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  • The Wind in the Willows’—-Kenneth Grahame’s effort to personalize animal nature

    The Wind in the Willows’—-Kenneth Grahame’s effort to personalize animal nature

    Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’ is a novel aims at youngsters. The plot is humor of Great Britain. The novel illustrates a fair mixing of the relationships between the human-like animals, and wildlife. The  narrative acts as an important milestone in Post-Victorian children’s literature. 

    The characters featured in this book are Mole, Rat, Toad, Badger, & Otter. Toad is a big headed & childlike traits. Mole shows traits of reasoning and sensible behavior. Badger shows traits of kindness and hospitality. Otter possesses  sensibility. All these characters participate equally in the narrative of both thrilling and neo-noir.

     “When are you going to be sensible, and think of your friends, and try and be a credit to them?” One of the problems with Toad is that he enjoys crashing motor vehicles. As a result, Rat tries to talk some sense into him. Though, this doesn’t work. Toad is supposed to be a child stuck in an adult’s body. However, Rat always re-enforces the act of growing up onto Toad, and is careful for others.

     As a result of Toad’s motorcar crimes, he is sent to a deepest, darkest dungeon to pay for his crimes. “Toad Hall,  an eligible self-contained gentleman’s residence. Toad, being the character showing the most affluence owns his own manner house. During his sentence, he started to boast about this mansion. 

    “Now then, follow me! Mole first, ‘cos I’m very pleased with him; Rat next; Toad last.” Badger starts an invasion at Toad Hall. With this in mind, Mole begins to show traits of maturity. As a result of this invasion, Toad’s behavior illustrates the opposite of Mole. His ordeal is going back to the dungeon, like a child being anxious about going to their bedroom for misbehaving.

    “For it has roused a longing in me that is a pain.” While in search of a missing infant Otter, Rat becomes faced with noise coming from a piper. The quote focuses on the main idea of the author’s intention in writing the novel. The focuses being: The reasons which cause life to be worthwhile. The sounds travel through Rat likes blades. With this in mind, the focus is intended to be answered between the lines. 

    To conclude, the characters have a variety of different personalities and views of the world. Their human-like features are included with their animal-like traits. In terms of Mole has a good sense of smell. The book is aimed at showing animals living British-life, in the summer season. The animals have a justice system, hence Toad was sent to pay for his motor-car crimes. The mansion was invaded by the other animals while Toad was imprisoned and during his escape, Toad’s behavior is terrible and affects the rest of the animals.

    The story plays an important part in children’s literature. In modern-day, it is still read by children. The story features human-like animals who all have their own ordeals. Mole and Rat being the kindest animals featured in the story while Toad represents the most immature and self-observed, making this story amusing and eye-opening to a young audience. With British humor and an excellent narrative, it is definitely worth a read, even to a grown-up audience.

    Citations: Kenneth Grahame, “The Wind in the Willows, June 15, 1908.

  • Love beyond memories 

    Love beyond memories 

    Once upon a time, there was a young couple named Harriet and Emily. They met in college and fell in love quickly. They were both studying to be doctors and were very busy with school, but they always made time for each other. They were both very passionate about helping people and making a difference in the world. Even though there were some months when they had to live far from each other, it was a tough phase for both of ’em but their understanding and bonding worked well, they didn’t give up on each other and eventually stayed together.

    After they graduated, they got married and started a family together. They both became successful doctors and were able to help many people.

    However, one day, Emily started to forget things. At first, it was small things like where she put her keys or what she had for breakfast. But over time, it got worse. She started to forget important things like appointments and birthdays. Harriet was worried, but he didn’t want to believe that anything was seriously wrong. But the condition was becoming worrisome with time, Emily started forgetting her name, address, her husband and even her kids, there were few incidents when she was unable to recognise them.

    Harriet didn’t want to take anything for granted now. He took Emily to see a specialist, and they ran some tests. The results were not so good. Emily was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. That was too shocking for Harriet, he was devastated. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing the love of his life. He could never imagine living without her other half, he loves her more than anything in this world and losing her will be the death of him. Losing someone you love can be one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. It can feel like a part of you is missing, one can feel like they’re in a fog, and it can be hard to focus on anything else. It may feel like you’re alone, even if you have people around you who care. And Harriet was experiencing the same emotions and feelings.

