Storieo

Category: Life

  • You never know

    You never know

    I don’t want to do this job. I should be at college and studying during the evenings my parents are telling me to take care of the shop and work here. They are getting old and this shop is what is getting me through college but I need to study so that I impress my professor this time.

    “Mona, you won’t regret working here, sweetie.” Ma stroked my hair. I had missed her. She had white hair mixed with the black I was used to seeing as a kid. She had worked long and hard at this shop. It was a normal antique shop but Ma and Papa had made sure that nothing got ruined. They used to sell a lot of stuff fortunately. You won’t believe how much rich people like to buy antiques. But this job wasn’t for me. I wanted to work as a researcher. I had given up on parties, making friends, going out, and many other things people my age normally do because I had to study. 

    “Try once pleaseee? We won’t force if you don’t like it.” Papa said. I looked at him, He knew I couldn’t refuse after he had said please. I huffed and mumbled a yes. Ma kissed my cheek and got up, “You will love it here.” I snickered at that. 

    “Trust us, Mona.” Papa said, “You never know.”

    It wasn’t a difficult job. I had to tell how much something cost and then it was up to the customer if they wanted to buy it or not.  I have to stand here aaalllll day waiting. That’s all. Sigh. This is boring. Might as well clean the shop to get some movement. I grab my gloves and make my way towards the dustiest part of the shop. The stuff her is very old. But it’s has some very pretty things. I see a peacock feather out of the corner of my eye. It’s a cute little pen with a peacock feather attached as a decoration. Very dusty too. I clean it first and then, start sorting out the rest of the things. A music box, then an umbrella which is painted rainbow, a watch, I find all sorts of things here. The bottom rows done, I make my way to the upper ones. I thought the stuff below was old and dusty? The old antiques were quite literally rotting here. There is a half chewed wooden box at the corner, a broken glass bottle with a miniature ship inside it besides it, and lastly, a very dusty and damaged bronze pocket watch. I see other things too but they are ruined beyond repair. I take these down and start cleaning them. I guess I will have to throw the box and the bottle because they can’t really be repaired either. The only thing that strikes my fancy a bit too much is the bronze pocket watch. It’s string is still intact, the glass is broken but can be fixed, and cells need to be put in it – if it even works using them. It’s evident that it’s very old too but might work. It’s a weird watch though. It has the usual digits written but has hours and days marked above them. I guess this will measure the days too? We will see when it will get fixed. I look at the clock in the shop. It’s 7 in the night?! I didn’t notice the time. Huh. Time to close the shop. I throw away all the stuff on the upper row save the watch and then, leave for home after closing the shop. 

    “Can I take this watch if it gets fixed, Pa?” I look at my pa after dinner. 

    “Uhh sure? Why are you asking me?” 

    “Because it was in the shop. In the dusty upper row at the far back.”

    “Meh. You can take it. That row was unused anyway.” Pa went back to reading his newspaper. Who even reads them at night? I smile to myself and go to my room to sleep. I will have to get this fixed tomorrow. 

    I have been looted. 600 rupees for an old watch?! It’s not even made out of gold but bronze. Why did I decide to do this again? Why did I have to say yes to 600 rupees ugh?! I look down at the watch. The glass fixed and it was….working? The watch fixing guy told me it was fixed. I don’t see the needles moving though. He had fooled me. I had been looted and fooled both. This was not a good day. I feel a headache coming. I look at the side of the watch and see two knobs that are used to fix the needles. Maybe I should try fixing this myself. I take hold of the first knob and rotate it. Nothing. Sigh. I, then, try it with the second one. It’s tight. Very tight. I use all my strength on it. It doesn’t open. My money is wasted. I sigh and trod back home. 

    “I can’t rotate this either, beta.” Papa looks at me pitiably. Ma also tried but to no avail. I am going to scold that watch guy tomorrow. He will regret meeting me. I am thinking this when Ma brings me and Pa some lemonade. She hands it to me with a smile. “It will be okay.” She tries to console me. “It will not be okay for the watch guy, Ma.” Both my parents start laughing. A mistake because Pa spills his lemonade on the watch. “Oh no! Sorry. Here, hold it, Mona.” He hands it over to me. The watch is fine. I tell him it’s okay. I look at the second knob. It looks…different. Wait, lemon reacts with bronze. Could it be…..? I try rotating it and lo! 

