Category Archives: Short Story

The Scare

22 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by in Short Story

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7-year-old Neetu and her 4-year-old brother Nitin were playing in the yard in front of their house. It is her responsibility to watch her little brother when they play outside without any adult supervision. But she knows that her mother keeps an eye on both of them from somewhere inside the house. Neetu was never sure how her mother knows things – what she does, who started the fight first or who got whom into trouble, all that her mother knew without being physically present at the scene. Nevertheless, it is Neetu’s responsibility to take care of her younger brother.

So when the homeless guy opened the gate she wasn’t sure whether to call her mom or to take Nitin inside because she was afraid more than anyone. Neetu was always scared of the homeless guys. The untidy look, the sunken eyes, the out-of-place appearance, and the unkempt beard and moustache, it just scared her. Her mother used to tell her stories about how the homeless guys kidnap kids and break their legs or hands and sent them out for begging. It all added to her phobia. She always hid behind her mom or dad whenever a homeless guy was in the vicinity.

And this guy looked so dirty with overgrown moustache and beard. She wanted to run from there. But she was confused at the same time because this guy knew her name, both of their names. He called them as if he knew them very well. Maybe that’s his trick to kidnap them. Maybe he was observing them and learned their names. Then he moved forward and picked up Nitin. Neetu screamed, “He got Nitin” and ran towards her mom, crying desperately.

Hearing all the commotion her mom came out. Neetu was surprised to see her mom smiling at the creepy guy. He asked her mom, “Why is Neetu screaming and running away from me?” “That’s probably because of the way you look,” replied Neetu’s mom. “It’s your Uncle Neetu. Don’t you recognize him?” “Just give me 5 minutes to freshen up,” said her Uncle looking at the scared Neetu as he went inside.

Minutes later appeared the clean-shaven Uncle and Neetu was no longer scared!

Written in response to the tag by Lata and Arpita.

This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette‘

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The Perfect Life!

28 Tuesday Oct 2014

Posted by in Fiction, Short Story, Three Word Wednesday

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Sona was his friend, no best friend, no best friend forever. They were together since high school. It’s been 14 years now. They got married to each other last month. And today standing in the cremation ground, he cried his eyes out before her ashes.

Pic via Pixabay

Pic via Pixabay 

Shekhar knew that life can’t be perfect. But his life was an exception, he thought. Shekhar was aware that  his friends were jealous of his perfect life. Every piece of the puzzle found its way right on time in his life. Of course, it wasn’t just easy as others thought, but Sona’s presence had made all the difference to him. She always had his back, always, back when they were just kids and he ran into troubles, till few days back. He was the mischievous kind, as a kid, but she brought the good out of him. He owed his life to her. When Shekhar left his well-paid job for following his passion in photography not only did she encourage him to do so, she was defensive when his and her family went against his wish.The bond between them was so strong.

It’s been only five months since Sona was diagnosed with Brain tumor. Between the constant migraine attacks and her demanding work, she didn’t suspect anything else until she fainted in her office one afternoon. Things took a delirious turn since then. Doctors gave her six months time. Shekhar and Sona had postponed their wedding because of his change in career.

Shekhar knew nothing could be fertile now. But he wanted to fulfill her wish though she never asked him. He insisted on getting married soon. And finally, a month ago they got married. It didn’t matter to him that she looked like a mere ghost of Sona, that her glow had faded. Shekhar could see her eyes twinkling with love for him, he could sense her heart beating to spend more time together. He knew that how much she would miss him, but she was always careful in not letting him know her concerns. Because she knew how much he would miss her. He was the needy one. He needed her assurance to move forward, always.

She had become his habit. With her gone there was no one else to comfort him.

He wept his heart out.

 

Written based on the prompts Defensive, Fertile, Needy for Three Word Wednesday.

Also linking this to  Write Tribe Pro Blogger – Day 26,  NaBloPoMo October – Day 26 at Blogher, Ultimate Blog Challenge – Day 26 and Ultra Blog Challenge – Day 26.

New Step!

24 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by in Fiction, Friday Fictioneers, NaBloPoMo, Photo Prompt, Short Story, Ultimate Blog Challenge, Ultra Blog Challenge, Write Tribe

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PHOTO PROMPT Copyright- The Reclining Gentleman

PHOTO PROMPT Copyright- The Reclining Gentleman 

“Hi.”
“Hi,” Grace said uncertainly.
“I’m Joe.”
“Grace.”
“I see you here every evening.”
“I haven’t seen you.”
“Yeah, I know. You never seemed to be present here when you were here.” He chuckled.