    But now he was determined to make the most of the time they had left together. Outside he pretends to be strong but sometimes it just couldn’t help, when reality hits him hard, he just used to lock himself in the bathroom and cry for hours and more. Looking at Emily now breaks his heart but her eyes heals his soul.

    Harriet decided to take a long break and started to take Emily on trips to places they had always wanted to go. They went to Paris, Rome, and Tokyo. They laughed and danced and made new memories together. Even though Emily’s memory was fading, she still knew that she loved Harriet and that he loved her. 

    But as time went on, Emily’s condition worsened. She had trouble remembering Harriet’s identity and who he was. Emily couldn’t remember if she ever got married to someone. Harriet was heartbroken, but he never gave up on her. He continued to care for her and love her until the end. He showed her their wedding album. He wasn’t ready to give up on her. When Emily insisted, He joined his work again and appointed a full-time caretaker for her.

    The caregiver was a kind and gentle woman named Maria. She was patient with Emily and helped her with daily tasks. Over time, Emily began to trust Maria and even became fond of her. Harriet was grateful for Maria’s help, and he knew that she was making a big difference in Emily’s life.

    One day, when Harriet was at work, he received a call from Emily’s caretaker. Emily had wandered off and they couldn’t find her. Harriet rushed home and started to search for her. He looked everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found.

    Harriet was frantic. He didn’t know what to do. He called the police, and they started a search party. They searched the woods, the park, and the nearby river. But they couldn’t find her.

    Days turned into weeks, and Harriet was still searching for Emily. He didn’t eat or sleep. He was consumed with finding her. He went to the news stations and put up flyers. He even hired a private investigator.

    One evening, while he was wandering around his apartment, he noticed Emily standing at the edge of the terrace. He panicked. As Harriet looked up at Emily on the terrace, he felt relieved but worried. He hurried towards her, holding her hand gently “Please come down, Emily. It’s not safe up there,” he pleaded. “Tell me what’s wrong. I’m here for you.”

    Emily’s eyes met his, filled with a mixture of confusion and sadness. In a soft, trembling voice, she whispered, “I… I don’t know who I am anymore. The memories… they’re slipping away. I’m scared, Harriet.”

    He looked at her with those sad teary eyes, he took her in his arms and came to his room. He wanted to say a lot of things but he just couldn’t, something was stopping him, he was losing it all, he wanted to cry, scream, and let his emotions out but again he couldn’t. They slept in eachothers’ arms that night. 

    The next morning he received a call from the hospital he was asked to visit the institution for Emily’s weekly check up.  Harriet knew that he had to go to the hospital, but he didn’t want to leave his wife alone. He decided to call Maria and ask her to come over and stay with her while he was gone. Maria agreed, and Harriet was grateful for her help.

    When he arrived at the hospital, Harriet was greeted by Emily’s doctor. The doctor told him that Emily’s condition had worsened and that she needed more specialized care. Harriet was devastated to hear this news, but he knew that he had to do what was best for Emily.

    The doctor recommended a specialized care facility that could provide the care that Emily needed. Harriet was hesitant at first, but he knew that it was the best option for Emily. He made arrangements to have Emily transferred to the facility, and he visited her every day.

     Over time, Emily’s condition continued to worsen. She completely forgot about Harriet now, when Harriet used to visit her Emily would just look at him thinking of him as a stranger but only her heart knew there was a special connection. Days passed by, she became helpless and Harriet was broken, doctor already suggested that any worse thing can happen anytime soon. 

    It was Emily’s birthday, and ofcourse Emily wasn’t aware of it. He visited the hospital with her favorite flowers, her favorite chocolates and the same suit he wore on their wedding night. Emily was looking at him with that pure, unconditional love in her eyes. 

    Even though her memories had a hazy view, her heart was well aware of the feelings she had for Harriet. 