    “Ma! Pa! Look!” I show them the watch enthusiastically. But what I see….how is it possible? Ma and Pa are not moving. Am I dreaming? No! “Ma! Pa!” I try to shake them. They don’t move. They don’t even bat any eyelid. I look out of the window. A bird has stopped flying in midair. How is this possible?! NO?! I look down at the watch and see that the minute watch has now moved and shows….half an hour? I try to rotate the second knob but nothing happens. I move the first one. “What’s wrong, Mona?” I look up. My parents are looking at my worriedly. “Nothing. Just saw a bug.” I make an excuse and rush to my room. I wasn’t able to sleep because I kept thinking about the watch. What had just happened?

    I can’t concentrate. My professor is teaching but I can’t focus. The watch is in my pocket. I still refuse to believe that happened yesterday. 

    “-ona! Mona, are you listening?!” 

    I jolt out of my trance. My professor looks disappointed. Oh no. 

    “Okay, now that she’s awake.” The Professor looks ahead. Everyone laughs. “You guys have two days to finish this assignment and remember this is very important for your grade” he looks over to me, “and any other opportunity you might want.” 

    Just two days! I can’t finish it on time. I have used up both days already but this is nowhere near complete I have to submit this tomorrow morning. I groan. What was the professor thinking? No one can do it in two days properly. I am going to fail. I am at the verge of tears when something catches my eye. Something is gleaming in my bag. I fish it out. It’s the watch. I pause. Can I……should I use this? Will it work? I am at odds. I am scared. Should I risk it? I am still wondering but unconsciously, switch the second knob. Silence. I go downstairs. My Ma has stopped peeling the potatoes. Pa has stopped flipping the paper.  I rush upstairs. I am trembling because of fear but I grab my pen and start writing. I shouldn’t waste this opportunity. 

    “I can’t believe this paper has been written in just two days, Mona. I am deeply impressed. You have earned your right to be present in the conference.” My professor beamed at me. I burst into tears. This watch had gotten me the chance I had been working so hard for so long. I can’t believe my good fortune. This was a gift. A gift I was gonna use well. From that day onward, I used that watch every chance I could. I used to prepare for the conference. I used it to prepare for my tests. I sometimes used to get ready or other minor tasks as well. It became a habit. I couldn’t control it. I didn’t want to control it. 

    “Are those white hair, Mona?” My mum pointed out one day. 

    “Huh?” I looked at the mirror in the bathroom. I had a lot of white hair. How come I hadn’t noticed this before? Never mind. 

    “It’s okay, ma. Happens to everyone.”

    “But that many? You have also gained a lot of weight suddenly. And….these are wrinkles. Honey, are you okay? You are working too hard and not taking care of yourself.” Ma looked very worried. 

    “I-It’s okay. I will take care. Don’t worry.” i rushed to the bathroom. Ma was right. The hair and the weight were one thing but what of the wrinkles. These were not normal ones. These were like the ones…..Ma and Pa had.

    …..How? 

    I shook my head. This was surely my imagination. I can’t be growing old. Surely not. I looked at the watch in my hand. Had I noticed the day and year label before? Funny that I hadn’t. It had never bothered me before. It was pointing towards……10 years. I threw it away. I couldn’t breathe for a second. What did 10 years mean? It couldn’t be. No no no no NO! I….I had aged 10 years older than I was before?! I remembered something I had heard – ‘Time is a funny concept. You can try to escape, maybe succeed in hiding too. But It will seek you and it will find you out’. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t think. I started rambling through my shelves. I found it. I found a hammer. The next moments were a flash. I took the hammer and I smashed the clock. I kept smashing it until nothing was left but only bits of that beautiful, gleaming bronze. I was heaving. Ma and Pa barged into my room. 

    “Mona! Are you okay?!”

    “What happened here?!”

    “You wouldn’t believe it Ma, Pa.” I looked at them in a daze. 

    “We will trust anything you have to say, sweetie.” They sat beside me. “You can tell us anything and we will believe you.”