That was true. She came there every evening in memory of her deceased boyfriend, Xavier. That spot was their favorite meeting place till the day he died. She was always lost in thought when she got there.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?”
A voice from inside her said that it’s time to let go. Maybe, it’s time she thought as she smiled at Joe.

100 words fiction written for Friday Fictioneers based on the above photo prompt hosted by Rochelle.

Also linking this to Write Tribe Pro Blogger – Day 24,  NaBloPoMo October – Day 24 at Blogher, Ultimate Blog Challenge – Day 24 and Ultra Blog Challenge – Day 24.

She!

24 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by in NaBloPoMo, Short Story, The Void Thoughts, Ultimate Blog Challenge, Ultra Blog Challenge, Write Tribe

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She wakes up early every morning and soon starts her work for the day.
Rest of the family wakes up later to the aroma of food.
As they treat themselves to the breakfast, she sneaks in a quick shower, getting ready for (more) work.
Getting their kids ready for school comes under her job description too.
Questions like
“Mom, where is my homework?”
“Did you see my watch, honey?”
flung around lavishly and they are met with answers that made the questioner happy.
Yes, she has answers for every nerve racking question. She is supposed to know what is needed in advance! Does she have the sixth sense to know anything and everything around her, one might wonder, but that’s one question that no one ever asked her. Was it because she was expected to do so?
Hug for the kids, Kiss for the love, she is there to give generously, but did anyone ever bothered to return the favor?

Pic via Pixabay

Pic via Pixabay

She attended the PTA meetings, befriended other parents at their children’s school, volunteered for school activities. All she did within the luxury of limited time.

She worked for eight or more hours outside home. In the evenings, hungry kids waited for her back at home. She cooked meals, she cleaned house, did laundry, laid out fresh clothes for tomorrow, cleaned dishes, helped kids with their homework, read books for them and put them to sleep singing lullaby.
She made her husband’s dreams hers, helping him in making those a reality in every way she could.

She listened to his complaints about his boss and colleagues at his work. She offered comfort. She knows when he is upset even before he was aware of it. His heart was safe with her. He depended on her for every tiny little thing. But he never admitted to her that how vital she is in his life. Does he ever realize that, I wonder!
She lends her ears to her friends when they are in need of a listener. She encourages them, comforts them, and just be with them.
She was there when her parents or in-laws needed her.
She might not be able to solve the global warming or the terrorist attacks, but every day, every moment she parts with a bit her to her family and friends, without expecting anything in return, just for their happiness!
Pic via Pixabay

Pic via Pixabay

 

She is tired for most part of her day and her life, but you will not see her tired! She is upset many times, but you will not see tears spilling from her eyes!

She is a mother, daughter, sister, friend, wife, grandmother, employer, employee, a stranger. She is just a random person you meet on the street every day.
Appreciate Her! Love Her! Respect Her!
Linking this to Write Tribe Pro Blogger – Day 23,  NaBloPoMo October – Day 23 at Blogher, Ultimate Blog Challenge – Day 23 and Ultra Blog Challenge – Day 23.

A Broken Day!

20 Monday Oct 2014

Posted by in Fiction, Five Sentence Fiction, NaBloPoMo, Poem, Prompt, Short Story, Ultimate Blog Challenge, Ultra Blog Challenge, Write Tribe

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Pic via Five Sentence Fiction
Today is one of those days,
I am sad for no reason.
I am not aware of the whys,
I feel broken.
Inspiration sucked out of me,
as emotionless I feel.
Like a leaf falling
in the autumn breeze.
I smile for the sake of it,
never fulfilling the meaning;
Today is one of those days!
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FSF

Also linking this to  Write Tribe Pro Blogger – Day 19,  NaBloPoMo October – Day 19 at Blogher, Ultimate Blog Challenge – Day 19 and Ultra Blog Challenge – Day 19.

The Dazzling Charm

17 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by in Friday Fictioneers, NaBloPoMo, Photo Prompt, Prompt, Short Story, Ultimate Blog Challenge, Ultra Blog Challenge, Write Tribe

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She looked at the art, puzzled. It didn’t make any sense to her. The stones, tiles, clock with numbers shattered, bottles – she thought it was garbage piled on a corner.

PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Douglas M. MacIlroy

But it is displayed as art in the gallery. People are looking at this one in particular very curiously, very impressively.

