Thirst to quench the cold
flocking around flaming coal
share the fire, the goals
Mornings
“Good morning, Sir,” the guard touched his cap as he greeted Jake, the regional manager.
Suited up with pointed shoes, he clutched his laptop bag as he strode along the campus pathway towards the open doors. What a great way to start the day, he though to himself as a second guard paid him a salute. He’s only been at the company a few months, but he’d already garnered the respect of all the men in guard duty. He couldn’t even enter the office without five to seven men acknowledging his dry-cleaned coat and trim beard.
Glowing in pride at himself, Jake approached the office doors. He pulled out his phone even before he’d stepped in, checking for views and comments on his latest Instagram story. His mind was already whirring with an idea for the next one.
Jake didn’t notice the security at the reception, who stood up to greet him a good morning and remained standing until Jake had walked passed him. Stifling a yawn, the security took his seat again looking forward to the end of his shiftโsleep and home beckoned him dear.
Arriving at his destination, face alight by his smartphone’s brightness, Jake set the bag on his desk and fell back on his chair. He leaned behind in comfort, now scrolling through his Facebook feed, smiling every once a while at a cat video or a child’s tantrum over cereal. Then throwing a swift glance at the large clock on wall, he plopped his polished feet on the chair next to him.
He was earlyโaccording to the office timekeeper, he still had seven minutes before official hours began. As he scrolled on, someone else strolled in. In a black suit and pointed shoes, holding a laptop case, stood before Jake, his manager. Jumping to his feet, stumbling as his shoelace caught on the chair’s armrest, Jake stood up, perspiring. “Goodโgood morning, Sir”
Deep
Embedded unseen
as butter in a cupcake
are some traditions
Building on
A stack of storeys
building one upon other
unwitting child’s dreams
East and West
“You know what, Mildred? I can’t wait for Kevin to leave for college. I mean, I love the kid, but to be honest, Rick and I haven’t had the house to ourselves in almost 20 years.”
“It’d be nice to be alone with each other again.”
“Oh, yeah,” Mildred agreed her mouth full of Julia’s fresh-baked blueberry muffin. “I get it, Jules. You and Kevin need some time off. The kids are grown up now, they have their own lives to take care of.”
“You two should go on a second honeymoon or some’n,” She added as an afterthought.
“What are you watching, Raj?”
“It’s this new American sitcom, MaโRick & Julia. Everyone in college is talking about it.”
“Ok. Hereโdrink this juice. Do you want anything to eat?” Mrs Patil asked as she cleared up Raj’s empty breakfast plate.
“Nah.”
“Alright. I’m just in the kitchen chatting with Geetha aunty. Let me know if you want anything.”
“Ok.”
“So… how’s it like having Raj back home?” Mrs Patil’s neighbour asked as she entered the kitchen.
“Oh, Geetha! It’s wonderful! I was so bored and Raj’s father doesn’t come home until dinner timeโhe’s always busy with his business. I was starting to feel depressed.”
“Oh, I wish Raj had a longer holiday,” she stopped chopping onions and turned to face Mrs. Geetha, “with him around, it’s like my life’s got purpose again.”
“I’m making his favourite biriyani today,” she announced without apparent reason her eyes beaming with joy.


