Fallen leaves belie the truth of stories etched on tree trunks. Spring does not restore the glory of those who fall. Renewal is an illusion, a fallacy of nature that fails to grant permanence to anything other than the soul. A soul feels, records and then departs. It occupies another body with no memory of … Continue reading Imperfect
“A formidable opposition leader is arrested, but some drastic action was expected anyway.” “What makes you say so?” “The majority party has been caught on the wrong foot with a Supreme Court judgment about a scam to extort donations from the vulnerable. They will not let all the election preparation, publicity campaigns, hero-worship, some genuine … Continue reading Blow by Blow
This is a fascinating place. The roads are bifurcated into two colours – black and white, and so are the buildings on both sides. There are a few coloured cars that appear to quiver on the road, undecided on which way to go. The traffic lights are not red and green but say Yes or … Continue reading Suspended
I suppress a yawn while listening to another story of millions and crores and how the speaker saw herself perched on a peak, looking down at the unfortunate have-nots. Having worked in a bank and managed books worth thousands of crores, money fails to fascinate me. There was always a fear of repercussions if I … Continue reading Paradox
Those faces painted on walnut shells drop out of the drawer. Some have faded like memories. Others remain to be crushed under the weight of revenge. His furniture business takes him to Kashmir quite often, to source good quality walnut wood. But he never saw her again. Was she taken away by those across the … Continue reading Visibility
This is the best award acceptance speech of the year. “No one becomes an achiever or a star or a legend without the support of teams – both visible and invisible. Some people make your art presentable by polishing it, and there is a fan following that grants you celebrity status. One can create art … Continue reading How Legends are Built
House of Lovecare its currencyHospitalityits hallmark one daya beggarspreads deceptive palmswe never refusedso borrowed to helpfell victim to usurygot driven to penury the rascal lives therewe were thrown-inevitable heartbreakchanged our pathto a once-warm homegroaning undermultiple stakes You have a rightto demean or despisebut I’ll not leta beggar in disguisedeflate, downsizeor capitalizeon generosity I’m happy being … Continue reading House of Scrooge
“When you don’t feel up to the task, check the premises you are coming from because there’s a contradiction somewhere between belief and action,” her mentor’s words ring loud in her ears. “Beliefs do change”, she tries to convince herself. “People believe because they’ve got to believe in something, and what they choose is something … Continue reading The break of dawn
the jacket had been lyingin the same spot under the treefor days now…days after he was buriedhours, minutes, momentssince she cried lastvowing not to thinkof a tormentoror his toxic airs the air was stillso much so thatmovementappeared to be a mythleaves frozenunder imagined icejust like her dreams dreams she could not abandonnow they could not … Continue reading The Jacket
“Would you like to take something with you?” It is a choice not offered to all. “A memory eraser.” “Granted. Let’s start moving.” They were moving rapidly through a dark corridor, and then a peaceful white light welcomed them. Thoughts have come to a standstill. There is no scope for memories – bitter, sweet or … Continue reading Beauty Beyond …
