The Armageddon Mandala
THE ARMAGEDDON MANDALA
BY GOPAL MUKERJEE
when a mysterious stranger, Gyani shows up in his office with a lucrative PI gig that Ginsberg can’t refuse. What starts out as a small, but eccentric assignment quickly turns sour and Ginsberg soon finds himself trapped in a vortex of increasingly bizarre rituals and life-threatening ordeals that defy all reason and explanation. When Gyani hits Ginsberg with a revelation that “flips his life-world ass over tit”, Ginsberg discovers that the fate of the world rests in his hands and nothing will ever be the same again. Excerpt: I didn’t see him at first. What I saw was an image of the sun in total eclipse, a dark disc with a flaming corona. Then the image changed and a face appeared. Not a human face, no such luck. More like one of those extraterrestrial mugs you see in UFO movies. Here we go, I thought, another alien abduction. They’re going to beam me up to the Mother Ship, stick probes in my favourite orifice and sap my dugs for their breeding program. I stared at that face a moment, my vision unfocused. Then I tipped back my hat, wiped drool off my chin, swung my feet off the desk and blinked. That’s when I saw him clear: a stocky little guy, brown, stone bald, in a metal gray Nehru suit. A red rose showed at his breast pocket, his shoes gleaming black. Casa Ginsberg appeared at left, picturesque as ever. The sight of it shoud’ve gladdened me, but it didn’t. Not this time.
All it did was remind me of Little Boy and the trouble I was in. I had a definite sense of foreboding now. Not just foreboding. I was past the ‘fore’. This was pure, undisguised boding, a tangible augury of doom.
About the author: Gopal Mukerjee is a writer, imagist and provocateur of Indian origin. He was born in Mumbai and has lived in India, Britain and the United States. As a writer of novels and screenplays, Gopal favours the lurid, the hypertrophic and the Rabelaisian. He has a penchant for cult narratives that resemble drug-addled nightmares and surreal mind-trips
About Revenge Ink: Revenge Ink is a revolutionary new publishing company that launched to challenge the conventions of the mainstream, highbrow publishing industry by showcasing cutting-edge works from subversive new writers. Dynamic siblings Amita and Gopal Mukerjee founded Revenge Ink to promote strong voices and take on emotionally driven and inspiring projects to encourage edgy ‘outside-the-box’ thinking.
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Horoscopes
- LibraYour boss is in a bad mood, so take care. It's best to keep a low profile and stay out of the path of danger. Postpone any questions until tomorrow, when the tension will have lifted. If you simply can't wait for an answer, be soft and mild with your approach. Fortunately, your best friend or lover is ready to build your ego back up again. You have […]
- AquariusIt's hard taking orders from someone who is always critical. At some point, you start to question why you're trying so hard. What you may not realise is that your diligence is making a good impression on your colleagues. Even if some people might not care much about your work ethic they do appreciate your determination to do your job well. Continue […]
- TaurusA relative will ask you for help or a loan. Although you enjoy giving assistance to loved ones, there should be a limit to your generosity. Certain family members are engaging in behaviour that shouldn't be encouraged. Encourage a young person to earn their own money or defend their interests. If you keep coming to their rescue, they'll never devel […]
- SagittariusDevoting more time to your family soothes your nerves. Lately, you've been spending every spare moment on work. If you continue down this path, your health will suffer. Cut back your office hours and begin preparing healthy, home cooked meals with your relatives. Are you on your own? Create an urban family that consists of friends and neighbours. Having […]
- GeminiA creative block is driving you to distraction. You simply can't get your ideas across in a direct, satisfying manner. Instead of beating your head against a brick wall, turn your attention to mundane duties instead. You'll get a brainwave while you're folding laundry, putting away groceries, or cleaning the bathroom. Occupying your conscious […]
- AriesYour creativity is at an all time high. This is a wonderful time to write, play music, or paint. Don't be afraid to break the rules. You're more interested in making something utterly different than crafting something generically attractive. Your business or romantic partner might accuse you of not pulling your weight, but you do the work of three […]
- CancerPlan a romantic evening, whether you're single or attached. It's important for you to get dressed up and enjoy a night of entertainment or you'll find yourself getting in a rut and forget what it's like to turn heads. You've got lots of natural charisma; why waste it by staying home night after night? If you're in a relationship […]
- ScorpioDon't expect your business or romantic partner to be thrilled with your plans for advancement. You're determined to climb the ladder of success, while your friend wants to maintain the status quo. It's time to have a heart to heart talk. It's perfectly normal to want a new career, but consider how your decision will affect the people arou […]
- LeoTake an authority figure's promise with a pinch of salt. Lately, you've gone above and beyond the call of duty. Unfortunately, the person in charge isn't in a position to reward you. It may be wise to check out other opportunities, where you will have an incentive for doing well. Alternatively, channel your energy into a creative project after […]
- CapricornYou'll have to play by the rules, even if your own methods are more efficient. If your boss thinks you're cutting corners, you'll get in terrible trouble. It's possible your job has become a dull routine. Take this as a sign it's time to look for a bigger challenge. Tell friends you're looking for a position in a creative field, […]
- VirgoA friendship could turn into romance, if you're so inclined. You're not the type who falls in love at first sight. Rather, you prefer getting to know someone slowly. It's possible you've developed a strong attraction to a friend you've known for years. If that's the case, make your move now, while the stars are aligned in your f […]
- PiscesYou draw admiring glances wherever you go. This is a wonderful time to go on a job interview, audition, or first date. Showing your creative work to an agent or manager is strongly favoured, too. A moneymaking opportunity will fall into your lap. Work related to childcare, entertainment, or gambling will pay especially well. Don't be afraid to try a lin […]
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