    “You never know, Ma. You never know.” I smiled at them.

     

  • SHE CAME AS RAIN

    SHE CAME AS RAIN

    The story starts with a 22 year young Lee. She was a beautiful soul who used to embrace things around her in a blissful way until one day when she started vomiting blood fluid from her mouth. She was too scared that moment but gathered some hope and told this incident to her only parent, her mom. Her mom took that in her stride and got Lee checked from her nearby hospital. After few days, when the report came it was shocking for Lee’s mom as her child was suffering from Blood cancer at stage 4 condition. Lee locked herself in the room crying and blaming God that why this mishap is happening to her and she also has some dreams to live for. She called Ryan , her best friend and told about this in a very low tone. He didn’t answered and hung up the call. After a while , there was a knock on the door and Lee noticed that Ryan showed up at her home. Lee ran towards him and hugged him tightly accompanied with her sobbing. Ryan moved his fingers through her hair lines, making her calm. Lee’s mother was watching from the backdoor but she stood still to give those friends their private moment.
    Ryan was acting strong and he didn’t shed his tears in front of Lee as it would exacerbate the pain and the  whole scenario according to him. Lee asked Ryan to help her fulfil her last wishes before the day arrives and to this Ryan was mentally and emotionally ready.
    Next day, it was heavily raining and Lee called Ryan asking if they could have a walk on the streets. Ryan agreed to her without any questions. Ryan came first and he was holding his umbrella and was looking for her friend until he saw a glimpse  of a girl who was drenched in the rain , without any umbrella approaching towards him and later recognized that it was Lee. She took his umbrella and threw it in air. They both held each others hand and started walking in the streets. At that moment , Lee asked her that after her death , will he made a new best friend like her. To which he replied their is nobody like her and nobody can replace her space in his heart as her ‘only’ best friend and that he would miss her a lot. Lee decided that it was time to tell Ryan her wish and she said whenever rain is going to drizzle from the heavenly sky, just assume it that it is Lee who is showering her love from the heaven. Ryan promised her that he would definitely do that for her.
    Lee and Ryan continued their visits  at each others home and after few months Lee was admitted to hospital and she was kept on the ventilator. It was June 18′ 2007 and Ryan came rushing to her ward. When he came their, he became cold and still to watch her friend in the agonizing condition. He sat near her and held her right hand. Lee clumsily opened her eyes and said that it is time to bid her farewell with a bright smile while giving him a squishing hug. He became emotional and hugged her immediately and suddenly he noticed that her pulse became constant and she was not responding anymore. He was shattered to see that she died in her arms with a smile. All of a sudden rain started drizzling and Ryan came out of the hospital and remained still to absorb each and every essence of that moment.

  • Lesson of the Unseen 

    Luke had a hard time coming out of his room with his one side of face burnt from an accident. He always face comments and people calling him “ugly” or “poor thing”. He was never kissed by his month or the burn side of his face which made him believe that he don’t deserve the life he was living. He stopped going to school and made the four walls of his room his entire world. He stared at the roof all night until the sleep felt pity over him and covered him in its dark peace. One day, he felt frustrated and suffocating to sit in his room and decided to go for a walk. While walking he came came accross a house with a beautiful garden in front. There seemed no one living in the house se he climbed up the wall and landed in the garden. As he stepped forward a voice came from inside the house. He didn’t realised there was someone living in the house. He decided to go back to his house but as he turned around to go back the heavy voice told him to stay. The voice was of an old man who stood at the window. He told Luke that it is ok for him to visit the garden and that many children often visit the garden without permission. Luke started shivering and felt uncomfortable and just wanted to return but the old man told him that he can stay there for as long as he want. Luke told him that his face might scare the old man. The old man laughed and said he had a time leg which was even more terrifying. They started conversation. Luke in every way possible tried to convince the old man that world was cruel and nobody will ever love him. The old man said that it was not his responsibility to make others love him but it was his responsibility to love himself. The old man told him that he only Target and see the cruel and bad things happening ignoring the good in them. When asked about what he see in the garden he was standing Luke told the man he notice many bushes. The old man smiled and said that he ignored the flowers and fruits the garden holds and only focused on bushes. Luke asked why man didn’t had any curtains or any coverings on the windows, the man replied that he didn’t liked to shut things down. He love listening to wind and welcoming the sunlight and the rain. After having a conversation Like was convinced to have a positive outlook towards life and to be who he wants to be because he was physically healthy unlike the old man with a leg of tin. The old man said he was going to pluck some apples and if Luke could help him but Luke said he must inform his mother about this. The old man said he might never return to help him but Luke promised to return. When Luke reached home he told his mother about the man and how his point of view was changed by the man’s thoughts. Luke’s mother told him that there was no one in that house and that he was just imaging. Luke disagreed with his mother and ran from home to help the man. When he reached there he called the man and looked for him everywhere but no one was there. While searching, Luke took a peek inside from the window and saw the picture of that man hanging on the wall and below it was the date mentioned of his death. There was a quote written below the picture and date the quote stated, “I will always be here for those who need light in a world full of darkness”. Luke decided to be like that man and have a positive outlook towards life and to become a reason for his existence instead of finding a reason to not exist. 

