Journey's end

Lightning flashed in the distance. They sans one huddled closer drawing comfort from each other. The swirling black clouds were visible indicating that their journey was at its end. Yet, darkness would arrive before them. The winding road seemingly friendly an hour ago was at its treacherous best. The trees lining both sides were gnarled in places, hideous stumps at others, the roots spreading out onto the pathway like greedy fingers. The leafless branches rustled and bent towards them. This is an illusion. The shaman’s dying warning echoed. Icy hands trailed through their limbs. Fear, the warriors accepted, welcomed, but this unseen entity chilled their hearts, dulled their instincts, made them cower like the villagers they were bound to protect.

Ashan, the self appointed leader, twirled his blood stained scimitar. Basher balked at the other’s impatience, then nudged the unsure group forward. He waited for the one tagging behind. She moved with firm, alert steps belying her tender age. She had impressed Bashir by offering to be the bait. The council had happily agreed.

 He had sworn then to protect her with his life.  

A flash of light revealed the looming grey castle. Thunder made its presence felt. Then. Utter silence. They stopped a few feet away from the gates. Ashan turned to Bashir. “Take the girl and walk ahead. We follow close behind.”

Why single me out? “Come. It’s time.” in the kindest tone he could manage.

One of the gates unbolted, wide enough for a person to pass through.

 He stopped her as she moved forward. “I go first.”

The iron door closed behind them. Bashir rushed back trying in vain to wrench it open.

His reward was bloodied fingers.

Yasmin watched him, the slow hunger now a raging need. The warrior’s blood smelled sweet. A feast tonight.

Wc 300 Exact.

Some 55 ers

Curve Ball
Sometimes life throws you a curve ball before you can throw one back.

Everything arranged to perfection, the invites were out.
The surprise party, a celebration of our fifth anniversary.

Today he dropped a bomb, he is seeing someone and wants a divorce.
The report lay unopened on the dressing table, I was finally pregnant.

Submitted to Love in Creativity Project (flash Fiction)


Twin No More?

Disjointed arms flay helplessly; for the price of gaining one, the loss of the other.  
Can you choose to snuff off with a knife?
Will he miss the one that's gone or this so called bonding just a scientist's game?
 Will he smile now, he of the ones whose grimace bespoke the pained, gasping existence?




The Stampede

I moved along with the surging crowd, a pilgrimage after two months of religious austerities fulfilled...

I knew not, I would breath my last before leaving God's Abode...

Buck passing between the Government, the Temple board and Forest Reserve Officials starts; while my mother, wife and child weep over me in the ice cold morgue.

(Based on the stampede in a major pilgrimage centre, Sabrimala Temple, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala where over a 100 men from the four southern states lost their lives  last week.)

The Dietician

Seated in cosy chairs the three waited impatiently as the aroma wafted around…she asked her sister if she wanted a cheesy crust…the reply was negative, couldn’t pile on the kilos….finally it arrived…satiated they asked if he wanted another slice, should they order another?…”but mom, pizza makes you fat”, the wise three year old retorted sharply.

 (Based on a true talk between my nephew Sidartha aka Sid, his mom {my sister in law} and me.)


The Gift
'Go on' said the laughing voice. She gingerly unzipped the bag.....squealed and waltzed around  with the gift in tow. The father looked on with disdain and reprimanded, 'shouldn't be spoiling your 22 year old sister like that'. He grinned broadly and whispered through a suffocating hug,'a girl is never too old for a teddy!!'.


The Nightly Ritual

She stared at them, they stared right back. Should she, should she not?... One swallow was all the act needed. One today, one tomorrow, one the day after and so on. Till a day came, when she lost and they took over. She stared at them...Pure and enticing, promising dreamless sleep : Her white pills.

The Prick

It had been a good 30 minutes since they had exited. Not an easy pick, this one. The indecisive ones were the worst. Wouldn't have spared her a second thought any other time. But afternoon's were the dullest part of the day. And Tuesday’'s meant that the other three in the lane were closed to business. The fierce competition motivated him, though he wished his parents hadn't been dirt poor.

He watched as she entered with trepidation, tugging at her companion's arm. He looked on bemused, as she hesitated at the door before being pulled in rather forcibly ....

Nervously she muttered "I have decided." and asked cautiously "will it hurt?"

His eyes seemed to twinkle in the harsh lights as he replied "hardly, trust me..you are in capable hands."

"But they say its painful..."

"This isn't your first time, I presume..."

She shook her head, barely remembering the event.....It was so long ago and she had been too young to comprehend. She looked at her friend for moral support.

Her friend encouraged her with "We have discussed this enough times already....just go ahead and get it over with."

"I don't have all day" he said, clearly put off. 

She stood frozen, uncertain....

Her friend spoke again, with a hint of impatience "He knows what he is doing...you are worrying without cause..."

He added, sensing a thaw in her "One shot and it will be over .... you won't even register the prick....and you will not be disappointed with the result..."

Sighing, she got on the couch.....sure enough, it was over before she could collect her thoughts.

She was feeling better already....when he interrupted her musings "My reward, Madam...."

She flushed, apologised and handed him a few notes.....

As she stepped out, she couldn't help but catch a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the entrance.

There it nestled, glistening in the sunlight, tiny silver loops, her second ear piercing.....

 cwc 321

Heavenly Matches

‘Matches under the stars’ the message had coded a dozen times. She debated the futility of it, desire overriding her fears, slithered her awkward way to the booth. The bored looking assistant looked her once over, before leading her in. Strapped to the ‘Biosync’, Zooawoong made her specific request.

“Outcome not possible,” the machine replied.

She eyes would have watered, but for the lack of tear ducts. As the assistant waited, she sought ‘his’ help.

His rolling gait, meant, a reprimand was to be expected. His thoughts filtered through. “The Boh-ring are better suited, child.”

She remained unmoved, looking in disgust at the appendages that served for limbs. Two legged was so graceful!

He glanced at his lovelorn spawn. Being the Emperor of ‘Piles Star Systems’ wasn’t easy.

The Solians were shrewd, driving a hard bargain. The young male she fancied was no match, lacking the tentacles - their power source.

“Appearances don’t matter to him. I hear him say, all the time.”

Surely not, he wasn’t the one losing precious assets. An icy moon and a moon base hadn’t been enough. Maybe, the smallest of the ‘Diamond’ planets their captain fancied would clinch the deal, get her the mate.

was the search over?

‘Magnolia virginiana’...was his search over? He twirled the dried flower in his hand, its whiteness showing signs of fading. The collection was strikingly similar to Rachel’s arrangement. His childhood memories were hazy at best, but some retained their clarity. The vanilla scent had soothed him through those difficult years and now seemed to waft around. Three years of devoted research had brought him to their doorstep. Their initial reluctance had faded under his passionate plea; he wasn’t one to give up easily. The foster parents had been kind enough to leave him alone, in, what might be his playmate’s room.