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I will be late

It is 10.15 a.m. I will be late. I did not hear the alarm. It was set for seven a.m. That happens when you go to sleep at 2 a.m. The project submission date is fast approaching. Late hours are the new normal. “I want everyone in the office by 10 a.m. sharp.” It was easy for my project manager. He lived right next to the office. The rent in that area was more than my monthly salary. He can afford it; I cannot.  I live on the outskirts of Mumbai. The local trains are always jam-packed with passengers. I usually manage to squeeze in. At my age, it is better to be sandwiched inside than hanging out of the open door. I have seen too many people spread out on the tracks to take that kind of risk. The platform is packed with commuters. The peak hours are from… I will be late

A miracle in the classroom

My palms are sweating. My heart is thumping, and I am scared. Today is class test Friday.

Sportsman spirit

“On your marks”“Get set”“Go!”Every day at school, we had one period set aside for sports.Me and my friend, David, hated sports. We preferred to be in the audience.“Who would be there to watch and clap if everyone participated?” said David.We were good at studies. I stood first and David would come in a close second. That was all the competition we needed.“Number 5 run faster!”I could hear the P.T. instructor shouting. I have a ‘5’ on my chest. I was comfortably bringing up the rear, ambling at my pace, when I heard him shout.I finished last, a minute after the winner.I smile at David, who is the only one clapping when I finish.“Let’s go to the library,” he said. I agreed. Both of us ran to the library, racing each other all the way.