Only she couldn’t understand why!

Probably it is like her marriage –  messy inside-out but for the outsiders it gave a curious element, with the way they managed to come off like one happy couple.

Yes, that’s it, garbage piled on a corner, impressing the viewers!

 

96 words fiction written for Friday Fictioneers based on the above photo prompt hosted by Rochelle.

Also linking this to Write Tribe Pro Blogger – Day 17,  NaBloPoMo October – Day 17 at Blogher, Ultimate Blog Challenge – Day 17 and Ultra Blog Challenge – Day 17.

One Last Time!

12 Sunday Oct 2014

Posted by in Fiction, Five Sentence Fiction, NaBloPoMo, Prompt, Short Story, Ultimate Blog Challenge, Ultra Blog Challenge, Write Tribe

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Pic via Five Sentence Fiction
 

She looked at the horizon, sun painting the wide sky with his palette one last time, dipping clouds in shades of red. How does he do that, she wondered! Spreading such warmth throughout the day, filling light and life on the earth, come evening he puts on his artist coat and paints the beautiful blue sky in hues of orange and red, crafting the marvelous golden horizon. 

Her heart pumped to amaze the world one last time, just like the sun, before she succumbed her life to cancer. And she captured the beautiful stripes one last time on the canvas, filling the white paper with colors the glorious sun adored, leaving him astonished at her work.

Written based on the prompt – Horizon for Five Sentence Fiction hosted by Lillie Mcferrin.

FSF

Also linking this to  Write Tribe Pro Blogger – Day 12,  NaBloPoMo October – Day 12 at Blogher, Ultimate Blog Challenge – Day 12 and Ultra Blog Challenge – Day 12.

Lying Life

10 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by in Friday Fictioneers, NaBloPoMo, Prompt, Short Story, Ultimate Blog Challenge, Ultra Blog Challenge, Write Tribe

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PHOTO PROMPT Copyright-Rochelle Wisoff-Fields


She was a broken tale, holding on to lies to live her life the way she wanted. Her parents were under the impression that she was in college studying hard, but she chose the world of music long back and moved in with the band she joined. 
Living in a room filled with musical instruments didn’t bother her, as she saw an opportunity in getting closer to achieving what she wanted.
She hoped one day when she becomes a famous musician her parents would be proud of her. Yet her mind asked, “Will they forgive her for the lies?”

99 words fiction written for Friday Fictioneers based on the above photo prompt hosted by Rochelle.
Also linking this to Write Tribe Pro Blogger – Day 10,  NaBloPoMo October – Day 10 at Blogher, Ultimate Blog Challenge – Day 10 and Ultra Blog Challenge – Day 10.

The Stalker

30 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Fiction, Short Story, The Void Thoughts

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Picture via Unsplash
 
Kate hummed along the radio as she prepared her breakfast. She was cheerful busting moves between scrambling eggs. Through the opened window of the kitchen fall breeze made its way inside, making her breezy too. 
Music from the radio stopped and an advertisement started playing. Kate looked out the window devouring the beautiful backyard views. Her mind was racing to stop from worrying about the stalker.
She had decided that it’s time to catch him before he caught her. Every moment became dreaded for the past few months in the futile effort to hide from him. The more she was afraid the more he came close to her. Even when he was not around Kate had many nightmares about their next encounter. Neither could she stop thinking about him when he was away nor could she confront him when she knew he was near.
She was tired of all the negativeness going on in her life. Before Kate knew it, she went from happily married to divorced. She would have made it through, if her daughter’s custody was given to her. How easily her husband’s lawyer made it look like her daughter is in danger if she lives with Kate because of the stalker.
Every one left her alone, but the stalker, whose presence she felt more with each passing day. He was the hairy monster from whom she was running away.
She was so exhausted that she wanted to end her monotonous, unworthy life. And that’s when realized that she is giving up easily. She decided that she will hunt him down, the reason which took everything away from her life and deal with him.
Kate made some changes in her life. She noticed that his presence was felt more when she was completely alone, idling her day away. So she started to go for jogging after almost two years. She found it exhilarating after all these time. Though she was cautious she never saw him lurking near her when she took long strides that energized both her body and mind. 
Kate was prepared to confront him the moment he popped in though she made sure that she enjoyed each moment to the fullest. 
She started to go out more often with her beloved camera. Photography was her passion. Kate couldn’t even remember how and why she stopped capturing wonderful moments as she used to do. Was it because the moments weren’t pretty as before or was it she who failed to see the beautiful moments fleeing right before her eyes, she wondered.
After spending her days indulging in activities she was once fond of and still haven’t seen him anywhere near she was feeling more confident.
After breakfast Kate made plans with her friend Ginny to meet at the cafe. Ginny was happy that Kate called her after so long.
When they met Kate was much happier. After the initial chit chats Ginny couldn’t resist but ask about the depression Kate was going through wondering if she was actually depressed seeing such major changes in her. 
Kate was calm and composed. She replied, “There were times I realized that I was depressed, but I chose to blame my circumstances instead of admitting that I needed help. But once I accepted that and decided that I’m gonna live after all, taming depression became much easier. I have accepted that I have wounds from the past but I’m not going to let those hurt my present or future. It took all energy and focus to come in terms with reality, but I’m there now. I refuse to live as a victim of depression.”
Sometimes all it takes is to turn around and have a face to face encounter with the troubles than running away from it, to make the life a little better. Yes, depression is real, it can ruin one’s life so bad and hence to tackle this stalker it needs a lot of effort. Getting the right aid and giving the right care is what a depressed person needs. Not the sympathy, not the fruitless encouragements about what a big deal life is. Be the inspiration in finding lost courage and hope within, just be there as a ladder of hope! 

