Nineteen intertwined stories bring out pain and misery as lives, prejudices, myths are shattered, and inspire us to heal and rise above them.
With poems, composed to introduce each story, these stories will make you laugh, love, hope and think of the things that really matter in life.
Enter the world of short stories that enable nuanced writing and sharp narrations. A journey into the recesses of the creative minds.
Finally, things would be back where they belong. The nine mammoth jewels…the prized heirloom! Shubhranjan recalled his late mother’s last words- “Remember Shubh, fortune and power favour the one who wields the nine gems!” And you’ve left them all with Mano, foolish woman! You’ve deprived your own flesh and blood! But now, he’d get them
This wasn’t the first time that Suryakant Navgraha had been called to solve family discord. His mental anguish and responsibilities never concerned others except the soft-spoken Chandra. He wondered about the emergency as he climbed the elevator. Mangala, the strongest, was flexing his muscles and pacing the floor, “Atrocious! I am ashamed to call him
Bag an MBA from a reputed college, wriggle into a six-figure salary job and then just stay afloat the corporate muck. Those were the golden rules passed down for survival in the work life. I was told to expect marshy office politics. However, the mantra was to stay afloat in the nine-to-five office rut. Holding
“I tested positive”,Sunanda told me over phone. Her tone made me feel very alarming. She remained in home Quarantine for three days. But her fever didn’t go with medicines. She was shifted to the covid hospital.She texted me from there. I felt very bad for her. My friend who was always with me in my
Mrinalini was excited to test her ten years of hard work seated quietly in front of her. After reciting her prayers, she entered the details while her mom’s voice ringed inside her mind. “Mru always remember nine is your lucky number.” Her hands trembled as she hit the ‘GO’ button. ‘Buzzzzzzzzzzz’ It took a while
“Here, you go sir; these are the keys of your room. Have a pleasant stay and for any assistance, dial the reception” smilingly said the receptionist. “Thank you so much” replied Girish. “Where is your luggage sir? Shall I ask the boy to accompany you to your room” asked the receptionist, “No, I travel with
While playing the rapid-fire round with her friends, Tanu said “My favourite number is nine”. Everyone was perplexed and asked her the reason for such a fascination. She said “it’s a long story but let me start-my parents got separated when I was two years old. My father does an ordinary job, and my mother
Mr. Sharma, a senior bureaucrat fasts during the pious Navratri. He is very stringent in the rituals to be observed. No wonder, his last meal devouring tandoori chicken ends the night before the onset of the holy days. Thereafter the house is cleansed in readiness to welcome Maa. The master occupies his place most devoutly
Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, 10.51 am. He nervously looked at his watch, fingers beating a tattoo on it. The weather was sultry. His collar was damp, with sweat trailing and pooling in the waistband of his trousers. The tracks appeared to melt in the haze of the oppressive, crowded station. The weather wasn’t the only reason,
Nine had a great significance in my life after I started working. A nine to five job, nine hours a day. How on days of my kid’s birthday or my anniversary, I was asked to work extra hours inadvertently. My wife never understood. And I never tried to explain to her to jeopardize the situation.
It was 9 o’clock at night of 9th April in summer season. I was staying on 9th floor of the building named “Ahilya tower” in Firojpur.I was having my dinner that time. No one except me and my six months daughter was at home. I suddenly heard some sound from lobby outside my flat. Never
I try to stifle a yawn but fail miserably. Thankfully, the microphone of the office laptop is muted. It’s been a long six months, and I miss the sprawling campus of my organization. Ting! The WhatsApp comes alive. I read the message. How did I forget it? Instantly, I toss my headset on the table
Seema’s mother looked at the panditji nervously. “What does it say? Will she get married this year? She’s already twenty-nine.” The panditji kept looking at the paper in his hand, a scowl on his swarthy face. Rubbing his stubby fingers down his chin he said,” Don’t worry Mrs. Nayar. Her horoscope is just wonderful. Her
“Priya can I invite Mriga for the Kanjak Puja today. I need at least Nine kanjikas for the puja. My puja will be incomplete without welcoming nine kanjikas.” Somi, our neighbor pleaded. It happened just last year. My daughter Mriga had turned nine in September. Next month was October and we were all into preparation
“Today is my first solo photo shoot. Look at my muscles and the full flesh…But hey wait! Why is this mass trying to stick to me?? Dude, just get away… You sticky, creepy parasite!!!” Uncle Uterus tried shooing off Baby Embryo. “ Mercy, My Lord… allow me a stay of only nine months.” Clinging firmly
25 October 2019, Kupwara, Indian-administered Kashmir. Slithering through the endless roadblocks and carefully avoiding the prominent military check posts, I furtively moved towards the bus stop. The air smelt fusty from months of forced lockdown. The usual inviting smells and sights of the golden autumn seemed to have blurred into a stunned paralysis. The perpetual
At precisely 9.45 am, Nia left her home. She walked across the crossroad to the bus stop. The lone bus operating on this route was scheduled to arrive in fifteen minutes. Nia spent it in observing her surroundings. It was a grey morning. The sun was diving in the heavy clouds on the other side
I am a writer, or atleast I think I am. Anyway, this time my conundrum is – the deadline is fast approaching and my characters are reproaching. Who are they reproaching? Me! I created them and you would think they would feel, if not utter servitude then atleast a modicum of respect for me. But
“Are you sure, you want to participate for this event?” asked the Doctor looking at the X- Ray. “Yes, very much doctor. I have been preparing for this event for over a year now” replied Nishad in an absolutely low tone. “But you seem to have got a hairline fracture near your shins, which might
