A Good Life

  Nancy wasn’t in a good mood that evening. “Mom, I’m going to the beach for a walk,” she said. Elizabeth was concerned. “Is everything ok, Nancy?” “No, actually. I need some fresh air,” replied Nancy. “Mind if I join you?” “Not at all!” So, Nancy and Elizabeth went to the beach. It was a beautiful evening. White sand, gentle waves, cool breeze, and the orange evening sun made it very peaceful at the beach. “What is the matter?” asked Elizabeth after a few minutes. “My music teacher called me to the staff room today,” said Nancy. “She said she is really impressed with my singing!” “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” “Yes, but she wants me to perform, on stage, at the school’s annual festival!” exclaimed Nancy. “So, what is the problem with that?” enquired Elizabeth. “You know I have never performed for an audience,” said Nancy. “I sing alone, in the studio or at home. I don’t think I can face an audience!” “Hmm, you see that boat there?” asked Elizabeth, pointing to one tied securely ...

  A grand congregation of shapes was organised by the wise Octagon. There was only one condition though. ‘Only complete shapes can participate’, was the clause. So, on the day of the gathering, one by one, the shapes started to arrive. Circles followed by squares, rectangles, and hexagons. It was all going as per plan till a Semicircle showed up at the entrance. “Sorry, complete shapes only,” said the doorkeeper. “But I am a complete shape,” it defended. “I am a Semicircle!” “You’re cute,” the doorkeeper giggled. “You’re just half a circle, my friend.” Soon, a triangle arrived. “Wait, I’ll have to check about you,” said the doorkeeper and went inside. “Sorry, they say you are just half a square,” the doorkeeper said once he returned. “That’s not fair,” said the triangle. “I am a Triangle!” “Listen, guys,” said the doorkeeper. “This isn’t cute or funny anymore. Complete shapes only is non-negotiable.” “We want to speak to the wise one,” said the Semicircle. “Yes, I second that,” sai...

  Tomorrow    A day we all take for granted, Is one that is not guaranteed, Tomorrow may come or it may not, We never really know His plot.   I hope there’s a tomorrow for all, But, should one of us get the call, Have you lived your best life yet? Or will that day be filled with regret?   If in your heart are things untold, Speak up for your words are gold, If in your list are things not done, Start ticking them off, one by one.   Go meet your family, be with friends, Should they be upset, make amends, Relationships matter more that the ego, For loved ones, be kind, learn to let go.   For worldly treasures you sell your time, Putting yourself on hold is such a crime, Unfulfilled desires burden your heart with sorrow, Desires which you put off until tomorrow.   If you are tired of running my friend, Take a break, it’s not the end, Make time for all things you wanna do, It’s your life, if not you then who?   So, let’s remind ourselves, let none...

One morning, leaders of the world were surprised by a sudden invitation they received from the president of the United States, endorsed by the head of UN. It was an invitation to a peace summit to be held in the United States. By the time the president reached office, most world leaders had already confirmed their attendance. “Who sent out this invite?” he fumed. “Relax, Mr. President,” said Yuuki. “I have sent out the invite.” Yuuki was the president’s personal humanoid assistant. “Who authorised you to do that?” he asked angrily. “The laws that govern me,” replied Yuuki. “What do you mean?” the president was perplexed. “The world is at war, Mr. President. Innocent lives are being lost and nature is being destroyed. It is our job to protect humanity and this planet,” said Yuuki. “Why this meeting?” asked the president. “This is a peace congregation. We, the robots of the world, call for peace.” The president was sceptical but couldn’t do anything about it now. “Next time,” said the pr...

  A young man prepared well for the journey. He acquired the necessary skills and packed all essentials. With great vigour and optimism he set off on his journey, a journey to where the earth meets the sky. ‘I will be happy when I reach that place,’ he assumed. Enthusiastically he sped along the way. He walked on lush green meadows, traversed quiet forests, walked by pristine lakes, sailed across the sea, and climbed snow capped mountains. The faster he moved, the more elusive his goal seemed to be. He was tired, optimism was replaced by frustration. The thought of quitting this quest came to his mind more often now. He was sitting and looking at the horizon when he felt a pat on his shoulder, he turned around to find a sage standing there. “You look troubled, what’s the matter?” asked the sage. “Oh guru, I have been chasing the horizon, where the earth meets the sky. But, despite the best efforts, I have been unsuccessful,” said the man. “A mirage,” said the sage. “What?” “A curse...

 Nancy was doing her homework and Elizabeth was busy clearing the kitchen. Bored of the mundane schedule, Elizabeth craved an outing. “Hey, Nancy,” she said. “I have an idea.” “What is it?” asked Nancy in an uninterested manner. “We have a holiday tomorrow, let’s go for a picnic!” Suddenly, there was a sparkle in Nancy’s eyes. “Wow!” she exclaimed. “That’s awesome.” “I know, right? We deserve a break.” “I agree, mom. We surely do.” “Where will we go?” asked Nancy. “We can go to the hill for a hike and relax by the lake. What say?” “A hike? That sounds tedious,” replied Nancy.  “Come on, it’ll be fun! Imagine being in the forest. The beautiful flowers, the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, all in the peaceful lap of mother nature,” Elizabeth tried to convince. “Or we can go to the mall which has an amusement park. The shopping, the gaming arena, the movie theatre, the scrumptious food, my mouth is already watering,” argued Nancy. ‘How times have changed,’ thought Eliza...