    She held his hands but her mind was wandering somewhere else in a field where there were flowers, butterflies, open sky and the wind passing through her hands which were held by her beloved, Harriet. Harriet, She could only think of him at this time. This is what she wanted, Emily-Harriet’s own world. Full of love, hope and emotions. She wanted to live here, she wanted to close her eyes, at this exact moment and wanted to live this dream to the fullest.

    Harriet sat by Emily’s side, holding her hand and talking to her as if she could hear him. He told her about all the wonderful memories they had shared together, and how much he loved her. As he sat there, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that Emily was no longer suffering, and that she was finally at peace. He sobbed within his breath. His heart was too heavy to hold any kind of feelings. He didn’t want to leave her, but he had to.

    As he got up to leave, he leaned in and kissed Emily on the forehead. He whispered “Happy Birthday, my love”. As he walked down the hallway, tears streamed down his face. 

    Harriet bade farewell to Emily, knowing that their time together had come to an end. Yet, he found comfort in the thought that her memory would forever be etched in his heart, like a rose that never withers.

  • Rethinking Friendship

    I found myself grappling with a moral dilemma when I witnessed a friend purchasing cigarettes for another friend.

  • “Scrolling to Freedom: Tom’s Journey of Reclaiming Life Beyond Social Media”

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    Tom was a young man who found himself trapped in the endless cycle of social media. Every spare moment he had, he would mindlessly scroll through his feeds, losing track of time. It became a habit that consumed his days, leaving him feeling disconnected from the real world.

    One day, Tom had an epiphany. He realized that his excessive social media usage was stealing precious hours from his life. Determined to break free from this digital grip, he made a decision to reduce his time on social media.

    Tom began by setting limits for himself. He allowed specific windows of time each day to engage with social media and strictly adhered to them. He installed apps on his phone that monitored his usage, reminding him when he had reached his allotted time.

    To replace the void left by social media, Tom sought out new activities and hobbies. He reignited his love for reading, spending hours immersed in captivating stories. He explored the outdoors, going on long walks and connecting with nature. He even joined a local painting class, discovering a hidden talent and a sense of fulfillment in creating art.

    As the days turned into weeks, Tom noticed a change within himself. He felt more present, more engaged with the world around him. He struck up conversations with strangers, strengthening real-life connections. He savored the simple pleasures of life that he had overlooked while buried in his phone.

    Tom realized that reducing his time on social media allowed him to reclaim his time and energy. He became more productive, focusing on personal goals and pursuing his passions. He started a blog to share his adventures and insights, using social media as a tool for purposeful engagement rather than mindless scrolling.

    With newfound clarity, Tom became an advocate for digital balance. He shared his journey on social media, encouraging others to evaluate their own usage and find a healthy balance. He emphasized the importance of being intentional with one’s time and mindful of the impact of social media on mental well-being.

    Tom’s story inspired many to reflect on their own habits. People began embracing the concept of quality over quantity, choosing meaningful interactions over mindless scrolling. Tom’s message spread, creating a ripple effect of individuals reclaiming their time and finding fulfillment beyond the virtual world.

    In a world saturated with social media, Tom proved that it was possible to break free from its hold and rediscover the joys of genuine human connection and personal growth. He learned that life was meant to be lived fully, and reducing his time on social media was the first step towards embracing that truth.

  • Lost Threads of Time

    It rains as I walk down the sidewalk, umbrella in hand, looking at the cold and almost deserted Delhi road. Winter showers are becoming a thing here now. I shiver as a gust of wind passes me, leaving me colder than earlier. An indigo glow graces the horizon as the Sun leaves the plain. 

    I walk on hurriedly, afraid I’d miss my evening lecture at the university. It has been a year since I returned from the US after completing my PhD in Math. Since then I’ve been working as an Assistant Professor at IIT Delhi. I sometimes wonder how everything would’ve played out if I didn’t leave this place. If I stayed in my country, maybe I’d stay in touch with all my friends. Especially her. Shrugging off her thoughts, I focus on the task at hand. I’m currently teaching a class of undergrads and I’d rather not have them think their professor is a slacker.

    Walking briskly, my eyes catch the silhouette of a woman and my breath hitches.