  • The Drenched Despair without Mercy 

    It all started with a couple of sleepless nights, after getting back from college it was raining, the clock ticked 7’o down. The weekend had been a whirlwind and I was drained; however, I couldn’t fall asleep. The entire place was empty, all covered with sounds of whiff that could whisper to my solitude. With time the city slept miraculously and that exacerbated anxiety through my veins, there would be a hellish price to pay in the morning, what’s wrong with me?

    I remained reclined, this is now usual two nights in a row – anxiety that came out unwanted and left me nocturnal.The next day appeared with burned eyelids and fatigue, my incomplete assignment seized my attention and I casually unseen that, I was vulnerable. I googled what if someone just stop sleeping forever, and manifested the realm, scared myself to death with descriptions of hallucinations and dementia.

    I hate monsoon, and those who fantasies it. A cottony blue sky of hope turned black, extinguished, darkness encroached, skeletal lines of the concrete buildings infused me with a sense of doom. Depression – the grisly invader that slowly turning me into a vicious culprit.

    I opened Spotify and played Ludwig Beethoven, hoping the symphony could save me, but you could tell it was a worst move, it shook me a cruel reminder that it wasn’t the sunlit cozy winter it all remained drenched.

    I sat there a little too long with a cup of coffee, the radio was too fuzzy, just like my thoughts resisting upon each other. Every sip of made me edgy, dizzy more guilt ridden, I dropped a message to my psychiatrist, probably my last option. The minutes crawled by like slush.

    I opened Pinterest, maybe some low-key motivation might work? while scrolling I glanced at a poem line, “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering” by Friedrich Nietzsche.

    The next morning my psychiatrist told me it was depression, that was visible clearly on my face right away. Further, it was time for more tablets to come up on my way; My twenties are a subliminal part of me that keep struggling within me was circumstantial.

    After a long stretch I wake up next to the alarm, and the radiant light coming out of the slightly lopsided white curtains, felt like a wave of relief it was January. I felt back to myself, depression in the rearview again but I stride through my journey now taking each movement vivaciously.

    I plugged out my earphones and entered the classroom with a smile. 

  •  “Unveiling the Secrets of the Enchanted Willow”

    In a hidden corner of the world, nestled deep within an enchanted forest, there existed a magical tree. This tree, known as the “Whispering Willow,” possessed the power to grant one extraordinary wish to anyone who discovered its secret.

    Legend had it that the tree’s magic was guarded by a mischievous woodland sprite named Ember. Ember was known for playing pranks on unsuspecting travelers who ventured into the forest, but those with pure hearts were said to earn the sprite’s favor.

    One day, a young girl named Maya, burdened by sorrow and longing for adventure, stumbled upon the Whispering Willow. The tree stood tall and majestic, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. Maya approached cautiously, her eyes filled with both curiosity and trepidation.

    As Maya reached out to touch the tree’s trunk, a soft whisper escaped the leaves. Startled but intrigued, she listened intently, hearing a melodic voice beckoning her to make a wish. Closing her eyes, Maya whispered her deepest desire, a wish for healing and transformation.

