It’s only a longing

Hand holding an empty wine glass against a blue cloudy sky

I hold my cup up to the skyA drink to quench impossible thirstIt pours in stories, on the sly Ambrosia meant for gods – but why?I wait for life on Earth to burstI hold my cup up to the sky A privilege divine, meant to denyinsights to denizens of EarthIt pours in stories, on the … Continue reading It’s only a longing

The End of Analytical Thought

When two fundamentalist powers fight, blame each other for the same crime, who will you support? The side that supports my interest. You have been indoctrinated about your interest and that you need protection; actually you don’t. The voice wavered for a moment, “But yet, I can foresee who will rule the future.” And that, … Continue reading The End of Analytical Thought

The Story – Beginning and End

You are just a character, so you have to follow my instructions. The character does a few somersaults on the page, changes colour like a chameleon, and shows a face that looks AI-generated. This won’t help me carry the story forward. He waves his hand like a magical wand and changes the shape of a … Continue reading The Story – Beginning and End

Growing apart

I don’t even know why we broke up; there was no acrimony or argument. It was as if we just floated away into different realms and did not miss each other. People grow apart in different spaces, irrelevant to each other; there are no separations as such. I’m not looking for validation or consolation; I … Continue reading Growing apart

Power

A river does not remain a river when it merges into the ocean, but surely it did not want to remain so. Rivulets regret their decision because they jumped into the flow without gauging where it would take them. The ocean smiles at its victory, while making the whole process look so effortless and smooth. … Continue reading Power

Intrusion

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

War and Peace

“One or more terrorists are still hiding somewhere.” “How can you say that?” “They abandoned the rocks after the full-fledged army attack, but two rocks are missing from this box. I’d counted all.” For once, the Captain believed him. “Take your positions, quick”, he barked. Silence. There was no sound of gunfire from anywhere. “Look … Continue reading War and Peace

Merchant of Peace

Zoom, zoom – 110%, 120%, 200%, 300%, 400%, 425%.. Well, there is a whitish rectangle resembling a phone, with an obsessed finger running across it. The person I see as a merchant of peace trading the world for mental well-being is as ordinary as everyone else… I don’t want my story to suffer, so I … Continue reading Merchant of Peace

Shadow-boxing

“Ensure you don’t repeat the same mistakes you always do”. “You are talking about the image you have of me, not the real me,” Amina's voice quivered, revealing the depth of her struggle. Tim was nonplussed for a moment. For the past few years, he had been locked in a relentless battle with himself, each … Continue reading Shadow-boxing

Transit mode

He has a presence despite his shabby appearance. Maybe we are drawn to his ferocious eyes, looking for a challenge. One feels compelled to keep a distance. The boundary lines are invisible but sharp. He surprises us with a mellow voice, “Can you help me in finding this address?” “Are you from the police?” “No.” … Continue reading Transit mode