“There is no greater power on this earth than story.”
“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.”
Hello and Welcome
My Dear Forumites
I know everyone is waiting to see the beautiful entries for this Micro Fiction Contest. So throwing open this thread to dear forum members for selection of the best creations out of the 26 entries, displayed here in 3 posts.
Before getting further into the details let me take a moment to thank all the writers who took part in the contest! We have received some lovely creations. Thank you for making this a success.
All the creations are winners in their own way.We all must remember that all creations are the result of time-consuming and painstaking hard work, irrespective of the fact it wins or not .
Link to First thread of this Contest
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5322729
Here are the voting rules that members have to follow
1. Vote for any FIVE entries. Not more, nor less.
2. Newbies and groupbies votes will not be counted.
3. DO NOT advertise your entries. Advertisement of any form will lead to the entries getting disqualified.
-If any foul play is suspected, voting in the forum will be cancelled.
4. DO NOT vote for your own entries.
5. Voting round
Starts on : 16 Apr 2023
Ends on : 26 Apr 2023, 2359 hrs IST
I'll comment in the thread saying voting has ended. Votes after that will not be considered.
6. Avoid editing your comment. Think carefully before you vote but don't change them afterwards.
7. Inform immediately if your entry is missing.
8. If you have any queries, feel free to ask in this thread or PM Sutapasima
Entry #1
by NiharikaMishra
Shalini and Rajesh watch as Radha graduated as valedictorian. She gives a speech crediting Rajesh for everything. He cannot help bursting into tears. Shalini consoles him while Radha rushes to hug him.
As the old couple enters Newark airport to leave to India after bidding farewell to Radha, Shalini stares at Rajesh as he completes formalities at the airport.
"How" she asks
"What?" Rajesh's surprised
"How can anyone do that? You married me when your childhood friend Karan was martyred. I could never love anyone but Karan and yet you agreed, and nobody can guess Radha is not your daughter. How?" Shalini felt quite free after blurting all out after 22 years.
"Radha... I fell in love with her as a father when I saw her. After Karan's death, she was just 2. I couldn't bear the emptiness in her eyes" Shalini is spellbound. They hug each other and proceed to board the flight.
In the flight, Shalini is snoozing while Rajesh exuses himself to the loo. There he takes a picture out,
"I too could never love anyone but you Karan. When you broke up with me when Madhu aunty threatened suicide and joined the army after marriage to avoid me, I had made peace with my loneliness. After your death, I wanted to kill myself too, but then I saw Radha. She was exactly your image. By becoming her father, I was close to you in my own way."
Rajesh kisses the picture and puts is back in his pocket.
=====
Entry # 2
By SoniRita
Project with unfriendly colleague.
James didn't like his colleague, Luis. Luis was always unfriendly and made it clear that he didn't enjoy working with James. However, when their boss asked them to work on a project together, James knew he had no choice but to cooperate with Luis.
Not wishing to annoy the boss, he reluctantly joined his unfriendly colleague and started working on the project. To James' surprise, Luis had some excellent ideas, and he started warming up to him. Luis even smiled a few times, and James found himself laughing at his jokes.
As the project progressed, James and Luis became friends, and James was glad he had put aside his initial dislike for Luis. They completed the project on time and delivered an outstanding result.
On the day of the presentation, James and Luis stood in front of the audience, ready to present their work. But just as they were about to begin, Luis suddenly collapsed on the stage. Everyone rushed to help him, but it was too late. Luis was gone.
James was devastated. He couldn't believe that the person he had grown to like so much was now gone forever. He realized that he should never judge anyone before getting to know them and that life is too short to hold grudges.
=====
Entry#3
by BrhannadaArmour
“She plays divinely,” the vidyādharī told Sumanas as Priyadarśana laid down his vīṇā.
“Smile!” Sumanas reminded her moody ten-year-old - a son throughout Vārāṇasī, thanks to her vidyādharī friend’s prompt magic at her daughter’s birth.
“How much longer will I be a boy, vidyādharī?” Priyadarśana demanded. “Your vidyā told you that the Cakravartin will expose me as a girl, but when will we meet?”
