Hey friends! Hope you all are doing fine. I am sorry I have not been around much of late,was first moving house and then later when I got back online, not been able to get back to the bloghopping mood. My apologies for that.
Till I catch up with all your blogs and comments, I want to announce the "
Equal A Sequel Contest". Yup! Right here on this space. Some of you might remember this short story Dumbstruck, which I wrote a while back. Many readers had asked for a sequel to it. I felt the need for it too. So I am going to ask YOU to complete it! It is not a formal contest with too many rules or grand prizes. The three best entries will be announced and published in the next post. Those who have not read the story can click on its link above and know what I am talking about.
Remember, the story has to be completed and in not less than 400 words. Those wishing to take part can leave a comment on this post with Sequel as the title of the comment. The entree comments will not be published until the results are announced. It is all in the spirit of encouraging creative writing that I am holding this contest. Feel free to participate and tell your friends about it too. The last date to take part is 2nd June 2008 GST. The results will be announced on 3rd June 2008 GST.
So come on folks, put on your creative crowns and go ahead and finish the story! Kyunki picture abhi baaki hai mere dost - A famous dialogue from a recent Hindi movie which means 'Cause the movie is still not over my friend ;)
*Image Write by Hot-com-troi-pomm
UPDATE : Contest date extended to June 9th 2008 GST. Results will be announced on June 10th 2008 GST. So keep them coming! :)
Till I catch up with all your blogs and comments, I want to announce the "
Equal A Sequel Contest". Yup! Right here on this space. Some of you might remember this short story Dumbstruck, which I wrote a while back. Many readers had asked for a sequel to it. I felt the need for it too. So I am going to ask YOU to complete it! It is not a formal contest with too many rules or grand prizes. The three best entries will be announced and published in the next post. Those who have not read the story can click on its link above and know what I am talking about.Remember, the story has to be completed and in not less than 400 words. Those wishing to take part can leave a comment on this post with Sequel as the title of the comment. The entree comments will not be published until the results are announced. It is all in the spirit of encouraging creative writing that I am holding this contest. Feel free to participate and tell your friends about it too. The last date to take part is 2nd June 2008 GST. The results will be announced on 3rd June 2008 GST.
So come on folks, put on your creative crowns and go ahead and finish the story! Kyunki picture abhi baaki hai mere dost - A famous dialogue from a recent Hindi movie which means 'Cause the movie is still not over my friend ;)
*Image Write by Hot-com-troi-pomm
UPDATE : Contest date extended to June 9th 2008 GST. Results will be announced on June 10th 2008 GST. So keep them coming! :)
Posts
47 Footnotes:
im not sure if im gonna participate but i'll try ...
good idea sameera :)
can i be in jury? ;)
I wish i could write something but right now nor time neither a wish to do so :(
but you have come up with a great idea, dear! :)
hohoho..that's amazing my dear..unfortunately I'm not a good writer:(
I surely give support for this contest of yours by patiently reading the story ends....:)
..hope things are settle by now and get back your blogging mood soon:)
Muahhss...
TC my dear.
fooooooo ki boooooooooo..hehehe
hope things are settled now... and looking forward to all the entries that pour in now... [:D]
Sameera,
I'd have loved to participate, but am extremely busy these days.
Poetry is easier for me, can I write a short poem instead? Will it still be eligible? I hope you say yes!
I wish i could do one but i donet have tohe energy too can we talk soon? and good new on my blog!
Hahaha.. okies.. Am a lazy bummer, will just read the final entries!
hey sweetz :) How the new place?
Im not sure if I hv the time to take part in this great sequel idea . Cos rite now Im so busy at work Sameera. :(
keshi.
nice blog u got there.
well, ive written just one short story so far
http://crissdude.blogspot.com/2008/04/to-kill-clucking-bird.html
but i guess ill give it a try.
ive made a new orkut community for bloggers . id like to invite u to join it. its pretty interactive and is a nice way to get ur blog out there for others to read.
http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=51446226
atleast have a look
keep blogging
chris
I think it is better if you finish it.
