Receiving a salary

Ashwin Goyal

Oct 25, 2023

First of the month. “What’s up, Richie Rich?” I joke to myself, staring at the salary credited text.

“A new phone? Maybe a bigger TV?” I wonder, but then settle on upgrading my laptop—a necessity, I convince myself, for someone as ‘professional’ as me.

Then the texts start rolling in. Rent due, EMI due, bills due. Numbers, dates, due, due, due. Each demands its pound of flesh. And amidst this, "Ma and Pa," I reflect, "they've done so much." No second thoughts there—I key in the figure to send back home.

Finally, I check my balance again. I then pick up my phone and call my best friend, “Hey, can you lend me a few bucks for groceries? Just till the end of the month.”

Day trading

“Those day traders won’t know what hit them,” I tell my reflection with a determined nod. I’m pumped, ready for the kill. The charts gleam. First trade, I pounce, and it nosedives. “That’s just mean,” I mutter, shaking my head—it’s just a bad start. I

Feeling safe

My ancestors heard a leaf move and ran for their lives, not knowing whether it was the wind or a lurking tiger. For them, safety was a clear-cut concept – escape danger, find shelter, survive. But now, it's different, more complicated, less about what’s out there and more