“Soon, Vatse! Your body is beginning to fill out, but only the Cakravartin is able to see that, thanks to the herb’s magic. When he marries you, he will assume coverture of your professional responsibilities. Then you will stay home, like every other wealthy lady,” the vidyādharī replied.
Priyadarśana sighed. “All the old traders bow to my decisions. Inexperience doesn’t matter. I’m their leader, because I’m Kāliya’s son. A girl wouldn’t even appear in their council. She would testify through a male messenger.”
“I know it’s unnatural, but do you really blame me?” Sumanas wailed.
“King Brahmadatta was ready to confiscate everything when your father died. All that saved our estate was my pregnancy and you being a boy.”
“I don’t blame you at all, Ācī!” Priyadarśana reassured Sumanas. “I feel lucky that Tāta died before I was born! Otherwise, how could I have watched you managing the business, and learned from you? As a boy, I can play the vīṇā in front of everyone.”
“With magic, you can always disguise yourself,” the vidyādharī offered.
“Do I need magic?” Priyadarśana shook his head. “Isn’t natural ability enough?”
=====
Entry#4
by SoniRita
Friendly alien meets LGBTQ community
As the spaceship descended towards the planet's surface, the friendly alien known as Zara felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She had heard stories of the inhabitants of this planet, but nothing could have prepared her for what she was about to encounter.
Upon landing, Zara quickly found herself surrounded by a group of colorful beings. They had rainbow flags draped around their shoulders and their clothing was adorned with badges and pins that read "Love is Love" and "Equality for All."
Zara was fascinated by these creatures and felt an instant connection with them. As a member of a species that had long ago abandoned gender norms and embraced love in all its forms, Zara was thrilled to discover that there were others in the universe who shared her beliefs.
The group welcomed Zara with open arms, showing her around their city and introducing her to their culture. They told her stories of the struggles they had faced in their fight for acceptance and equality, and Zara felt a deep respect and admiration for them.
As the days passed, Zara knew that her time on this planet was limited. But she also knew that she had made lifelong friends with this group of beautiful beings, and that she would always cherish the memories of her time with them.
=====
Entry #5
by Clochette(Claudia)
Forever is too strong a word
- Happy that I had survived? Not at all, Doctor, not at all. Living without the love of my life isn't a life I want to live anymore.
Why?
Peter left me. One time too much I accused him, called him a cheater, not worth of my faithful love. And again I had been wrong, like all the other times when I suspected him to have a lover. He looked at me with that sadness in his eyes that proved me wrong. I apologized, called myself selfish, insecure, possessive. This time, it didn't help. He left. Didn't come back. I tried to find him. In vain. Yesterday, it would have been our 20th anniversary of being together. One year ago, it was the day I lost him forever.
- Forever? What if life takes a turn at the next corner? Faithful love? Obviously not as full of faith as it could have been, right, Mr. Wasabi? Wait a moment, I'll fetch one of my former colleagues who may convince you to have faith in your love.
John Wasabi closed his eyes. He didn't want to see, hear, listen, talk or feel anymore. He wanted to die. Still, he heard the door open, sensed the approach of a person, felt his right hand being covered by a warm hand. He wanted to take his hand away when he heard...
-John...look at me.
...and John opened the eyes, looked at Peter, sitting in a wheelchair, and listened to him.
=====
Entry #6
by BrhannadaArmour
Raghav shivered, watching the light from his house as if it could warm him. Having worked throughout last night, he felt very sleepy, but remained standing.
“Raghav?” It was Varun’s voice … Varun’s warm hand on his shoulder. Raghav turned. Was he dreaming?
“Rama told me that she sent your father a photo of Mona hugging you. If you confessed my hug instead, and came out … I had to be here. Get in my car and warm up.”
“No.” Raghav resisted. “Until Ābā considers me purified, this is my penance.”
“For a co-worker’s innocent congratulatory hug?” Varun slipped off his jacket and covered Raghav’s shoulders. “Penance means torture?”
“Varun, you can’t imagine Ābā’s disappointment. He pledged my celibacy until I inaugurate the new temple.
” Varun tried not to laugh.
