Almost Twins

It’s been 4 years since the day she first walked into my office to renovate the new workspace. I still remember the first time we interacted. Her hands were full of orange paint cans, a paint brush stuck in her bun and awkward laughs all around. It started with a simple hello and we were…

On The Bridge

I saw a young couple taking pictures on the bridge today. This wasn’t the first time I saw a couple smiling their widest for the camera in this beautiful backdrop. But something about them got me thinking. I don’t know their names or where they came from. But the girl’s white dress and the man’s…

My Brown Shades

They ask me why I never remove my brown shades. They wonder if am hiding my dark circles from late night parties. Or covering my teary eyes from a crushed heart. They ask me why I hide behind my brown shades. They ask me if I am scared to make eye contact. Or if I…

Time To Reflect

It was a Saturday evening, much like any other weekend. The music was loud, booze was high and my heels ached. I secluded into a corner with a drink in my hand and no thoughts on my mind. Out of nowhere he patted on my shoulder and asked, “Is this the hour of self reflection…

My Escape

There is a ladder visible just to me, standing tall in a sea of my thoughts. It leads up and up into the sky where lies my escape. An escape from the silent shrieks of the inner me that have drowned behind my façade of smiles. An escape from the noise that falls on my…

In Hiding

Clouds darkened, thunder struck and rain poured, it was a night I will remember all my life. I was a young child kissing my mom’s wounds as usual, never asking how she always hurt herself. It didn’t matter or so I wanted to believe. I heard him knocking angrily and instead of opening, my mom…

Letters Of Love

It has been so long since we met. 2 years 5 months and 6 days. I miss how you hugged me tight from behind every time I came to meet you. I miss your warm skin against mine. I miss your voice dissolving in my ears and your scent in my breath. But I don’t…

A Widow’s Eyes

Just yesterday I was wrapped in white silk and today I am encased in black. It is not just the color of my cloak that has changed, my eyes have changed too. Where lay dreams of a life in love, today resides a fire to burn. With flowers in my hands and tears in my…

Maple Leaves

It was the fall of 1998 when days were getting shorter and nights were an endless ocean. I was still a young girl spending my days basking in the sun. My innocent self collected maple leaves and chanted virtues of tolerance, unity and peace. Those were the days of blissful unawareness, until one day I…

Prisoner Of My Skin

I am scared to look at my naked skin in the mirror. I am reminded how they clawed on my pure skin with their blood stained hands. My reflection evokes memories of being dragged out of my home and kept as a prisoner. I was not a prisoner of war but the war had me…

The Girl In The Box

I don’t know how long it has been since uncle packed me in a box. He said we were going to a better place where I will have food to eat. But I don’t understand why mom was crying, doesn’t she want me to eat good food and have new toys? It is so dark…

The Anticipated Touch

I went to meet him, talk it all out and get it over with but things took a different turn. He is making me recline on a chair and fixes me a long hard gaze; I am melting under his eyes. He starts fiddling with my nose, as it wobbles just like a rabbit’s! He…