The Idea-smithy

“I miss the good old days when portrait painting was the only form of visual reproduction. But of course, you are too young to remember that.” I read the words in a tiny glass screen in the palm of my hand. Not a muscle moved, not even an eyelash flicker. You don’t show emotion, reading [...]

“And this is Kunal.” “Are you on Twitter?” “Yes, I’m @c00nal.” “I don’t think I FOLLOW you.” “I don’t follow you either.” Kunal frowns as he turns to the Hot Dog stand. “I think I hurt his ego a bit.” “You just met!” “Social boo-boo, telling someone you don’t follow them on Twitter.” “What rubbish, [...]

Lunch at the cafe, alone. At long last. My thoughts and I dine together. The host wants me to sit in any one of the dingy corners and ignore the brighter, roomier booths in the center. I make a wry face so he concedes and lets me take the bright corner. The cafe isn’t even [...]

Because companionship is such a complex thing. (Thank you for a lovely week!)

What makes a good first date? Zero awkwardness Lots of laughter Meaningful conversations (even if they go across different time-zones!) Smiling – sweet smiles, secret smiles, silly smiles, wicked smiles, shared smiles, smiley smiles What makes a great first date? Hoping there’ll be another. I got it.

He looks at her from the corner of his eye Thinking she won’t notice Secretly hoping she will So secret, he won’t even admit to himself She feels his look Like sunlight, warm on her cheeks Her eyes stay downcast Shielded from his blinding gaze Warmed nevertheless by its intensity Then it starts to rain.