“He takes credit for depriving you of women, never suspecting that you need a man?”
“Take your jacket and go home,” Raghav huffed.
“No, Raghav. Until you reject this pointless ordeal, I’ll suffer with you.”
“You don’t even believe …”
“Right. Tell your family why I’m staying. Or hug me to keep me warm.”
“That’s inviting more penance!”
“Exactly. I’m challenging you, Raghav Purohit. Martyr yourself, you fool, but not for a lie. At least do it for the truth!”
“Ābā would be ashamed to find out what you mean to me.”
“Tell him that chasing a nice boy saves me from meat, alcohol, smoking …”
“You don’t smoke!”
“Euphemism for my dad’s drug trafficking.
” Raghav followed Varun and got into his car.
======
Entry #7
by SoniRita
Love is deaf, blind and dumb
She wakes on an ordinary morning to a knock on the door. Groggily, she heads to the door, wondering who could be visiting her so early. As she opens the door, she is taken aback as she sees her ex-girlfriend standing there.
They had broken up a few months ago and the woman thought she had moved on, but seeing her ex-girlfriend brought back all the memories and feelings.
The ex-girlfriend explains that she had made a mistake and wants to get back together. The woman is hesitant, but the look in her ex-girlfriend's eyes and the sincerity in her voice make her heart skip a beat.
After a lot of talking and a few tears, they decide to give their relationship another chance. They spend the day talking and laughing like they used to, and it feels like they never even broke up.
As the night comes to an end, they hug each other goodbye, and the woman knows in her heart that things will be different this time. She wakes up the next day, feeling happier than she has been in a long time, and realizes that sometimes an ordinary morning can turn into an extraordinary one with just a knock on the door.
=====
Entry #8
by Clochette(Claudia)
Forever is too strong a word
Peter smiled at his former lover, who lied in bed quite drained after the evacuation of his stomach.
Happy that you survived, John.
John seemed to be all of a dither...joy, relief, worry,,, a kaleidoscope of emotions on his face and in his voice.
Peter, why are you in a wheelchair?
After I left you, I had an accident, just down the block, at the corner. I ran into a man holding a weapon who pistoled me when I grabbed him to not fall. Later I got to know that the guy had just robbed the handy store and was about to get into a car to bunk. The bullet had done some damage also touching the spine. They put me in an artificial coma after the operation so my body got time to heal, but my spine is still too weak to be burdened.
Nobody informed me, you neither. Why?
Nobody knew that I lived with you and I didn't want that you see me in that sad condition. Your doctor is a former colleague. He knows that we were a couple.
You didn't want to see me and we w e r e a couple?! Peter, please, I said sorry...and you need me, don't you?
I want your love, John, not your pity or solicitude. I've people who look after me. Try to be happy without me.
Peter raised John's hand, kissed it and put it back...on John's heart. He then turned the wheelchair and left the room.
=====
Entry #9
by BrhannadaArmour
“My political connections expect a grand wedding,” Kedarnath Sardeshmukh argued. “Babulnath is my only son!”
“My engineer son and a coconut. Non-negotiable!” Tulasa Karkahanis shot back. “Your dropout hooligan doesn’t even deserve to stand in my Deva’s shadow!”
“Trees make shade for others, and stand in the glare themselves …” Devavrat murmured to his sturdy fiancé under his mother’s glare.
“Nānā, isn’t there a law against dowry?” Babulnath protested.
“Irrelevant to illegal same-sex marriages!” Kedarnath countered. “Big boy, teaching me wisdom!”
“Nānāsāheba, your convention centre will take a year to build, and I don’t have time until I finish building the college,” Devavrat reasoned. “We can get married first. An outdoor wedding would be perfect, right, Babul?”
“Right, Deva!” Babulnath grinned at Devavrat, remembering the day he first saw him planting trees along the highway. Confronted for littering, Babulnath had swung a punch at Devavrat. Caught by the hand, flipped onto his back, he had fallen hard.
