Lurking around

Bella barked furiously, as simultaneously, a knock rapped at the front door. Bella possessed an unusual degree of sensitivity to doorbells, knocks, elevator sound, and she responded before the event actually happened. Maybe it’s unusual to humans, but usual to dogs. Her bark was different this time around, displaying eagerness to accost the person outside. … Continue reading Lurking around

In search of Home

One step forward, two backward but hundred go downit feels more like quicksand than slippery ground.Memories charm, but dizzy giant wheelsdim clear vision on many rounds.Perspectives change; so do storiesI tell myself without sound. When the sky is clear, yet it begins to rainI dial a fairy, am accosted by a gnomePassengers keep boarding; leaving … Continue reading In search of Home

Voyeurism

What is it that makes us such a voyeur – peeping through a window, opening a sealed envelope addressed to someone else, checking another’s phone, reading a biography, clicking pictures surreptitiously? What makes us feel so empty inside that we need to fill up the space with bits and bytes from other lives? A celebrity … Continue reading Voyeurism

Politically Correct

Did I anticipate where we would reach today – pinned to spots where we are politically pitted against each other? Perhaps, yes … a meeting that started over bitter tea and burnt toast led to a relationship where we accepted each other unconditionally. I felt the sting of tears in my hard-core eyes for the … Continue reading Politically Correct

Subject of a story

A resolute expression belies the frailty of her small frame. Lines etched deep on her face hold the key to untold stories. She remains an enigma to the village, after spending more than a year here. She prefers keeping to herself. The tightly shut doors crack a little, when she attacks a hooligan to protect … Continue reading Subject of a story

Wish

The history of flights taken by my owner is testimony to my contribution. I lament my irrelevance floating in the air, or grounded – close enough to be gobbled up by a curious kitten or puppy. Did the bird support me, or I supported her? Whistling winds and blue skies cast an inviting glance, but … Continue reading Wish

Shells in the sand

She is neither dead nor alive. She was waiting for her brother to fetch her, when a sandstorm happened and wiped away all plans. It was no mean task to plot an escape from prison. The lecherous Emperor had incarcerated her with evil intent. Getting out from the underground pathway felt like an achievement. Her … Continue reading Shells in the sand

No prying rights

Why has she not woken up today? The alarm rang half an hour ago… His granddaughter asks him to open a box, and he indulges. The slap from a toy trapped inside shakes him up, but he smiles and moves away. The beaver slap comes in the form of a message from his wife, “Just … Continue reading No prying rights

Yellow Bellies

A young man from a premier management institute says “My father told us we can only do well in jobs, not business.” Anita suffers injustice in her marriage because her father once told her, “You are neither beautiful nor a heiress, so do as you are told to do.” Nyla, a qualified gynaecologist, is a … Continue reading Yellow Bellies

Retirement

“I ordered baklava today, but it does not live up to my Mom’s cooking”, coos her daughter on the phone while ordering dinner online. Her husband senses her disappointment. “Let them live their own lives. You did your best.” She used to gloat in compliments after guests enjoyed her lavish dinners, and erroneously built her … Continue reading Retirement