...shoOOonya...

On (and before) Father's Day, I saw a spike in Father's Day messaging on social media – FB & Twitter. I am sure there would be a similar spike on all other platforms too.   It's the way of our times. Celebrating special days like valentine day, father's day, mother's day, birthdays and anniversaries, etc on social media. Wishing the said people via the social platform – irrespective of whether they are on the platform on not.   What I feel is that it is boiling down to people expressing what they feel on the social media platform. And sadly, it is coming down to doing it bcos everyone else is doing it. It would be dumb, not to say something nice about your father on the social media platforms on father's day for example. What is missing is saying the same thing to your father in person.   What you end up doing is telling the whole world what you would like to tell your father, rather than saying that to your father. If...

Fuzzy Hair and Stubby Beard   Very Short Story (VSS) 019     Heaven & Hell are unlike any imagery that has been painted by your faith.   In reality, they are very much like real world.   How do I know? I have been there.   Was sent to Heaven.   Got bored of the routine comfortable life so tried doing some mischief.   Was detained to Hell.   Got bored again due to lack of anything to do. Tried introducing some action so they booted me out from there too.   They said, I was best suited for Politics on Earth. Do mischief there.   They even gave me orangish fuzzy hair and a white stubby beard. ------------- Going a bit political this time :) Quick Note : Very Short Stories are max. 99 word stories that i am writing, as part of my writing resolutions for 2017. My target is to write at least 50 VSS this year - about 12-13 every quarter. Currently I a...

An Affair with a Dilemma   Very Short Story (VSS) 018     I love my spouse but my lover has brought much needed excitement to life. Don’t want to leave either but the lover gave an ultimatum today, asking me to choose.     "Oh God, Take me out of this dilemma." I said to HIM as I crossed the road waving to my spouse.   Was immediately hit by a bus and opened my eyes with a heavenly being apologizing to me.   "Sorry buddy. Heard you say 'Oh God, Take me out ..' and was in a bit of hurry. But hey … guess you no longer have to deal with that dilemma.      ----------------- Quick Note : Very Short Stories are max. 99 word stories that i am writing, as part of my writing resolutions for 2017. My target is to write at least 50 VSS this year - about 12-13 every quarter. Currently I am behind my target by about 5 stories (a month's worth) but gradually catching up :-)  ...

Life Decisions   Very Short Story (VSS) 017         Kiddo: Papa Papa, where are you going?   Papa: Sweetheart, got to work. You stay with mom at home in Mumbai and take care of her. I will go to office in Dubai and see you in a month.    Kiddo: Papa Papa, Mom has Dadi. Take me with you. I will come with you and take care of you. I will come to office with you or stay at home and cook for you.   Papa: . . . (silent, moist eyes)    Inside Papa's head  ...   ... questions the job, the money it brings, staying away from family, emotional mess   (story doesn’t end here … only the 99-word limit has been reached. So here’s the extended version)   More Inside Papa's head  ...    ... remembers the house he needs to buy, kiddos education expanse, marriage expense, rising cost of living … ... heavy heart, moist eyes, con...

  Book Review: Ashvamedha - The Game of Power by Aparna Sinha A political suspense thriller where masterminds are work  The story about a man who rises to power .. to become the Prime Minister and then the most powerful / respected person in the world, making his mark on world political scene.  The storyline has a lot to cover so the author does not waste words or pages. Every paragraph, every page advances the story forward, often giving you a glimpse of the past but never the full picture.  The complex storyline is well presented and it was nice to read this suspense thriller mired in politics And yes, fantastic cover design I must say. You dont get the significance of the cover design until you read the book and when you finish the book and then notice the cover ... you go WOAH !! It was there in front of me the whole time and did not notice Rating: 4 / 5

James Potter and The Bolt of Ages by   L. Wilt    The James Potter Project is a fan fiction about the Marauders' first year at Hogwarts, based upon the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. James Potter is Harry Potter’s father (for the uninitiated)   It was interesting to read this novel about (Sr.) James Potter; Harry Potter's Father ..... after reading the series on Jr. James Potter (Harry's Son).  The novel has its own unique style and i liked it. Loved the part where some of the sidelined characters of the Harry Potter series get significant role to play in the story.  it is delightful to see the relationship of James, Sirius, Remus and Peter grow ... and their interaction with Lily and Severus. of course, we also have Lucius Malfoy also in the mix.  Sadly, Hagrid does not play a significant role in this story.  The author builds some suspense in the story. Those who know the characters from Harry Potter begin to...