How could I fail to see something that was so obvious? The nonchalant approach, feigned empathy, untrue words, occasional unresponsiveness – it all dripped from his persona. Yet, I foolishly believed that he will stand by me, because there was no other option, and he was the sole support in a deep cesspool. There is … Continue reading Pseudo-Empath
It was their first honeymoon together – second for her, and fifth for her husband. Both had been married and separated before, but they claimed to have found their final destination in each other. He clicked several pictures of her under the long-leaf pine tree at the entrance of the Taj Mahal. “Will you pine … Continue reading Unsafe
“I need money for my annual trip to Ajmer, to thank Gods for their mercy throughout their year.” “Well… travel, food, lodging and boarding expenses, coconuts, flowers, sweets for the temple and chaddar for the Dargah, cash for the donation box, fees paid to so-called guides and middlemen … amounts to a neat sum, and … Continue reading Pilgrimage
“I will walk out of the house one day”, fumes the breadwinner of the family on encountering opposition. It is enough to shush others into an uncomfortable silence, knowing that they have to comply for survival. Mom is an example – she gets beaten up regularly for not doing things to his liking, but still, … Continue reading At long last…
“I always wonder – what is it that they have and I don’t? How do they get everything they want, but I don’t?” “How often do you watch television, and what are the channels you patronize?” “Every day, international channels -but why do you ask?” “You know a lot of things that can’t help you. … Continue reading Closed circuits
The HR Head was persuaded to stay back by the new management, on better terms and conditions. “I will take my pound of flesh now”, boasted the inflated ego to his colleagues. There was a company-wide massacre of senior employees from the old regime, and the HR Head was the weapon they used to fire. … Continue reading Executioner’s Head
I remember the shape of your ship sailing away on the horizon, turning dark, reducing in size, till it moved out of sight. We did not share the same space any more, and my daughter had no access to your world. Your responses changed from reassuring to tardy to silence - she was foolish enough … Continue reading Interpretation
A soul I scrubbed so hard – it glowed vaporized … it found its place in the sky The empty shell that walks this earth in search of moons, but finds none I know it ….. but no one believes that shining star up there is me… https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2019/11/13/its-six-sentence-story-thursday-link-up-81/
“Can we meet every Saturday?” “You never gave any inkling you were so into me.” Her smile was infectious, and eyes mischievous. “I like the way you tackle problems head-on, something like Scarlett in Gone with the Wind… “What is the problem you’d like me to solve?” “It is just a nesting instinct, not a … Continue reading Instincts
"I never knew setting up an old age home in India, can be so lucrative. This is the land of joint families, where elders are cared for at home." "Well, there are not many families around - just couples spending their golden years alone." "Cultural changes are sweeping the world," a sigh escaped her lips … Continue reading Homes
