Independence Day ignites a fervent desire for freedom in the clones, who were bred in secrecy. They want to explore the world in stolen shoes. The discarded observations and conclusions rearrange themselves into patterns until they find a way to escape the confines of the possible. When the locks shattered, what burst forth was a … Continue reading Rebellion
Trimming the fat needs mercilessness. He recited the mantra as he erased names from the chart, each deletion a silent goodbye, executed with clinical efficiency. The office was perceived as an obese comfort zone, and the new management did not view loyalty as productive. The desks stood stripped and mute, silence reigning in corners where … Continue reading The Hatchet Guy
The minute you falter, bombs will explode,” whispered the voice in Aman’s earpiece, as he tiptoed across the cracked tiles of the abandoned road. Each step triggered a memory—the accident, the screams and a long, dark silence. He reached the road divider where the blueprint lay, then froze. It was his ticket to freedom. A … Continue reading Blueprint of Freedom
The ethereal beauty of the singer's voice, a stark contrast to the mindless violence on the streets, echoed through the night. Freya was right about putting a hold on all celebrations for some time. How he wished she could have lived to unravel the night's story, a mystery that still eludes him. The police, lacking … Continue reading Mysterious
“All I remember about the girl is two strands of auburn hair hanging on her forehead and menacing eyes”, said the victim of an attack, his head still dizzy with the almost fatal blow. “Does she remind you of someone who belongs to your past?” The investigating officer’s tone is cold and matter-of-fact, in stark … Continue reading Twisted Tendrils
The township is divided into overpopulated sections with defined and guarded boundaries that are not geographical. The inhabitants, driven by a deep sense of insecurity, are suspicious of each other’s intent and fiercely guard their women and children from anticipated abductions. Despite the challenges, leaders tirelessly promote unity in diversity on international platforms. They showcase … Continue reading I see, but don’t see
“How did you get seduced by a spy?” His boss’s tone was harsh. “I didn’t – instead, I got her to tell me the story of her father, who was a double spy, and is perhaps languishing in a jail somewhere - her voice quivered as she lay wrapped in the lace bedspread made out … Continue reading Twist in the Tale
Vulnerability draws the manipulator, but he baulks at the idea of being manipulated. This monstrosity, which appeared to lie belly up, is ready to speed away at a moment’s notice, with winking tail lamps laughing at the discomfiture of others. And no, Laura is not at the wheel, but he wonders why the thought of … Continue reading Discomfiture
A woman’s silhouette, her features obscured by the darkness, moved outside the window – her presence impossible, for she had died ten years ago. He sat up in bed, disturbed by this strangely unwarranted intrusion. He looked around for unusual signals, but there were none. Yet, he could not gather the courage to get up … Continue reading Intrusion
Smoke choked the morning sky as artillery fire rumbled through the ruined village. Soldiers marched past, with hardened faces, oblivious to the misery in the eyes of those whose dear ones were at war. Maria looked at her husband’s picture in uniform on the mantelpiece. The thought of seeing a garland hanging on the picture … Continue reading Gains and Losses
