Spoilt for choice, she decided to walk away from all of it—the glittering offers, the curated futures, the voices that told her what she should want. She wandered into the quiet, beyond the reach of algorithms, where Google Maps could not identify her precise location. She imagined someone posting her picture with a caption “Lost … Continue reading Spoilt for Choice
The pilot episode of “The First Date & Chicken Manchurian” ” was supposed to be the big break for Akash Sharma, a wide-eyed actor whose only prior credit was a toothpaste commercial in Assam. On set, nerves tangled with ambition as Akash delivered his lines with gusto—until a prop malfunction sent the spotlights flying on … Continue reading Spotlight
The sun turned on its heat to the maximum, but hearts did not melt. Restless clouds changed shape several times, but could not clothe the instincts of power-seekers. The moon disappeared for several nights, as it refused to shine in borrowed light, and it felt the sun was lending heat to weaponry. The stars were … Continue reading Carpet-Bombing
“A whistleblower and a hacker have created havoc with our systems and profitability, and both happen to be former employees”, whined the CEO in the Board meeting. The seniormost member with grey hair had a grim look on his face, “There was a time when a worker was handed back his sack of tools when … Continue reading Plugging Leaks
She was a victim of abuse; yet she was blamed for going out with male colleagues at a late hour. The criminals escaped unscathed, as they held positions of critical importance in the organisation; no wonder she resigned a few weeks later. “I’ve been a perfectionist at work, always delivering on deadlines. My punctuality has … Continue reading Diversity and Inclusion
What was the whistleblower thinking when he typed the incendiary email? What kind of superpower did he assume he would be blessed with? The bloke was not aware that money will continue to exchange hands till every protesting voice was silenced; everybody has a price; one should know how to assess and pay it. When … Continue reading The Whistleblower
The CEO stared at the quarterly report, the numbers bleeding red like a wound he couldn’t heal. “Falling flat on my face is not an option,” he muttered, as he instructed his juniors to key in the phantom transactions — manipulated transactions and inflated profits. The auditors were managed, the boardroom approved, choosing to ignore … Continue reading Consequence
“How about a cup of coffee in Sundance Café?” He asked after the completion of a gruelling college project. What started as a kind gesture from a classmate rolled over into the darkest chapter of her life. He introduced her to friends who, despite their polished appearance, were involved in nefarious activities. Her swift entry … Continue reading Sundance Cafe
“I’m not a patch on him”, said our favourite professor about his media baron brother. It saddened us to see someone we worshipped as the epitome of intelligence and confidence reveal a different side. Decades later, the alumni of the college reunite, and we embark on an online quest for our idol. To our … Continue reading Disappearance
She felt the chill in her bones, as the electricity in the air flashed like blue lights on a dark sky. Cottony clouds had vanished like abandoned puppies after the unexpected thunderstorm. A faceless presence walked on Earth like the Devil clad in divine attire. She could sense the movement of cops in the forest, … Continue reading Betrayal