Who is the culprit?

22 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by in Fiction, Short Story, WOW

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As she occupied the window seat on the metro her mind was occupied with all sorts of thoughts. Once again the unspeakable events transpired in her mind.
Who would have predicted that in less than 24  hours her life would take such a harsh turn.

She kept thinking whatever was life for me till yesterday is strange and painful now. Why did I never anticipate such a reality would strike me ever, take everything away from me. 
Photo via Pixabay

She learned to live with the terror of getting raped. In the last few hours she had relived the same taunting experience a hundred times in her mind. But what hurt her more was her fiancee’s reaction to the whole incident.
Did I ever thought that I am falling in love with such a selfish man?

Memories took her to the day they met. It was in the coffee shop. He seemed to be nice when he talked to the kid who came begging. And then she noticed that he is looking at her now. They introduced themselves to each other, became friends and the rest is history. 
When he proposed there was nothing for her to think other than saying yes. They both knew each other’s likes and dislikes, good and bad habits, they were perfect friends meant to be perfect couple. Everyone else thought so too. 
What a betrayal my judgement did!
Until 24 hours ago she had the same impression about him. She took pride in thinking that she is going to be the wife of a wonderful man.. Lies!!
Rape has physically abused her, mentally scarred her, traumatized her but little did she think that she was yet to receive the most agonizing insult of her life. 
When he cried she thought he was crying because of whatever happened to her, because her pain is felt by him, because he was helpless when she was tortured. 
He was right there when the goon was raping her. They were at the bank when thieves came to rob the bank. They had all the people at gun point in less than 10 seconds. While the robbery was in progress one of them decided to have some fun and chose her as the target. 
She knew that its not his mistake or there is any thing he could have done to prevent it from happening. 
When everything was over she saw the broken shell of a man he has become and that tortured her even more. She walked up to him and gave him a hug. She whispered its alright I have you as my strength and you have me. He didn’t hug her back neither tried to wipe tears off her face nor uttered any consoling words. 
And then he shouted you are not mine any more. 
I cannot marry you now.
It felt like a hot sharp rod going through her heart and still not taking the breath away.
She realized the torture has only begun now. 
Speechless, shocked, she stood there staring at him. She felt odd that no tears accompanied her feelings then. 
And she left. She hasn’t seen him or talked to him since.
Photo via Pixabay

Going for a vacation to pull herself together was her friend’s idea. 
When they were walking towards the check in counter at the airport her friend nudged her and she saw him standing right in front of her.
He said I am sorry dear. I was upset. I felt it was my fault you got hurt. I didn’t mean to say all those. It was the pain which made me talk that way. I want you now more than ever. I love you sweet heart. I cannot imagine a life without you, ever. Please forgive me and lets get on with the marriage plans. We have an appointment with florist today evening, remember!
She started to walk away from him then stopped and turned to him and said, At least that rape showed me your true color. It was epic to see how your love wavered when that was all I needed to stay strong. When I cannot consider you as a friend anymore how can I find a husband in you? I am glad to accept that you are a mistake I made.

When she boarded the flight she had already made up her mind to nurse all the wounds and savor the future.

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.