The stage was set. With mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension, we boarded the flight. Will they feel at home? Taking them away from their
Author: Shashikala Gadepally
Shashikala Gadepally is a budding writer and her baby steps, into the realms of writing, are trying to find a foothold to steady herself. A teacher by profession she finds teaching an enriching experience. Post retirement the leisurely days have given her the opportunity to explore new avenues and the newfound passion is - writing. Writing gives her immense happiness, and contentment. Reading has been her passion since childhood, now writing too has become her passion.
Apart from reading and writing she has a keen ear for music, both vocal and instrumental.
The Monster Within
“My husband had been very ill and the doctor was insistent that we must give up living in the town. It was essential for him
Deliverance
‘How was I to know this was a wrong turn?!’ Dinesh said it for the hundredth time. Didn’t he know that it was his wrong
The Final Journey
The day looked bright and cheerful. The sun-dipped earth looked ethereal. I wondered why the shimmering river did not appeal to me. As I looked
The World Beyond
In the dead of the night, she walked aimlessly. The dim street lights played hide and seek. The overcast sky threatened a downpour. A drop
Introspection
She felt exasperated. The incessant rains were now a pain in the neck. How dreadful the roads were! The weather report reiterated – no respite
Women’s Day Out
I was pleasantly surprised to see Sucheta’s WhatsApp message. ‘Hey, are you game for a unique session with my students?’ I was curious to know
The Joy of Confession
This day, this hour, this moment shall be written in golden letters. As I alighted the car, media rushed to congratulate me. I shall cherish
A Trunkful of Hope
Harshita arranged her clothes, towels, bedsheets in the trunk and was surprised to see that it could accommodate many more clothes. She stood there appreciating
Love, the Monster
In the semi-darkness of the living room, two pairs of eyes were intently watching the small screen. Sharukh Khan, the protagonist (or the antagonist?) was
Caught off Guard
“Vadina, just one more phulka, …. I……I won’t ask for more again. The pangs of hunger……. intolerable.” Krishna pleaded with Lakshmi, his Vadina. Tears welled
Eu Tu… Brute!
Chapter 1 44 BCE IDES OF MARCH, 15th the date The initial hushed, death-like silence gave way to utter chaos with the commoners running hither-thither,
The Prompt
It was a long day at office. Srujana stretched herself loosening the tie that felt like a noose around her neck. The thought brought a
The Flower in the Seed
The train came to a halt. The hills around speckled with green shrubs and tall trees, peaks dipped in white foamy clouds, breeze swirling around
To err is human
“Get married and go your way, Maya. This is a marriage of convenience, so that your mother’s wish is fulfilled and your dreams too come
Return of the Native
The barbed wire was the beginning of the world for the inmates and end of life for the ones sheltered outside. Surely, a barbed wire
Plant Hope
The misty surroundings, the early morning cool breeze, intoxicating fragrance of the flowers, the damp foliage, the undulating beauty of the hilly woods was enthralling.
It is Never Too Late
“Dear Planets, I still love you.” Pluto The spaceship plummeted and did weird somersaults and it was flung far, far, far away into an unknown
The Other Me
The clock struck one. Pitch dark, death-like silence; but for my alter, it was the perfect time. I wanted my other self to appear. I
Refresh, Restart
‘The will to survive, the will to live, surpasses the most adamant challenges in life’. A sneering smile flashed on his lips. If only it
The Rendezvous
Snigdha’s pulse was racing. Sweat trickled from her forehead, her throat felt parched. She felt his intense gaze pierce through her back. She adjusted the