    Although it is getting dark around here, it isn’t nearly enough to contain the beauty that stands in front of me. She looks like the seventeen-year-old girl I had loved and lost. Her sweatpants and tee are replaced by a kurta and denim jeans that make her look mature. Her lips no longer look bare but painted on by a lip balm. Maybe it is lipstick. I wouldn’t know. She always teased me about my lack of knowledge in certain areas; colors being one of them.

    “Aksh, this is not done. You love learning and gaining knowledge. Yet you can’t remember that the color I’m wearing is lavender, not purple.” She used to puff her cheeks and punch me lightly on the shoulder while saying all this.

    Presently, she carries a lavender tote bag on her shoulder and an umbrella to save her from the rain. Last time I saw her at the school farewell, her hair was only shoulder length. She had gotten her waist length hair cut short, and she came to school the next day complaining about how dumb her decision was.

    “Aksh, Mumma said this would look good. Ugh. I can’t even breathe with hair entering my eyes and ears. This is torture. This is sadism.” She had groaned. I couldn’t help my smile as I’d told her she looked beautiful. In any other circumstance, I wouldn’t have said that. I lacked the courage. Yet that day, wearing a salwar-kameez with her hair open and eyes surrounded by kajal, she looked beautiful. Make-up didn’t mask her beauty or make her look beautiful. The make-up she did highlighted the beauty of her face. Those brown eyes with a light skin tone looked ethereal as she complained about everything that was wrong with her short hair.

    Now, her hair is back to a waist length braid, her face the same as it was a decade ago. All the emotions that I’d experienced as a seventeen-year-old boy threaten to crush my heart. Especially when I remember the reason we stopped talking. We weren’t dating, and it wasn’t a heartbreak. We were just two friends who lost contact with each other after going off to college. She pursued a BS in Physics while I did a B.Tech at IIT. Despite studying in the same school, we lived in diametrically opposite areas of Delhi so our chances of meeting during semester breaks were rare. More so after our high school friend group stopped hanging out. It was just a part of growing up. Sometimes, growing up means growing apart.

    “Text me every day, okay?” Her shrill voice ordered me as she had looked at me with teary eyes. “Tell me all about college and how fun it is. Don’t make me miss out on the college experience because I’m not doing a B.Tech.” She had punched me lightly before wiping away the lone tear that escaped her eyes.

    I didn’t keep my promise. We stopped talking and it hurt. I didn’t realize until now that I miss her as much as I did when we first stopped talking. I miss how we’d sneak to a library to discuss conspiracy theories against AI or the latest development in physics or math. I miss how we used to fight over who’s dumber and who’s more dramatic. The way we could spend hours talking about science and music and everything in between without needing a break. I miss it all. I miss her.

    I walk towards her with purpose. I want to talk to her. I want to know if she has achieved her dream of becoming an experimental physicist or not. I desire to know if she has completed her PhD in Physics, if she’s finally doing what she loves. Moreover, I want to know if she remembers me. If she remembers the time we spent together. I wished I’d told her how I felt. I have no time to think about what-ifs. My hurried steps lead me in front of her, only a few feet apart, and I feel the nerves building up.

    My heart beats against my rib cage too fast. I shove my sweaty hand in the pocket of my trousers as I try to tighten my grip on the umbrella. “Hello, Swati.” I hear my voice crack at the end as she stops in her tracks and looks up at me.

    “Akshit?” Her eyes stare at me, trying to recognize me. I don’t blame her. I’m no longer her fat best friend and she’s no longer my fat best friend. We’ve both lost weight and grown up.

    I nod. “How are you?” I ask, hoping to keep the conversation alive.

    “I’m fine. I’m sorry, but I have to go for my evening lecture in the Physics Department. Let’s catch up later. What do you say?” Her eyes shine with an unknown emotion as her fingers fidget with the strap of her bag. I look at her with a proud face. It’s an unfamiliar emotion when the person you’ve seen struggle with their dream finally achieve their dream.

    “Yes, sure. I need to go for my lecture to the Math Department. Here’s my number,” I say as I type it on her phone. “Let’s catch up tomorrow. How does that sound?” I hope she says yes.