    In an instant, the forest shimmered with enchantment. Maya’s eyes widened as she witnessed the world around her changing. The forest became a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, and the air crackled with energy.

    Ember materialized before Maya, a mischievous grin on their face. “Your wish has been granted, dear Maya,” they chimed. “But remember, the true magic lies within you.”

    Maya’s heart swelled with gratitude as she realized that the magic of the Whispering Willow had ignited a spark within her. She embarked on a journey of self-discovery, finding solace in nature’s embrace and uncovering hidden talents and strengths she never knew she possessed.

    Word of Maya’s transformation spread throughout the land, inspiring others to seek out the Whispering Willow. People from all walks of life visited the mystical tree, each receiving a unique and personal gift that touched their souls.

    The legend of the Whispering Willow grew, passed down through generations. The tree became a symbol of hope, reminding everyone that magic exists within themselves and that the power to change their lives lies in their hands.

  • A Peek through

    A Peek through

    A conservative Indian household, an average girl child who is not allowed to have her life decisions, a tough picture to draw but not so uncommon in the recent events of education system and growing unemployment everywhere. Thought to be a child prodigy but didn’t turn out so is my story. I used to be a good student till I reached puberty when things started a little “not so planned for my parents”.

    When I was in class 9, I was sent to hostel far away from home so that I could focus on my studies and for a time being it really worked till class 10. Got above 90%, something which every average girl of my age dream of. But my parents never thought of that way. They didn’t think it was well enough. Like who would make them understand that 10th standard certificate is nothing but a “Date of birth” verification certificate and nothing else. For 11, I was sent to pursue Medical when all along I loved subject math’s. All my life I was told what to do and what not to do. Never was I asked what I would love to do. As expected, it didn’t turn out well and I didn’t get selected. I turned to B.sc for my higher studies and had my head wrapped around the idea that “Ok, this may be something which I can find my peace with”. But of course, it will never be as you wish to be. After all this is India, where parents are bound to meddle with your life until you are married and out of their hair strand. So, the same happened. One day out of the blue my father wanted me to pursue MBA. I must tell you preparing for MBA is no joke. You have to be well versed in English, quants, and data interpretation. Also, it needs preparation of at least 9-10months. And I had only 4months of preparation plus my college preparations, assignments. I didn’t get selected to the IIMs in my running year so I opted for next year. But the meddling never stopped there. Now they want me to continue with my B.sc and study for M.sc, as they learnt from somewhere that MBA is not for students from biology background. Thus imagine my dilemma.

    Now from my story I wanted to portray that you have got to take the steering wheel of your life. You have got to have your dream. Or else someone else will try snatch your life and take control. Maybe they are your well wishers but they are not “know it all” or God. You have to know what you want to do and go for it. Don’t turn up like me. I was never taught to dream. I was never taught to build my personality myself. Don’t get lost, cause this world is way worse when you don’t have control of your career and life. You are always allowed to make mistakes, taking one or two bad decisions. But those mistakes are yours to make not your parents or someone else claiming to have knowledge about everything.

  • “The Resilient Ride: A Whimsical Journey of Friendship and Triumph”

    “The Resilient Ride: A Whimsical Journey of Friendship and Triumph”

    In the realm of real-life adventures, there was a spirited individual named Alex. They were the epitome of resilience and a thirst for excitement. Alex’s prized possession was a sleek and magical scooter that whisked them away on thrilling escapades.

    One ill-fated day, disaster struck. The key to the enchanted scooter vanished into thin air, leaving Alex in a state of panic. But instead of wallowing in despair, they summoned their inner courage and embarked on a mission to retrieve the duplicate key.

    Now, here’s where the story takes a twist. Alex, bless their heart, didn’t quite have the knack for cycling. But never fear! Their trusty sidekick, Luna, rode to the rescue. Luna was a remarkable friend, with a daring spirit and an extraordinary talent for two-wheeled adventures.

    Together, they hatched a daring plan. Alex would mount Luna’s quirky bicycle, a contraption that seemed to possess a mind of its own. With Luna as the fearless guide, they set off on a tandem journey, their laughter echoing through the streets.

    But hold on tight, dear reader! This was no ordinary bicycle ride. Oh no! The magical contraption twisted and twirled, performing gravity-defying stunts that left onlookers spellbound. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Alex held on tight, their heart racing in sync with the whimsical ride.