I would be happy if you do Vands sweetie! :)
Sorry Lena dear,this time it's gonna be me alone.As I said,it's in the spirit of encouraging creative writing! :)
Thanks Noushy dear,but you could always give a try! :)
Kya hai Dumbu?Paeh!Umma
Yeah Mann,we are well-settled :P
Hope you would take part as well!
Celine,you are welcome to do so,provided you finish the story! :)
I know Kaylee Baby,that's ok.Will check it out! :)
That's what is most people's opinion Smoking Joe!
Keshi dear,it's really cool! :)
Hmmm ok :(
Welcome here CRD.Would be glad if you take part.Will check out your links soon.Cheers!
Hmmm Emperor Ropi,let's see :)
I uploaded my picture for you
So sweet of you to have done that!Thanks :)
Thanks.:)
oh i seen this late ...bt still i will try
and congratulate on ur effort
take care
sequel...
You are welcome Celine :)
Sayani,it's not that late.Go ahead and write! :)
Was that supposed to be a joke Idrish?!
hi...was about to write something on ya story now...
oh...sorry i guess you misunderstood...you said na to put under topic sequel in this post comments...so i did to tell ya that i am writing...
me really sorry for that...
Oh ok ok!What I meant was when you post the entry,just write "Sequel" at the beginning.That's to prevent me from publishing any entries by mistake prior to the closing of the contest!
Sorry about the confusion.You still have a lot of time to submit,no worries :)
This is my contribution! i never knew abt the contest cos i was off the hook for a few days! am not that happy abt the job but here it is anyway..
SEQUEL
"Yes, what may I do for you?" said she.
He couldn't answer her because the shock was too much for him to take in.
"Oh! I can say you just realised I cant see" She told with a smile. "It happens with the best of people, don't you worry or feel sorry for me."
It was all he could do to reply with a smile which he realised she could not see. "Oh! I apologise, hoping thats accepted."
"The reason you called me for? May I know what that is?"
"I'd like to be frank with you. I should admit I was enchanted looking at you and was wondering if you were free enough to give me the chance of a conversation."
"You do flatter really well and I appreciate your honesty, but thats no reason to have a conversation with you."
"I am sorry to have disturbed you then" He got up to leave to get off the bus.
As soon as he got down he was pleased to see her follow but kept quiet in fear of getting snubbed again.
The street was deserted unusally and there was no one else at the bus-stop. She extended her folded walking stick and began to tread her way down the lane. She stopped after taking a few steps and was ringing the little bell on her walking stick for help. She needed to get to the other side
of the street and he was immediately by her side.
"Excuse me, can you help me cross the street?"
"That would be my pleaure"
"Is that you? This is awkward now."
"I can understand your hesitance but I can still help you cross the street without having a conversation, right?"
"You are kind, thank you"
For him it seemed like the narrowest street ever! The few steps with her were over before they began.
"I'm sorry for having been so rude to you back then. Its just that when you have lost one of your senses, its difficult to trust and live with the other four.", she said with a bitterness that cut through him.
"I could understand and I didn't need an explanation."
"Thank you for understanding. That conversation that you asked for, it doesn't seem that bad anymore."
"I wonder what made you change your mind?!"
"I choose to reserve my judgement."
"Fair enough!"
"Could you possibly find the pink house on our right and drop me off there?"
He looked to his right and to his utter dismay found the said pink house a few feet away.
"Here we are! I am afraid I don't take disappointment quite well at how this conversation was too short to be true!"
She gave a light laugh and spoke these words at his departure,"Honesty, the ability to forgive and to understand and ofcourse a wonderful rich voice made me change my mind."
Epilogue:
I am not sure if they had a wonderful ending and a happily-ever-after but they sure had all the ingredients for a healthy relationship.
Thank u for the extended date.. I sill hv a chance to jump into :) But needed to pick up the thread first.