    “Tomorrow sounds good.” She smiles with a proud glint in her eyes as she walks on her way. And I feel like that seventeen-year-old boy who asked his crush out on a date.

  • The Tragedy of War

    As we all know how tragic and devastating wars can be.In wars none of the side wins because no matter on which side their is victory because the losses of war eventually cancels out the victory.

    During the time of war one evening they started to bombard the cities with bombs and during this bomb blast the two siblings lost their parents.After losing their parents they went to their aunts place for shelter as it was the time of war the aunt doesn’t have enough food to feed to her own family and in these times feeding two more people was not possible for her.The elder brother was able to read the situation and so they left their aunts place after a few days.They took shelter near rivers bank during this hard time also the siblings lived happily with each other.They used the money which their parents have left for them.The little sister used to fetch water from the river while his brother used to prepare meals for them.

    On one fine evening the little sister was playing with fireflies she eventually started to love to play with them but seeing the fireflies dead in the morning made her questioned that how can something so beautiful can die so easily so he asked her brother to which her brother replied that the fireflies died so soon because their lifespan so short and then both the siblings dig a grave for the fireflies.

    Day by day the war tore many more peoples apart, slowly the food and money which the siblings had started to decrease and due to the scarcity of food they started to live only on water the brother was not able to see her sister in this condition so he decided to go to the bank to withdraw the leftover money from their parents account despite the fact that the bank was very far from their hometown and amidst the war it was difficult to go there.He got to the bank took money from there and on his way back home he bought food from a convenient store.At the store he saw a box of candy which her mother used to give to him and his sister and his sister used to love those candys so he bought it for her.When he returned home he saw that his sister was lying on the floor starving for food so he immediately started to took out the food and give it to her but before she can put anything in her mouth she died.The brother was devastated by his sister’s loss and while he was sitting behind her another bomb was blasted in that area in which he was also caught and died and like the fireflies the siblings lifespan was also very short.

  • Event inbetween 12:00 to 2:00AM

    In the daily routine, I and my family spend some joyful time , we cook the meal and ate together at 9: 16 pm clock,  I  have stress for my  exam so much actually I want to be  fun with my friends, under so much of stress me or my sister kitty and me  talks with each other , then she slept and I study my syallabus for the preparation of test in school, so I decide to read the book , on continuously focusing in book I fell asleep. So I put the book on my table and lock the room , this is the time around 11; 40pm and turn off the light , I sleep at the corner of my bed and I fell in deep sleep, now the event of some paranormal activities experience that night , 

    I was sleeping suddenly in state of partial unconscious , I saw a black shadow in front of my eyes , I am so worried  what is that? …. I face is completely blank  , I want to scream , but I am unable to speak any single word , my entire body is undergoes stuffing , it is really horrific suddenly my eyes open  I turn on the light , I am sweating continuously  I relaxed my self and I thought that I was only dreaming, it’s my mind perception only , I go  washroom and put the splash of water on my face , I saw the timing, it’s was 12: 5 o clock then I come my room lock the door and turn off my light.

    Now the main horrific event  start,  I fell asleep again my entire body tighten and I feel the pain in my legs muscles now I am awake consciously , in the dark room I decide to turn on the light , but when I  look down my bed their  was a man ( middle aged man I not see his face he was   sleeping at turning of his face  now , I am lost completely, not able to scream and not able to move I look the man and  closed my eyes Even I am not able to awake my sister too, then I feel that the man drag my hand towards himself,I am completely unconscious  , after sometime my hand start shivering my entire body loose , I awake quickly turn on the light and  just running at my parents’s room I knocked the room and just grab my mother narrate every single word they don’t believe me then I saw the clock it’s 2: 00am  .

  • The Surprise

    The Surprise

    It was a cloudy day. Not too gloomy; the clouds were just the perfect shade of grey. I was getting ready to spend my day off laying on my couch, reading ‘Hold Still’ for the umpteenth time. It was Sunday, the beloved day for all to go hang out with their friends and family. But I had none, at least not where I lived.