    Along the way, their bicycle rendezvous with mishaps and detours. But Luna, ever the fearless companion, quickly took the reins, effortlessly guiding them back on track. Each setback became an opportunity for laughter and bonding, forging an unbreakable friendship through the shared adventure.

    Finally, they arrived at the parking lot, but destiny had one last surprise in store. The scooter’s fuel tank mocked them, empty and forlorn. However, Luna, in an act of unwavering loyalty, volunteered to wait at the nearby whimsical petrol station.

    With the scooter standing like a stranded steed, Alex embarked on a solo quest, fueled by determination. Step by step, they pushed forward, channeling their inner strength. The journey was no walk in the park, testing their endurance and resolve.

    But lo and behold! They reached the mythical petrol station, where fantastical creatures fluttered about. With a triumphant grin, they refueled the scooter, infusing it with magical energy. The engine roared to life, a testament to their unwavering spirit.

    As they rode back home, a sense of triumph enveloped them. Their adventure wasn’t just about lost keys, borrowed bicycles, and empty tanks. It was a testament to their indomitable will, the power of friendship, and the ability to conquer any hurdle in their path.

    So, dear reader, let Alex’s tale inspire you. Embrace the unexpected twists, cherish your loyal companions, and face challenges head-on. For in the tapestry of life’s adventures, it’s our resilience and daring spirit that truly make the journey worthwhile.

  • Threads of Serendipity

    Threads of Serendipity

    In a small, quiet town amidst rolling hills, a tale of resilience and love unfolded, Sarah a single mother with a heart of gold, faced the trials of life with unwavering strength daily. With every sunrise, Sarah woke up before dawn to tend to her son, Liam who was born with a rare genetic condition. Liam’s fragile health required constant care, and Sarah dedicated her life to ensuring his well-being. She juggled multiple jobs, sacrificing her desire to provide for her son’s medical needs and expenses.

    Despite the overwhelming challenges, Sarah never lost hope and carried a flickering flame of optimism within her, fueling her determination to give Liam the best life possible. She also taught Liam to see the beauty in every day and to cherish the simplest of joys.

    Sarah received a letter that would forever change their lives one cold winter day. It was a scholarship offer from a prestigious university for Liam. Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, tears streamed down Sarah’s face as she realized the opportunity this presented for her beloved son. Liam’s eyes sparkled with excitement as they embarked on their journey to the city. The bustling streets, towering buildings, and vibrant culture were a complete contrast to them, and while taking it all in Sarah’s heart filled with a mix of fear and hope.

    As Liam settled into his new academic life, Sarah found solace in a nearby Cafe, where she met a man named Ethan, a kind-hearted singer with a gentle smile. Their chance encounter soon blossomed into a deep connection, their shared experiences forging an unbreakable bond. Ethan too had faced his share of hardships. He had lost his sight in a tragic accident, and the world had become drapes of darkness, but within him burned an unyielding spirit, and he poured his emotions onto the stage, his words and sounds offering solace to others.

    Soon, Sarah and Ethan together defied the odds as they wove a tapestry of love, empathy, and unwavering support, each helping the other to find strength when doubt threatened to consume them. Sarah’s optimism and Ethan’s words became beacons of hope, lighting the path forward.

    As the years passed, Liam’s health stabilized, his potential flourished, and with Sarah and Ethan by his side, he graduated with honors, a testament to their unwavering belief in him, and their life became a story of triumph over adversity as they changed their scars of life’s trials into badges of honor, and testaments to the unbreakable human spirit.

  • Farmer And His Prisoner Son.

    This is a story of a very small village where a farmer and his only child resided. The son was a burglar who targeted homes for his thefts. Up until the day his cup was filled, he maintained this terrible lifestyle. He stole a significant amount of money from the richest guy in his village, and that day he was unable in making his usual getaway. When the farmer discovered that his money was gone, he quickly notified the police. The police began an investigation and, after concluding that the youngster had stolen the money, they imprisoned him.