“Let me explain in language that you’ll understand, Honourable MLA,” Tulasa condescended. “The Maharashtra Government granted you funds to create jobs building the Trimbak Convention Centre, your campaign promise. If contractors complain to the media that your son squeezes them for bribes, which reach you because the engineer is his husband-to-be, you won’t get re-elected. You want progressives to vote for you, right? Then your gay son’s marriage needs to happen before rival parties steal the idea.”
“Please, Nānā?” Babulnath pleaded.
“All right!” Kedarnath gave in. “We’ll exhibit the college site with your wedding.”
=====
Entry #10
by SoniRita
Ancestor's Journal
While searching the attic for old family heirlooms, Maze and her wife Eva stumbled upon an old journal hidden behind a dusty trunk. As they flipped through the pages, their eyes widened with shock as they realized that the journal belonged to Eva's great-great-grandmother, who had been in a loving relationship with another woman.
The entries chronicled the struggles that Eva's ancestor faced in a time when their love was considered taboo and forbidden. The journal contained secret rendezvous, clandestine meetings, and hidden love letters that had been exchanged between the two women.
Maze and Eva couldn't believe what they were reading. The love that they shared was once considered a crime, and the thought of being punished for their love was unthinkable. They were grateful for the progress that had been made, but also saddened that it had taken so long for acceptance and tolerance to become the norm.
As they closed the journal, Maze and Eva shared a tender embrace, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the love that they were able to openly share with the world. They vowed to honor Eva's great-great-grandmother's legacy by living their lives with pride, love, and acceptance for all.
=====
Entry # 11
by BrhannadaArmour
“Sorry!” Varun exclaimed, finding a boxers-clad young man in the washroom at Gulmohar Software Solutions.
“Wait!” Raghav called. “Please help me! My clothes were on that hook, but they’re gone!” Why did the spectator to his embarrassment have to be so handsome?
“Someone must have stolen them!” Varun guessed. Momentarily interrupting his eyelock with the blushing vision, he noticed the sacred thread crossing his sinewy torso. “Don’t stress; we’ll work it out together. I’m Varun, by the way.”
“I’m Raghav.” Nervously reacting to Varun’s outstretched hand with namaskāra, Raghav felt silly, denying himself Varun’s touch.
Varun’s smile widened as Raghav clasped his hand. Impulsively winking at the adorably flustered traditionalist, Varun exited and quickly returned with Raghav’s clothes.
“I found them in the trash just outside. They’re coffee-stained, unfortunately.”
“I had taken them off to wash the stains. Thanks to you, I can finish cleaning up and return to work. It’s my first day here.”
“Congratulations. Obviously, someone planned to steal your clothes. Who spilled coffee on you?”
“The office attendant tripped over Rama Madam’s foot while she was focussed on work.”
“Rama Paranjape? I’ve known her since childhood. Revenge is her only focus.”
Half an hour later, Rama flounced into Varun’s arms and complained, “First day, and I got fired for violating the privacy of that ee-diot! Anyway, you’re back from abroad, so let’s party!”
“I can’t. My new friend invited me to his kīrtana.”
“What’s kīrtana?”
“Preaching.”
“Boring! Why would you agree?”
“I’m crazy. Love at first sight!”
=====
Entry #12
by SoniRita
Love in Workplace
John had always struggled with his colleague, Matt. Matt never seemed to like him, and John couldn't understand why. But when the boss asked him to work on a project with Matt, John didn't want to disappoint him, so he reluctantly agreed.
The first day was a disaster. Matt was as unfriendly as ever, barely acknowledging John's presence. John tried to make conversation, but Matt only responded with monosyllabic answers. It was going to be a long project.
But then, something strange happened. As they worked together, John started to notice things about Matt he hadn't before. The way he furrowed his brow when he was concentrating, the way he tapped his foot when he was nervous. John found himself drawn to him, despite everything.
As the weeks went on, John found himself looking forward to their meetings, even though Matt was still unfriendly. It wasn't until the last day of the project that John finally found the courage to confess his feelings.
To his surprise, Matt felt the same way. He had been keeping his distance because he was afraid of getting too close. And as they kissed for the first time, John realized that sometimes the people we think we can't stand are the ones we're meant to be with.
=====
16 More entries in next two posts
Happy Reading
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