You are welcome!I am sure it will be easy for you.Looking forward to your entry :)
Hey Sameera... i read that post.. it was awsome.. it immediately got me excited about this whole idea..
I'll post my version of the story as the next comment.
If you like it, you can format it the way you want to put it on ut blog..
And to maintain consistency, i have used italics instead of the usual inverted commas (" ") to denote any said statement by the two characters....
hope u like it..
n m loving ur blog.. i'll blogroll it..
Sequel
She was looking at him, searching for his eyes, as if trying to make a contact. Noticing the activity in her eyes, he was taken aback for a moment. He felt as if the earth had moved beneath his feet. But so smitten he was- to her beauty, her charm and the earthy sensuality she exuded, that he couldnt help looking at her. To his surprize, he didnt feel even a slight sense of pity for her. He was infact appaled by her sheer courage. He was falling for her - the girl with the most beautiful pair of eyes. He wanted to speak to her. Wanted to know her. But couldnt gather the courage to speak a word.
Did you say something?, she broke the silence, as if sensing his uneasyness.
Ahh... well.. yes. She tracked down the source of the voice. Do you know how far is Brown Street? He regretted it the moment he mouthed that. He had asked a dumb question to a girl who couldnt see.
She stroked her fingers over her wrist-watch. And it just took her a second to reply - about eight to ten minutes.
He simply stared, mesmerized. Thank You, he said somehow in a broken voice.
It was a trying situation for him as the feeling started sinking in, that she is 'blind'. But the feeling of love and passion overpowered every other. He couldnt take his mind off her. Then he turned to his side. Her face gleamed with beauty. So much so, that it made him forget all his doubts, all his reservations.
Hi, I am Chris. Chris Korth. He attempted to start a conversation.
Hi. Has'nt the brown street stop arrived yet? He was glad she was concerned.
Ahh... actually i lied to you. It's just that i wanted to strike a conversation. Ahh.. You are... beautiful. He poured his heart out in that one word.
Alarmed, she retorted sternly- before you say anything else, i'd like you to know that i can't see. I am blind. Now i dont think you'd like to continue your conversation.
Chris's eyes went moist. The struggle and pain, hidden somewhere in that statement, hit him directly. I... I know that. But I also know that i have never ever seen such lovely eyes. It's the best gift God could have given you.
That came as a shock to the young woman. She had grown up getting nothing but condolenses and sympathies thrown at her. She had strived to tell the world that she can live with this disability, just like anybody else. But the world had always tried to thwart her confidence by reminding her time and again that she can be at best, a lifeless imitation of life itself.
And here was a guy, a complete stranger, who has given her the best compliment of her life. She melted immediately.
Nobody has ever said something like that to me. Thank You.
Chris was at cloud nine. Her voice had a husky quality to it that almost hytnotized him.
It occured to him - Whats your name? What do you do?
Grace. I work as a fitness instructor.
No wonder you yourself are so fit, Grace! Chris joked. A smile flashed on her face. And Chris's heart skipped a beat. It was the most genuine, most radiant and the most innocent smile he had ever seen. He thought he'd go mad like this.
Grace... Would you mind if we have lunch together. Chris asked, hesitantly.
Grace knew this was coming. She wanted to say yes. She wanted to know this man. She had always wanted a man in her life, who would understand her, appreciate her and not take her as a liability. She wanted a man who could look beyond her disability. And he was right there, sitting to her left.
But I don't even know you. How can i accompany you for lunch? Grace did'nt want the excitement to show.
Well what do you wanna know? I am a journalist- a freelancer. I earn a handsome amount. And i can afford lunch at any restaurant you like!
Any restaurant? Grace continued with the good humour. She felt a strange comfort with Chris. She felt secure and complete.
Chris smiled, and nodded.
So lets go to the Hilton. It's also close to my place! We'll get down at the last stop.
Chris was beaming, and he was all set to embrace the best evening of his life.
