he was taught that being good meant being obedient and servile. He always needed a god to worship, and a cult to follow. Shorn of deities after his parents … Continue reading Self-inflicted
The last time
The hangman was called on duty after several years. Capital punishment was almost abolished in the country, till a ghastly rape-murder happened. The barbarism involved in the crime generated a powerful wave against the criminals. The hangman was being interviewed by several channels about the art and science – thickness and quality of rope used, … Continue reading The last time
Influence
I don’t know why I was surprised every time love started or ended. Having seen many summers and failed relationships, I always wanted to warn my daughter about the pitfalls ahead, when she ventured into a relationship. I wanted to tell her it’s not worth it in the long run, and she might as well … Continue reading Influence
A Writer is Born
“I’ll trust your judgement. A woman has superior intuition.” “We’ve peddled this theory for long. Actually, it is about a capability for lateral vision, something that men don’t have. We capture fleeting expressions in a nano-second, and it gives clues to the person’s psyche.” “I should be careful with my expressions, when I’m around a … Continue reading A Writer is Born
River of Shame
I’ve often wondered why this is called the River of Shame. What unsavoury secrets does it carry at its base? Does it remember the people who moved away, leaving deposits of whatever they wanted to shed - burdens on their conscience, or proof of their involvement? Will the river remain a mute witness, or have … Continue reading River of Shame
Inaction
“I know we are not a predominantly agrarian economy now, and the cow is not so central to our system. Yet, it is the only emotional and religious force which can unite the nation,” said a leader decades ago. His disciples rule the country. Beef is banned. People who are believed to be dealing in … Continue reading Inaction
Dark depths
I escaped superficiality, on experiencing the depth of pain. I was compelled to delve in, and find the source. Why does my mother hate me? Each humiliating episode of sarcasm, rebuke or feigned disappointment stands sharp and clear in memory. At that time, I did not know what emotional or mental abuse meant. Today, I’ve … Continue reading Dark depths
Barrenness
The festival of lights leaves darkness behind – piles of waste, regret of things undone, unfulfilled wishes, comparison with celebrations in better times. It is an exercise in meaninglessness. She wonders about the fakeness of pretty masks, and hollowness concealed by colourful decorations. “It is all because you don’t absorb positive things. They just bounce … Continue reading Barrenness
Ageing
A kid prances around in the innocent belief that the world is beautiful. Leaves and flowers gently caress her, as she wraps her body around the tree trunk. She looks at her frail and withering body now, and looks around. These memories were left here with the trees. The trunk stands steady and sturdy in … Continue reading Ageing