    I lived in Bengaluru then, working my new job. It was a great offer; so, even though I had to leave my family back in Odisha, I decided to take the job. The first few weeks were manageable; I was busy with shifting and putting things in order in my tiny new apartment. But after everything was settled, I started feeling the initial pangs of homesickness. I started missing my mom’s cooking, my sister’s annoying giggles, and even our street dogs’ unending howling. In short, I missed even the most annoying things about my hometown.

    Work was good, though it was tiring. We had to work continuously for five hours before getting a one-hour break, and then again work for four long hours. The compensation we got wasn’t bad either; uninterrupted weekends at home, and a decent salary along with social benefits. The toil was worth the fruit.

    I sat down with my breakfast tray, the T.V. remote in hand. I surfed channels until I reached the news channel. Just when I was about to take a bite out of the aloo paratha, I got a call. A smile spread on my lips as I saw the name on the screen, ‘Rashmi Aunty’. I picked up the call after pressing ‘Mute’ on the remote.

    “Hello, Aunty! Namaste!”

    “Yes, beti. Namaste. How are you?”

    “I’m good, Aunty. How about you?”

    “Yes, dear. I’m all fit. By the way, I have a favour to ask.”

    “Sure, Aunty. What is it?”

    “Can you call Priyal to check where she’s reached? That brat isn’t picking up my call. She left home yesterday to give you a surprise visit.”

    “What- O-Okay aunty. I’ll call her right away. Bye!”

    “Bye, beti.”

    Priyal is my best friend. We’ve been friends since kindergarten. And yes, she lived back in Odisha. I really had no idea that she was visiting. I was happy and, at the same time, was a bit disappointed that Aunty spoilt the surprise. I smiled and picked up the phone, hiding my excitement even though I lived alone. I turned my back to the T.V. as I walked into the kitchen, ignoring the news playing on the channel.

    I scrolled through my contacts and pressed Priyal’s name. The call rang for a few moments, but it was unanswered. I tried her other number; that too was unanswered.

    “My girl is so dedicated to surprise me. Poor child! I’m just gonna act surprised,” I said aloud.

    “Ah, dumb me forgot to ask Aunty how she’s getting here,” I said with a facepalm.

    After another call with Rashmi Aunty, I got to know that Priyal had boarded a train to Bengaluru which was to arrive that day at 10.30 a.m. I looked at my watch, it read 9.55 a.m. I decided to go pick her up from the station myself, intending to surprise her instead.

    I changed into a pair of denim jeans and a black oversized hoodie before hopping on my scooty and starting for the station. On reaching the station, I saw that the entrance was unnaturally crowded. People were screaming, yelling, and rushing in and out of the station. There were multiple ambulances with sirens on, the medical staff were rushing into the station with stretchers. Many people were pouring out with bloodied clothes. I began panicking.

    I parked my scooty hastily and ran over to an ambulance. I went up to a nurse and asked, “Sister, what is this situation?” The maiden, who had just finished writing something in a register, looked up at me with distressed eyes and replied, “There has been a severe train accident a few metres from the station, ma’am. There have been many casualties. Please move out of the way and make way for the patients!”

    I stumbled aside as I saw a severely wounded person being brought on a stretcher into the ambulance.

    My mind went blank for a few moments. The only image that came to my mind was that of Priyal; she had boarded a train to visit me.

    She had boarded a train to visit me.

    I rushed into the station and started screaming out Priyal’s name like a mad woman. I collided with many people, some desperately searching for a loved one, some desperately wanting a loved one to find them. Everyone was in hysterics; the atmosphere was one of pure chaos. The air was heavy with dust and the pungent smell of blood. As I neared the edge of the platform, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. A great relief washed over me as I saw the name ‘Piyaaa’ flashing on the screen.

    “Hello, Piya?! Are you fine? Where are you right now?” I yelled into the phone the moment I picked up the call.

    “Hello? Am I speaking to Miss Nayani?” came an unfamiliar voice from the other side.

    “Yes? Who is this and where is Priyal?” I screamed into the phone, my voice getting louder with each word.