And he had obviously forgotten about his appointment with the dentist.
Welcome here and thanks so much for the contribution!Am glad you liked the concept :)
SEQUEL
co-written by Pooja Kale (www.shellsconchesnpearls.blogspot.com) and Christopher Dsouza (www.crissdude.blogspot.com)
There were a million questions in his mind about a thousand emotions dancing around his heart… What should he do? Should he
just leave the stray thought of approaching her alone? It wouldn't make a difference, she didn't even hear him. But what was
in him that begged to differ?!? Why did he still want to talk to her?
Her favorite song was playing on her I-pod "Abhi na jaao chod kar". She had always loved this song but today it sounded so
different, she could have sworn Rafi and Lata were just teasing her now. It was only a few minutes later she realized that it
was a different aroma that had the effect, she was wondering what could it be. She turned her head to her right, she knew
there was some man sitting beside her. She knew she had never met him before, but yet, she knew his scent… she didn't know
what to make of it.
"Sitaare jhilmila uthe
Sitaare jhilmila uthe
Chirag jagmaga uthe
Bas ab na mujhko tokna
Bas ab na mujhko tokna
Na badhke raah rokna"
Something was wrong and she had to get to the bottom of it… "Excuse me…?", she said in the most hesitant tone. Then,
realizing she had her ear plugs on, she plucked them out and waited for the person sitting next to her to say something. He
stammered for a second more, then when she let out a knowing smile, as if, she knew exactly what was going on inside his
head, all the stammering stopped, he knew everything as if he had already been through this scene… like Déjà Vu!
"I am Gerald…"
"Im Brinda… have we met before? I seem to have recognized you…", it was her turn to stammer now. Her eyes now
somehow seemed to meet his.
He sat still,gazing deep into her eyes, hoping they'd stop groping and hold still, finding a spot that he
thought he recognized… there it was… but still they kept moving hesitantly… She was so beautiful, his heart skipped a beat
every nano second that her eyes looked directly into his.
"Hello?" she called out gently.
"I guess we have, so how have u been?", he asked, still gazing deeply into her eyes. It was then that it
happened, suddenly as if by a miracle she looked into his eyes and held still.
"I've been good", she struggled with her words, wondering if he really meant what she said, "So where are u
heading?"
He suddenly realized he was in a bus and had to go somewhere. He looked out of the window, cursing under his
breath, his stop was almost there. What the heck, I can wait for 2 more stops, I can walk back, he thought.
"Well, two stops from here, dear...what about u?", Hoping they had more time together.
"Well I...uh…I'm...",she cursed herself for being such a ninny, how could she forget where was she heading!
"I'm going a little ahead", she said finally settling on an answer she thought was convincing.
Thinking of what else they could talk about he glanced at her. She was smiling, this made him relax a bit. He
let out a sigh looking at her and lay his head on the headrest, if there was anything he knew was incandescent, it was this
beautiful creature sitting next to him on a BEST bus seat. He cursed his fate again, he may never meet her again!
He started humming from a song he once loved a lot, but whose words he now barely remembered
"Adhuri aas chhodh ke
Adhuri pyaas chhodh ke
Jo hmm hmm hmm hmm jaayogi
To kis tarah nibhaayogi
hmm hmm hmm
Jo humko aazmaayenge
Hmm hmm hmm..."
She turned her face toward him, a little amused but still smiling.
"You're not gettin down?" she teased him…I think your stop has come, no?
He looked at her, a little demoralised and very upset.
No answer.
She waited for an answer....was he still thee? "Hello?"
"Oh..oh yea..I was just...my bag...well see u then"
She said nothing but was slightly hurt that he wasn't waiting, she held out her hand, "Nice meeting you, Gerald!"
"oh yea..same here...bye...brr..inda.."
she thought she felt his scent fade away..and heard him stepping away from her...the bus started moving again..
