He sat alone in the fading twilight near his window. He could see the hustle of the new year party in the courtyard. He knew he wasn’t invited, and he wouldn’t attend even if he was. This is exactly how he had spent the New Year’s Eve for last so many years. As he reminisced … Continue reading The cost of a wish
Musings
The Mirror in Room 407
I don’t believe in ghosts. Not the supernatural kind, anyway. The ones of regret and memory? Those I’ve wrestled with all my life. So, when the receptionist at the hotel warned me that the previous guest in Room 407 had a “supernatural encounter,” I smiled politely. Corporate travel fatigue is worse than any ghost, I … Continue reading The Mirror in Room 407
The Business Pitch for Sainthood
It was raining in Mumbai. Not the charming drizzle that inspires poetry, but the relentless, bucket-over-the-head sort that turns streets into rivers and replaces fancy cars on streets with life-boats. Rohan Kapoor, 34, investment banker of some repute and notoriety and proud owner of a penthouse in Parel far too big for its occupants, was … Continue reading The Business Pitch for Sainthood
The Burden of the Rose
"We’re restructuring, Jatin. You’ve done well, but your role is… well, redundant.” Jatin was not prepared for the words his boss spoke that morning. The sentence rang in his ears like the hollow clang of an iron gate closing. He had been one of the top performers in Sales, meeting or exceeding targets, diligent in … Continue reading The Burden of the Rose
The Boy Who Missed The Train
Came across this hauntingly wonderful song “500 Miles” sung by Joan Baez on YouTube. It rekindled the old memories of non-internet era when I heard this beautiful rendition on short wave radio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_K6z3HiRAs While I was viewing it, I thought of following it up with a story – of the boy who misses the train, … Continue reading The Boy Who Missed The Train
The Equity of Guilt
It was dusk when Rajeev Kumar stood in front of the rusting gate, hesitating like a man caught between two times. The narrow alley behind him stretched like a forgotten memory, and the modest house before him looked weary, as if carrying years of quiet battles. He knocked on the door. He heard a creaking … Continue reading The Equity of Guilt
Return Ticket
“Due to the delay, the train is running out of water. An unscheduled stoppage has been approved at your station, make sure to service it when it arrives”. The wireless device on his table sputtered. He confirmed that he will have the arrangements in place, and then hung up. The express train would arrive at … Continue reading Return Ticket
Samaaj, Bazaar, Sarkaar – A tripod for societal holy grail
I have recently completed reading “Samaaj, Sarkaar, Bazaar - A citizen-first approach” by Rohini Nilekani, a renowned author and philanthropist. This book comprises her essays and speeches, shedding light on her philanthropic endeavors over the past several years. The central theme of the book is the paramount importance of maintaining harmony between the three pillars … Continue reading Samaaj, Bazaar, Sarkaar – A tripod for societal holy grail
The sound of thought 