Vermilion red

Roses are red, violets are blue… She was not aware then, that a bouquet of red roses to propose marriage would lead to the onset of blues in her life. The vermilion on her forehead, glass bangles, and the bridal saree were all red. It is the colour of passion – a targeted passion that … Continue reading Vermilion red

Beauty Beyond …

“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 …

And the crown goes to …..

The Maharani graciously announces the name of the winner, who happens to be a commoner. A princess from another kingdom occupies the runner-up slot along with another plebeian. The puppeteer has used the skills of a chess master to get the vote-bank arithmetic right. There is no choice, especially when national elections are around the … Continue reading And the crown goes to …..

In-humanity

The moose is quiet as the kids count extensions on his two horns. The living room is not familiar terrain, and he is biding time in alien territory. The television screen shows scenes of human brutality, and that has probably quietened him down … as if he is in a simulation, watching the animal nature … Continue reading In-humanity

Fragrantly yours

Her guest room feels different, though I’ve spent a couple of nights there earlier. “Have you changed the curtains?” She nods in the negative before saying goodnight. I dream of a garden with long stems of tuberoses. Their fragrance is nocturnal, but tonight is different. Winds have stopped and the garden is silent. I shouldn’t … Continue reading Fragrantly yours

Depth of Wisdom

Unusual is the ship without a destination. But her name is Huntress, and her tracks will change along with her prey. The treasures that lie in unreachable depths of the ocean mock her bravado. You are only imagining what lies here. You know nothing about underwater life. “I’m on a mission to know”. Brace yourself … Continue reading Depth of Wisdom

When the Moon Grows Full

When the moon grows full, a story howls from deep precincts of the psyche. It wants to remain in the dark, yet bask in moonlight. It was asked to stay incognito, out of bounds for the civilized world. I feel it growing inside me like an expectant mother, knowing that eventually, it will see lights … Continue reading When the Moon Grows Full

Waiting for Godot

Peace will descend tonight from Heaven, and all will be well with the world. Are you sure of those spirits up there – can they even hear our voices? Well, we need to ask the clouds and the sky about how much permeability they offer…. Then what gives you that confidence of tonight? Actually, confidence … Continue reading Waiting for Godot

Walk Out

The final walkout was not liberation. It was the realization that she had left doors open for manipulators. She disrespected herself by believing flaky promises, and catering to his desire for control. She felt a surge of relief, a burst of freedom, a spark of joy. She felt like she had reclaimed her life, re-discovered … Continue reading Walk Out

Paundraka

This is Paundraka, no ordinary buffalo…        Where does it come from? Lord Yama, the God of Death rides it as a vehicle. It starts moving when a human is born, and takes a lifetime to reach the person. Then, why not a turtle? Buffaloes signify ignorance, and that is how a major part of the … Continue reading Paundraka