Tag: flash fiction

Dreamer

Corporates had lured Kamal since high school. Observing suited men and women stride into glass-decked buildings, he’d yearned to join them. Watching them drive away in Audis, he’d envisioned driving his parents, the construction workers, in a posh car.

With ambition for impetus, he chose engineering. Strove hard, outperforming himself every year. And entering a multinational company as employee, he’d sensed himself realising his dreams.

— — —

Four years on and Kamal still pays dues. With his meagre savings he’d own a second-hand Vento in three years. Dreaming of a corporate career, he’d miscalculated the costs of an education loan.

Beauty in yellow

She cruised along the highway, a yellow streak shining through the chilly wintry mist. As I waited at the curb for a cab, she soared, teasing my emotions. A mild breeze swept up in her wake, caressing my cheek as I gaped after her. I watched transfixed as she turned, and past me in one swift motion. I yearned to face her. I pined for her to halt so I could examine her. I craved to stroke her hood, to run my fingers along her curves, to sing her elegance.

Speeding up, the yellow beetle vanished out of sight. Pity.

Corporate lifestyle

corporate highrise buildings

“Varnished with fast food and short attention spans, corporate lifestyle massacres mindful living.”

Swallowing the last of his pizza, Nikhil shared the article on LinkedIn—another attempt to boost his credibility. Sighing, he then returned to finish the rest of the reports. He had to submit them by the end of day. He hadn’t intended his mid-morning break to turn into a lunch break as well.

As he tried to concentrate on the numbers, up popped a notification. A manager from a rival company had responded to his post. Within minutes, Nikhil was searching for Italian restaurants. She liked pasta.

Keeping promises

Caressing the wrinkled patina of her skin, I realised how fleeting life had become. The woman who once loved, nurtured, and nursed me even, was now ridden to the linen that made up the hospital bed.

She grinned to assure me everything would be well. Despite knowing nothing would ever be well again, I obliged with a silent smile. It was my burden to bear — to watch the light in her eyes snuff out in one painless moment. It was mine duty to stand by her side in sickness and in health, for I’d vowed seven years ago: “I do”.

Show business

As an aspiring teenager in show business, Tina’s life had been difficult from the start. Her young blood had boiled every time money took precedence over talent. Her self-respecting self had cringed when industry’s leading names called her names and demanded unreason from her. Fifteen years it had taken for her to take her stand, to sparkle with pride, to face an audience and accept the globe she so deserved.

The glory, the globe, sat between her palms as she carried it off the stage, and all the while, the auditorium applauded the best actor of the year—the temporary identity she’d assumed on behalf of her costar. He was filming the next globe winner halfway across the globe.