Uma lay still on her bed staring into the darkness. She had the same dream once again. The medicines had stopped the nervous attacks but they could not stop the pain from jabbing at her heart every time. She got out of bed, wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, and moved to the small balcony attached to her room. It was a small but cosy room with a mid-size bed, a small sitting area before a fireplace and an attached bathroom. She didn’t need anything more than this. Uma stood…
Aparna – The Lover
“Neela! Wait!” The little girl stopped in her tracks and swirled her navy-blue skirt as she turned around. She was around 6-years-old, with a small round face, bright mischievous eyes and a head of curly black hair that were tied into two tight little pigtails that hung behind her ears. Her impish face brightened as she pressed her hand over her mouth to hide her giggle. The object of her mirth was a little boy of around the same age as hers. He wore a pair of shorts of the…
Tales of Hunger in the Forest of Death
This jungle, Sheeba knew, had no laws. Neither for man nor for beast. In this land of uncertainties, both are equally vulnerable. Might, is the only way you can survive these harsh terrains. Without thinking Sheeba, dived into the water and swam towards the village. The lights grew larger as she inched towards land pushing forward with more force. If she returned alive with food, her cubs would eat or else they would perish. That made her push forward harder with stronger strokes. The current was incredibly strong, but Sheeba…
Durga – The warrior
Ananya loved jewelry. Not just for wearing but she loved tracing her fingers through the intricate loops and arches and observe the minute detailing of the carvings. She belonged to the famous Mittal family of Jewelers who were a well-known name in Jaipur. Her family had several stores all over the city and catered to a large and varied clientele list. Ever since she was a young girl Ananya loved visiting the dimly lit factories and sit for hours with the craftsmen watching them carve out intricate designs into the…
Kali – The invincible
Heer was born in a land where daughters were considered a curse. They were either throttled in the womb or stifled to death if they dared to be born. However, Heer’s ray of hope was her father, Mahender Singh. Belonging to the farming caste of Haryana, Mahender was a strapping tall Jat who was a lively and happy person. He believed that life was not to be wasted in mean thoughts and small acts of depravity. He had a large heart and a just mind. Unlike most men of his…
Annapurna – The Provider
Mohini sat stonily on the bench in the OPD section of the Government Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur’s Medical Square area. She gingerly caressed her wrists that were tied in a sling with a dupatta. Mohit, her son, had done it for her. He was in the eighth grade and had recently participated in a Boy Scout camp where they had taught him how to do first aid. He wanted to be a doctor when he grew up and Mohini wanted to make sure he had the means to…
Parvati – The Mother
Minu’s story Minu stared blankly at the lifeless body of her son as he hung from the tall Mango tree. It was the same tree where she used to lay him down in a hammock when he was a baby and lull him to sleep swinging it gently, as she worked in the Mango orchard sorting the fruits for the season. The tall listless body of Biju was taken down slowly and laid out in front of her. Minu sat in a stony silence as her husband, Shiben, sat hunched…
The Debts of Desire – The Final Journey
A Quick RecapIn the Debts of Desire – Keya investigates, Keya realises that Anu was murdered and insists on an autopsy. Jai challenges to sue her if the autopsy report shows she is wrong. Keya accepts the challenge and threatens to expose him if her doubts are proved right.Read the Debts of Desire – Keya Investigates (Part 2) Inspector Sheetal Das stared at the autopsy report that lay in front of her.“My God!” she thought “That girl was right! It is poisoning and that too Hemlock.” She pursed her lips…
The Debts of Desire – Part 2 – Keya investigates
Quick RecapAnu invites Keya for her first Anniversary where she will be gifted with a family heirloom, a grand Tiara studded with diamond and Blue sapphire. Keya arrives for the party in the opulent ITC Royal Bengal . However, in a strange and tragic turn of events, Anu meets a fatal end. Read Part 1 Keya was the first to reach Anu. She felt her pulse. It was weak but she could feel the faint throb. “Doctor!” screamed Keya “We need a Doctor. Can somebody call a doctor please?” “Let’s…
The Debts of Desire – Part 1 – Anu’s Party
6.00 am 21st October 2019 Keya stood glancing at her watch impatiently as she waited for Anu who was late as usual. She tightened her pony tail and stretched her arms. It was a good five minutes later that she saw Anu walking towards her. “What’s with the glum face?” said Anu as she approached her friend looking cheerful. “Not everybody has an anniversary and a diamond tiara to look forward to. Some people have to report to work on time or get their salary deducted” said Keya making a…
