Yara knew it was time and raised her lotus shaped eyes to scan the skies. The moon was a large glowing disc in the dark velvet firmament. The earth below lay silent and serene bathed in its white silvery light. The water reflected the shine brightening up Yara’s pearly white face and etched luminous patterns on her lustrous tresses that shimmered as Yara shook her head in desperation. The fish, swimming by were enthralled by her ethereal beauty. They bowed their heads in reverence to the Water Princess. Yara ignored…
Tag: creative writing
The Forgotten Face
Shombhu always intrigued Tani. His balcony that overlooked the streets was diagonally opposite Granny’s drawing room. Every time Tani visited Granny, she would see him perambulating the narrow stretch of space gesturing animatedly and constantly talking. However, his conversations were always with someone who was only visible to him. Everyone in their neighbourhood knew him as ‘Mad Shombhu’. But Tani thought otherwise. He was a tall, fair, and handsome man of about 40-45 years of age. A thick mop of curly white hair and a salt and pepper stubble gave…
The Song of the Valkyries
Prologue Mala sat on the bare ground hugging her knees, waiting! There was a strange anxiety tingling in her heart. It was a mix of anticipation and hope. She raised her tired eyes to stare at the sky above in a silent fear. She half turned to look at Mangal lying prostrate next to her and shivered slightly. His arms were casually splayed across his chest; his mouth half open. His blank eyes staring back at her. Her hands trembled as Mala moved them lightly over his lids to pull…
The Sculptor
A sculptor draws inspiration from life around him. But what if Death is his only inspiration?
The Homecoming – A Requiem
Ashok peered down from his balcony into the narrow lane that lay beneath his house. It was almost 4 pm and he knew it was time for Keka’s weekly visit. It was a Saturday and Keka would be coming over to spend some time with them. Ever since his illness, Ashok would have either of his daughters spend time with them. Jui, his eldest, had just left for her evening classes having spent the day with them. Now it was Keka’s turn to spend the evening. Ashok checked his watch…
The echo of light
Mini stood with her hands on her hips in her new house staring at the mess around her. The movers had deposited her little boxes at the doorstep as instructed by her. She always unpacked them herself. It was her fourth rental in Pune. All her earlier ones had been apartments, and she was tired of living out of those cubby holes that she was forced to share with unfriendly flat mates. Therefore, she had jumped at the offer when her broker mentioned that a row house was available on…
11 Fern Place
Avni heaved a sigh of relief as she got off from the crowded bus and stepped on to the pavement adjusting her off-white dupatta over her blue kurta. She checked her watch and smiled. There was time for a short visit to 11 Fern Place, her aunt Madhurie’s residence. She had made it a point to dress traditionally since her aunt, though the owner of very progressive thoughts had one weakness. She had a very conservative sense of dressing and disliked women strutting around in western attire. Therefore, unlike her…
The Gift
The gift arrives The gift managed to change Sudha’s world as unexpectedly as it appeared on her tea tray. It came in a brown envelope and lay innocuously on the tray where Rita, her full-time maid had placed it. Sudha sat staring at it and finally decided to open it. Stirring her tea distractedly, Sudha held up a birthday card that came out of the envelope. Her mouth relaxed in a smile as she realized it was from her son and daughter-in-law wishing her on her 60th Birthday. Sudha had…
The Accident
Rati and Rohan are driving down the Mumbai-Pune Highway on a rainy night when a woman who has met with an accident approaches them for help. Who is she and should they help her? What if the accident costs them more than they can afford?
The King’s Offering
Mohan settled down in his usual place near the traffic signal. He looked up and realised she was still there on the other side of the road. He averted his eyes quickly though not before she had shifted her gaze too. It seemed that neither could face each other – the little girl in a worn down printed dress and the one- armed beggar. The father and the daughter. He willed her to leave but knew she would be there till he was done. It was the same everyday ever…
