Broken Images

I looked into the full body mirror hanging on the wall. My tired eyes wandered all over my face - the bags under the eyes, patches on my cheeks, how long was it since I washed my hair? For once, just once, I wanted to see what I truly am. My true reflection. But all …

They Took Me At Midnight

I was sleeping peacefully next to my sister when they entered our room. We stared at each other, dazed since we were woken up in the middle of our slumber. The events happened in a flash - rough hands grabbed my sisters and me. We cried out in surprise and agony. We tried to fight …

What Do You Wish For?

Come closer, gather round! I've got a story to tell you! It's called 'Cowhead' by the Japanese folks. Heard it during my stint there. I was a young lad ages ago with not a care in the world. Had gone to the Orient as an illiterate helper, just excited to travel. My boss was a …

On a Lightless Night

Shiv and Om looked down at the land stretching beneath them and merging into the elusive horizon. It had taken them 4 years of training, 5 months of convincing their parents, 1 year of obtaining funds and 42 days of flying to get where they were right now - somewhere over Africa. They were going …

J For

Girls, do you ever feel mobbed by the uninvited staring, "nice guys" complimenting you and asking you out? Well, I did. In my first week of starting college, a guy walked up to me in the canteen and said that he wanted to "be good friends" because he liked the way "I looked". Yeah, don't …

Exit Strategy

I was going on a blind date tonight. A friend of friend had set the two of us up. Not that I didn't trust him, but I wasn't so sure about it. What if it turned out to be a dud? So I set up a deal with my room mate - to call me …

When Fates Intertwine, My Son Is Not My Son

I went to check on my son, who was sleeping in the next room. The crib was empty and there was this note where he should have been. I thought about it all night and then decided to post it here to ask for your views. It goes like this : "Hello mother, It despairs me …

It’s A Syndrome

“I don’t think I’m up to this. I know I have been better before, but I don’t think I can live up to that bar anymore”, I told Aman. “Haha, how would you know without trying? It’s been weeks since you picked up that brush! Don’t worry about it, dear. Things will be fine! You’ll …

My Daughter Gives Me A Card Every Valentine’s Day

I tried to contain my excitement and continued to stare out the window. The sun was seeing behind the trees, casting long sprawling shadows on the ground. I was waiting for my daughter. Every year she had made a card for me on valentine’s day. So, I’m pretty sure she would come this year too. …

It Is What It Is

I was unable to concentrate on my studies or hold a decent conversation with another person. I would sit down and not be able to move for hours. I would stare at a blank wall, lost in no particular, tangible thought. My father thought I was scared of the world outside, unable to take a …