Yara knew it was time and raised her lotus shaped eyes to scan the skies. The moon was a large glowing disc in the dark velvet firmament. The earth below lay silent and serene bathed in its white silvery light. The water reflected the shine brightening up Yara’s pearly white face and etched luminous patterns on her lustrous tresses that shimmered as Yara shook her head in desperation. The fish, swimming by were enthralled by her ethereal beauty. They bowed their heads in reverence to the Water Princess. Yara ignored…
The Forgotten Face
Shombhu always intrigued Tani. His balcony that overlooked the streets was diagonally opposite Granny’s drawing room. Every time Tani visited Granny, she would see him perambulating the narrow stretch of space gesturing animatedly and constantly talking. However, his conversations were always with someone who was only visible to him. Everyone in their neighbourhood knew him as ‘Mad Shombhu’. But Tani thought otherwise. He was a tall, fair, and handsome man of about 40-45 years of age. A thick mop of curly white hair and a salt and pepper stubble gave…
Macritchie Nature Trail and Reservoir Park
With the exams finally out of our way, we decided we required a breather. We did take the thought quite literally and headed off to Singapore’s largest fresh water reservoir – the Macritchie Nature Trail and Reservoir Park. A Sunday Trek Ever since we moved to Singapore, we have been enthralled with its collection of well curated nature parks. This little country has displayed quite an efficient way of being “carefully careless’. Nature is allowed to flower at its own pace and passion aided with a few minor human touch-ups…
The Dream Seller
Arshi was scared. It was a feeling new to her. Arshi Mallik, the youngest CEO, star academic, brilliant entrepreneur, did not know fear. She could not afford to. But now, for the first time in her life she was terrified of what lay ahead. Her organization that she had built with her own hands, her entire career was now at stake. BrainVita, her startup organization, nurtured talented students with additional guidance and coaching in the absence of physical classes. It was a breakthrough in academic support particularly during the pandemic.…
The Journey Towards Light
Clang! The iron jaws of the furnace clamped shut. The metal teeth froze against each other closing all doors of escape. The flames of the pyre leapt up higher, their orange tongues licking the roof of the furnace till it gleamed red. He rose gently. His body felt light and weightless. He had not felt like this for a long time. Stepping out of the flames he looked back brushing the ash from his arms. The familiar faces looked blurry in the gathering smoke. He smiled and turned around. His…
The Song of the Valkyries
Prologue Mala sat on the bare ground hugging her knees, waiting! There was a strange anxiety tingling in her heart. It was a mix of anticipation and hope. She raised her tired eyes to stare at the sky above in a silent fear. She half turned to look at Mangal lying prostrate next to her and shivered slightly. His arms were casually splayed across his chest; his mouth half open. His blank eyes staring back at her. Her hands trembled as Mala moved them lightly over his lids to pull…
The Sculptor
A sculptor draws inspiration from life around him. But what if Death is his only inspiration?
The Homecoming – A Requiem
Ashok peered down from his balcony into the narrow lane that lay beneath his house. It was almost 4 pm and he knew it was time for Keka’s weekly visit. It was a Saturday and Keka would be coming over to spend some time with them. Ever since his illness, Ashok would have either of his daughters spend time with them. Jui, his eldest, had just left for her evening classes having spent the day with them. Now it was Keka’s turn to spend the evening. Ashok checked his watch…
The Samaritan’s Pledge- Idris’ story
The stench of death was overpowering. Soham and Ahmed stood at a distance covering their mouths and noses. The sultry air around the mortuary reeked of it clogging their nostrils and stifling them. The cloying odour of formalin floated in the hot sticky air as a strong reminder of where they stood. The two men wrinkled their nose and looked the other way. Like always, they would wait here till Idris called for them. They watched silently as the older man walked up to the office. Age had slackened his…
The Scent of a Dream – Swapnagandha Resort in Chorla Ghats
Living a dream in Chorla Ghat The Vazra Sakla roared down the idyllic slopes of Chorla Ghat. The sun kissed mountains stood stoic and stately indulging the twin waterfall their moment of mirth. We watched with gaping mouths as the white foamy water cascaded down into the jade green pool beneath, an offspring of its frothy downpour. It was the month of November. The monsoons had just wrapped up its work for the year leaving things to dry up after a wet spell. For the hills at Chorla Ghat, however,…
