Mrs Springle’s Speech

Image Credit - Skitterphoto on Pexels.com The room was full, but the loneliness of her heart reflected in her tightly pursed lips, hands folded on the chest. She was the first speaker for the day. She sat behind the long-decorated table with soft muslin table cloth and fresh flowers in a ceramic vase, water bottles …

Night Travel in a Bus – North India

Image Credit - https://www.patrika.com/ The luggage thrusted in places where people could not sit, the bus now packed with both people and baggage, and not an inch to spare, suddenly stopped. ‘He is a staff member’, the conductor shouted, preempting any complaint from the passengers sitting inside.  After standing close to the door for a …

Mother

Image Credit - VisionPic .net on Pexels.com He ran as if seeing open after ages, scampering everywhere, even in the middle of the quiet country road, no honking, no car not even a cycle at this time.  Cows return home faraway, the musical sound of the bell announcing their arrival, the trees filtering out the …

The Chicken

Image Credit - Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com His razor-sharp eyes continued staring at the cage holding the chickens.  There were 5 of them inside, cramped together in a small place, meant for just one. The naturally conical shaped beard flowed freely on his bronze skinned face, his lips hidden by overgrown moustache and beard hairs, …

Addiction

Image Credit - Pexels.com He was unusually impatient after having exhausted all his books, rereading some twice and even thrice.  He was itching to lay his hands on a new one quickly. The anxiety of being reduced to a cage was raging inside his mind as all the shops stood closed and online delivery halted …

The Kiss

Image Credit - Jonathan Borba on Pexels.com (caution - first attempt at writing something like this, your feedback will be of immense help) The wandering eyes finally settled on each other, the gazing continued as the time stood still,  the blinking felt abhorrent as the mind and heart resisted being denied other’s presence even for …

The Nightmare

Image Credir - icon0.com on Pexels.com Every tree resembled a monster in the moonlit night as we continued driving amidst the wilderness, our minds floating inside an invisible cloud.  I could feel it but couldn’t see.  The calm starry sky suddenly turned violent as loud roars and lightening began to crack just above our heads.  …

Story of Stories

When we were living as wanderers in the forests, in the caves and in the deserts or in the open grasslands, one thing that knitted everyone together was gossip and bonfire talks. People would gather around and talk about other people, discuss their day, issues and almost everything. The discussion not only helped in developing …

Hypocrite

Image Credit - Oleg Magni on Pexels.com The external façade, tranquil and appealing Too many make believes and silent feelings Caged tight, safely and extraordinarily strong Least they depart and flutter along Reveal the blackness, the real self, that’s hidden deep inside Loathsome, troubling and always wishing for the soul to die Anticipating to mourn …

The Suicide

(Caution - Please do not read if you hate reading about death, although the write-up aims to focus on the social issue of loneliness and mental health) Image Credit - Pexels.com The phone continued to ring with no response. The wooden table vibrated with every bell, his eyes continuing to stare but without an urge …

The Puff

The cigarette moved glibly from the wooden counter to his fingers as he flipped it once before observing it closely.  The thick yellow spongy stub, pressed a little as he held it from the bottom while contemplating the smooth whiteness of the paper holding the tobacco inside. Small curvy brown leaves peeked from inside as …

21 Short and Inspiring Stories now in Top 100 in Kindle Story Books at 61 and at 140 in Story Book (paperback and hardcover)

Hey Everyone, Although the rankings are dynamic and we never know what happens in 2 hours, but its important to celebrate small wins. I am thankful to each and everyone here who supported and encouraged me and helped put this book in top 100 finally. Its ranked at #61 in Short Stories on Kindle and …

Writing Competition

Dear Fellow Bloggers/Writers, QueryLetter.com is holding a writing competition. Please click on the link below to know the details. https://www.queryletter.com/contest The winner will get $500. I am posting this after receiving their email to let it be known to anyone who would be interested in submitting a book blurb. I am not earning anything by …