My Lake District tour started just as I had anticipated – like a beautiful fable. The little Robin sat on the chair back, its little orange chest puffed up, its brown feathers fluttering in the cool crisp wind. The sun shone down on its back with a mellow glow.My heart jumped with joy. I was in the English Lake district, one of the beauty spots on England’s map and it was promising to be a sunny day. Hope my luck holds through the day. It began with a bit of…
The Oxford Botanic Garden – In the Garden of Eden
In the April of 1621, Henry Danvers, The first earl of Danby purchased a low-lying area on the banks of the River Cherwell for a sum of 250 pounds from the University of Oxford. His intent was to build a physic garden that is a garden filled with plants possessing medicinal properties. The land covered an area of 5 acres and had very poor drainage. Hence it required 4000 loads of garbage to raise the level and bring it at par with the River Cherwell so as to prevent it…
Glasgow – Three must-see places in the City of Bravehearts
I had just a day to spare in Glasgow. So I had to contend with a quick tour of the places in and around the Glasgow central station. The station, I must say is in itself a tourist attraction with its high ceilings and iconic clocks. I started with a quick breakfast at Cafe Nero’s. while I browsed through its long and rich history. In the 6th century AD Rydderch Hael, the king of Strathclyde, invited St.Kentigern to bless his kingdom. The priest set up his congregation and built his…
A Fable of Love
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?