    “I am very sorry to inform you this, Miss, but your friend Priyal…”

    ———————————————–

    I ran to the reception and asked for the whereabouts of Priyal. The receptionist gave me a room number and a floor number which I blindly jabbed into the elevator. My legs seemed to have a brain of their own as they carried me to a large crowded room. There were around 30 beds in that room. Each bed was occupied by a patient, maimed and still. And beside almost every bed was that loved one who was waiting for their surprise visit. I scanned the room for the face I was looking for; I found it in a corner. I rushed over to her side. A doctor had just finished examining Priyal and was moving on to the next patient with a disheartened look.

    “Doctor, doctor! What is wrong with her? She will survive, right?” I asked desperately, grabbing the doctor’s arm. She held my hand gently and said, “I’m afraid, Miss. You don’t have much time together. We tried all we could. Her spine is badly damaged and 20 of her vertebrae have been crushed. I’m really sorry.”

    These words fell on my ears like lightning bolts. I felt my phone vibrate in my hand. ‘Rashmi Aunty’ was the name on the screen. The phone dropped from my hand. I slowly walked up to Priyal’s bed. She had the same face twinkling with mischief, only it was covered with dried blood and hastily wrapped with bandages. Her whole body was bloodied; her arms and legs were covered with bandages. Her purple tee was discoloured with blood and was torn in many places. The doctors probably shifted her to this room after examining her condition, and ascertaining that there was no hope of saving her.

    There was a drip attached to Priyal, but there was no oxygen mask. The doctors probably didn’t want to waste the precious gas on a lost cause. There was a heart monitor, however, with a feeble reading. I kneeled beside her and took her hand gently.

    “Piya?” I called quietly. She slowly opened her eyes and stared at me blankly. After a few seconds, a light of recognition flashed in her eyes as she squeezed my hand. Tears started blurring my vision as I squeezed her hand back.

    “Why… Why didn’t you wait for a few more days… Why you…?” I muttered in between sobs. Priyal’s pale lips curled into a weak smile.

    “Surprise, honey!” She whispered using all her strength. I could say nothing; all I could do was hold her hand and cry my heart out.

    “Heiii! Now don’t send me off all messy like that,” I heard Priyal’s feeble voice again. I looked up at her. Her eyes were filled with the same innocence that she had when we were kids. I made a shaky attempt to wipe my tears. Putting on a smile as best as I could, I said, “Shut up, dummy. You’re getting back on your feet within days and we’re celebrating my birthday at my place. No excuses now!”

    She chuckled, and I giggled. Tears spilt out of our eyes without us realising. She tightened her grip on my hand.

    “Nayani yaar… Tell maa and baba that I’m sorry for not being able to see them for the last time,” Priyal said, sniffing while smiling.

    “Don’t talk rubbish, Piya! You’re walking out of this horrid place,” I said as if I was consoling myself.

    She smiled wider as I felt her grip loosen.

    “I love you, Nayani. I’m really happy to have you here with me now. I’m at rest and remember, I’ll be watching over you always…” said my best friend on her deathbed.

    “I love you more, Piya. I always will…” I muttered. Priyal’s smile never faltered, but the heart monitor did. It showed a flat line.

    ——————————–

    It’s a cloudy day, even after 10 years. The clouds are the perfect shade of grey, yet it feels too gloomy. It’s Sunday, and I’m on my couch, reading ‘Hold Still’ for the umpteenth time. I’m still in Bengaluru, with no family or friends to visit me, except for the bright jolly girl in a purple tee who still watches over me.

    My phone rings, and a smile spreads on my lips as I see the name on the screen, ‘Rashmi Aunty’.

    “Hello, Aunty. Namaste!”

    “Yes, beti. How are you?”

    “I’m good, Aunty. How about you?”

    “Yes, dear. I’m all fit… I have a favour to ask, by the way.”

    “Sure, Aunty. What is it?”

    “Please live well, my child, and be happy.”

    “I will, Aunty. I definitely will…”  

  • Slumber 

    Slumber 

    It is sheer nothingness. As I look around, I realise I am trying to inspect darkness, for I see nothing but black eerie air, swirling around as if trying to grasp me tight. This has to be a dream- not escapable or fathomable. The blackness knows no level, and stretches beyond my vision. 

