A street movement drew him from college into active politics. He enjoyed the exposure, the sheer power of crushing the rebels, and the vision of a powerful future. But internal rifts soon spoilt the convivial camaraderie with the powerful. “Start a business”, his father suggested. But he was already in the most lucrative business the … Continue reading The Best Choice
Monika smirked as reporters packed the gallery. “Nobody would be surprised if a bullet caused bedlam in the courtroom. But here it was a description deemed to be offensive.” The transcript glowed on every screen. The accused hadn’t shouted or lied. She had called the president “below average.” Gasps rippled harder than gunfire. By noon, … Continue reading Honest
Hope hides between battles, ashamed of itself for wanting peace. Weekend Writing Prompt #490
A solemn voice declares that times have changed, and so has democracy, Our words need to be respected, because we are the keepers of national interest. Everything that the opposition leaders say is hokum. Weekend Writing Prompt #487
The path is smooth; yet we stopfrown with a sideways glanceI don't want to say it, but you knowthe bugbear is the past frown with a sideways glanceWhat lies in the mistthe bugbear is the pastI can't shed it; I feel low What lies in the mistThe path is smooth; yet we stopI can't shed … Continue reading The BugBear
One day, the Aspirant stumbled upon the ugliest secret of success. It made him want to abandon his aspirations. Nobody needed his strengths because it made them feel insecure. The people at the top of every pyramid reached there by trading on weaknesses. It is easier to blackmail someone into unquestioning obedience in return for … Continue reading Ugliest Secret of Success
Shall I call it synchronicity? I attended a session on Ubuntu and read up on the forgiveness that came to light in 1990 when South Africa saw a transition in political power. We celebrate the 80th Independence Day in India, but political opposites are clawing at each other on the streets and on screens. And … Continue reading Felicity
There’s no going back to wonder why it did not happen once you realise that it has not happened, and it’s final. There’s no point in missing out on the cornucopia that comes only with acceptance. Weekend Writing Prompt #480
The immeasurable offers an escape from targets. The abstract allows entry into a world of subjective interpretation. Infinity is the defeat of the finite. Eternity of the soul beats Death. It leaves us at the intersection of beliefs and life. Weekend Writing Prompt #477
Dawn was just breaking. She stared at the path ahead, wondering if she will make it to the other end. The anklets gradually gave way as she walked. Other worlds awaited her raw beauty and talent that needed some polish. Brava! What emerged from the simple exterior was stunning. Perhaps she was not aware of … Continue reading I don’t miss myself