    After a few months, it came time to start farming, but the farmer was too elderly and frail to dig the ground any longer, so he penned this letter to his son who was serving time in jail. “Son, I can’t dig the field this year, so I won’t plant cassava and yam. If you were here, you would have helped me,”.

    The son was deeply moved by his father’s message, and after giving it some thought, he wrote back to him, telling him not to even consider digging a hole in the field since that is where he hid the money he had stolen.

    The Policemen went early in the morning after reading this letter and dug across the entire field in search of the money, but they found nothing.

    The son again wrote to his father the next day. “Dad, you can now plant your yam and cassava; this is the best I can do from here.”

    Dad retorted, “My son, you are really too powerful; even while you’re incarcerated, you still order police officers to work for me. I was astonished to see the IGP and his staff excavating in my land with hoes and shovels. When I wish to harvest, I shall write to you.

    Moral  Lesson-  Nobody can imprison your mind.

  • A Gentian Grave

    Mal’s brushes with death had gained the qualities of a recurring gag she shared with Baba. A joke, if you will. See, she was outside the mistress’ garden to see the germaniums. Or gentians. Or garden flowers. Nobody around her knew what they were called, but she elected to call them berry spines. A violent violet burst contained in a singular stalk. Baba worked here, and every so often, he’d come home with a few flowers tucked into his worker’s brown-stained outfit. The ones in his pocket were so trampled that Mal never got to see them in full bloom. 

    Right now, the guard, who usually stood at the bend where the garden fences curved away, had apparated like a Jinn behind her and was holding Mal up by her shirt. He shook her in the air as he’d empty a bee hive. She looked at the horizon beyond the garden, a peach line she could see clearly from her elevated position. Baba was right. Her luck was absolutely terrible. 

    She’d be soon dragged to the estate manager, and he’d have her hung for trespassing or thievery, whichever got her a more severe sentence. Nobody that worked for a noble was soft or forgiving. She looked at the guard whose lip was twisted in anger. 

    “Please let this one go, I meant no harm to your masters, ” Mal said and brought her palms up to rub them together.

    “The butler will decide that,” he put her down but didn’t let go of her collar, “even the Royal Family is forbidden from the Madame’s Gardens, didn’t you know sprite?” 

    “I didn’t know, I swear!” 

    “Let her go, Tamran.” A woman stood behind them and without any fancy vocabulary, Mal could only describe her as beautiful and expensive. Her wealth cascaded down her white silk in delicate gold ribbons like a vase bound by kintsugi. 

    “Madame, she was trying to steal -” The Mistress, Mal realized, put a hand up. The guard let her go immediately. 

    Like a deity, the mistress glided closer to Mal and hooked a narrow finger under her chin.  She studied Mal’s face for a moment before murmuring, “You look like someone I should’ve known.” 

    Mal didn’t speak, there was little to be said now that she didn’t have to defend herself. 

    “Come,” the mistress motioned. Mal went. 

    There was a entrance to the garden further down the path, with a real door and a real lock. Mal couldn’t believe how her day had turned out. The mistress didn’t look back to see whether Mal followed her, and Mal only hesitated for a step before craning her neck far enough that she fell inside. 

    If the mistress was beautiful, the garden was just as alluring. They were both ornaments to each other’s beauty. 

    The flowers were an overwhelming palette of colour. Each petal bloomed in competition from the pollen on the teeth of a bloody hibiscus to the sheltering broad stroke of a white orchid. Their shiny olive stalks were wrinkled like skin. But the violet berry spindles, defined the scene. They were everywhere, but especially in the center like performers on stage. 

    A swing was placed for the audience, to hear the flowers sing. 

    “Wow,” Mal whispered under her breath. The mistress heard her and chimed into a soft laugh. 

    She took her seat on the swing while Mal wondered if she was being hired as a gardener or was to be tasked with pushing the swing.

    “Come,” the mistress said again. And like the first time, Mal obeyed. 

    They sat in scented silence for too long for Mal to reliably estimate. Then, the mistress broke the silence but the words were too quiet to hear. 

    “Pardon, My Lady?” Mal asked. 

    “I buried my baby here,” she said again, tired like the words were exhausting to repeat. “All this beauty is only a gentian grave.”

    Ah, Mal thought, these flowers were called gentians.