    As I try to handle this farrago of emotions, I feel a jolt-the hardest jolt I have ever felt. The darkness with no end, was just the beginning. I can sense no God, as I have been taken away from Him and served to the demon, the closest I have ever felt to him. It is Hell, where no mercy or goodwill prevails. I continue to float in air, with no human soul around. What did I do to land up here? 

    I feel an invisible force trying to pull me down, as I helplessly motion my hands and feet through thin black air. My body falls numb and all my efforts to open my eyes go in vain. The nothingness only deepens, and I surrender to it. Not a soul comes to my rescue, as I muster all my strength to shout for help. No loved one comes for help, not one that I know of. I am crying, but no tear rolls down my cheeks. I lose all my strength, as death befalls. 

    I find myself in the court of the  Grim Reaper himself. Realisation hits me, as I look at the flashback of my own journey of life. I look at the countless sins I committed, the mistakes I made, the lives I shattered. I suddenly recall being in jail , breathing my last, apologising to all those souls I murdered with my own hands. A seriel killer like me deserves hell, if not worse. The experience begins to make sense now, and I am finally at peace. I received what I deserved. 

    As I am put to the pyre in front of Satan, I figure out that life is just a collection of acts. One will harvest what one sows, and karma will spare none,  irrespective of life or death. 

  • Key of Resilience: Uncovering Family Secrets

    Key of Resilience: Uncovering Family Secrets

    Lily, a young girl who was always lost in her imaginary world, came across a rusty key while exploring the attic of her aged house. The key’s-tired appearance piqued her curiosity, prompting her to set off on an enchanting adventure of her own to uncover the purpose behind it. What Lily didn’t expect was that her quest would reveal a family secret kept under wraps for a long time, and it would ignite a newfound strength and resilience within her.

    Beneath forgotten trinkets in the abandoned cellar laid a faded map that sparked Lily’s curiosity. She held the key tightly as she embarked on an exploratory adventure towards the outskirts of the village, where a bewitching forest lay waiting to be discovered.

    Deeper into the woods Lily ventured, feeling an ethereal presence surrounding her; the trees whispering secrets to guide her onwards. Soon enough, she found herself approaching an abandoned cottage, nestled within the overgrowth.

    Revealing a room overflowing with abandoned treasures, the door of the cottage creaked open, with one of them being a time-worn journal holding the name of her great-grandmother.

    Lily’s fingers shook with anticipation as she eagerly opened the old journal, eager to connect with the tales of her resilient ancestors. Through their stories of triumph over hardships, she found inspiration, awakening something deep within her. Suddenly, the small key in her palm represented not just a means of unlocking doors, but also a connection to her own potential and her family’s heritage.

    Lily had a sudden realization and sought counsel from Mrs. Thompson, the venerable matriarch of the community, who possessed extensive knowledge of their past and could provide insight into the key’s actual function. It was Mrs. Thompson who disclosed the hidden truth about an ancient coffer in the attic of Lily’s family home that had been long forgotten.

    Ascending the stairs with excitement flowing through her veins, Lily couldn’t wait to return home. The treasures hidden within the chest were concealed by a thick layer of dust. Her hand trembled as she inserted the key into the lock, and a satisfying click echoed through the room when she turned it.

    Lily explored the chest and discovered a trove of cherished family heirlooms, each with an individual tale of triumph and resilience. Reverence washed over her as she examined each artifact, forging an unexplainable bond with her ancestors and their struggles. These experiences had crafted her identity and sparked a legacy of bravery that she pledged to uphold.

    Lily, beaming with gratitude and purpose, closed the chest realizing her treasure wasn’t in physical artifacts, but rather in the wisdom and strength acquired throughout her journey. With renewed confidence, she promised to continue her family’s legacy and carve out her own path.

    Emerging from the attic, Lily felt transformed. The quest had unraveled the family secret and imparted invaluable lessons about courage, determination, and the power of discovering one’s roots. She understood that her adventure had only just begun—a story waiting to be written with every step she took.

    Thus, carrying the key as a reminder of her heritage and the boundless possibilities ahead, Lily embarked on her continuing adventures. Fueled by newfound resilience and an unwavering belief in the unlocking power of every challenge and discovery, she walked forth into a future full of promise and self-discovery.