Then she turned her head as if in submission to fate…
She hummed a part from the song she was listening a few minutes back
"Bura na maano baat ka
Yeh pyar hai gila nahi
Haan yehi kahoge tum sada
Ke dil abhi bhara nahi"
The very next moment she felt someone sit next to her… A voice now familiar sang
"Haan dil abhi bhara nahi
Nahi nahi nahi nahi"
There was laughter, there was a joy that would fill any cheerless heart with hopes and dreams…
On that day of no apparent consequence, two people had the bus
hey thnx for da comment :) and oh yea, looking fwd to u joining the community, we aim to make it really BIG!! [:d]
http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=51446226
thts the community
cheers!! [:)]
oops..the last line of the story dint get thr properly,copy pasting error...sorry :d
SEQUEL
~~~~~~
co-written by Pooja Kale (www.shellsconchesnpearls.blogspot.com) and Christopher Dsouza (www.crissdude.blogspot.com)
There were a million questions in his mind about a thousand emotions dancing around his heart… What should he do? Should he just leave the stray thought of approaching her alone? It wouldn't make a difference, she didn't even hear him. But what was in him that begged to differ?!? Why did he still want to talk to her?
Her favorite song was playing on her I-pod "Abhi na jaao chod kar". She had always loved this song but today it sounded so different, she could have sworn Rafi and Lata were just teasing her now. It was only a few minutes later she realized that it was a different aroma that had the effect, she was wondering what could it be. She turned her head to her right, she knew there was some man sitting beside her. She knew she had never met him before, but yet, she knew his scent… she didn't know what to make of it.
"Sitaare jhilmila uthe
Sitaare jhilmila uthe
Chirag jagmaga uthe
Bas ab na mujhko tokna
Bas ab na mujhko tokna
Na badhke raah rokna"
Something was wrong and she had to get to the bottom of it… "Excuse me…?", she said in the most hesitant tone. Then, realizing she had her ear plugs on, she plucked them out and waited for the person sitting next to her to say something. He stammered for a second more, then when she let out a knowing smile, as if, she knew exactly what was going on inside his head, all the stammering stopped, he knew everything as if he had already been through this scene… like Déjà Vu!
"I am Gerald…"
"Im Brinda… have we met before? I seem to have recognized you…", it was her turn to stammer now. Her eyes now somehow seemed to meet his.
He sat still,gazing deep into her eyes, hoping they'd stop groping and hold still, finding a spot that he thought he recognized… there it was… but still they kept moving hesitantly… She was so beautiful, his heart skipped a beat every nano second that her eyes looked directly into his.
"Hello?" she called out gently.
"I guess we have, so how have u been?", he asked, still gazing deeply into her eyes. It was then that it happened, suddenly as if by a miracle she looked into his eyes and held still.
"I've been good", she struggled with her words, wondering if he really meant what she said, "So where are u heading?"
He suddenly realized he was in a bus and had to go somewhere. He looked out of the window, cursing under his breath, his stop was almost there. What the heck, I can wait for 2 more stops, I can walk back, he thought.
"Well, two stops from here, dear...what about u?", Hoping they had more time together.
"Well I...uh…I'm...",she cursed herself for being such a ninny, how could she forget where was she heading! "I'm going a little ahead", she said finally settling on an answer she thought was convincing.
Thinking of what else they could talk about he glanced at her. She was smiling, this made him relax a bit. He let out a sigh looking at her and lay his head on the headrest, if there was anything he knew was incandescent, it was this beautiful creature sitting next to him on a BEST bus seat. He cursed his fate again, he may never meet her again!
He started humming from a song he once loved a lot, but whose words he now barely remembered
"Adhuri aas chhodh ke
Adhuri pyaas chhodh ke
Jo hmm hmm hmm hmm jaayogi
To kis tarah nibhaayogi
hmm hmm hmm
Jo humko aazmaayenge
Hmm hmm hmm..."
She turned her face toward him, a little amused but still smiling.
"You're not gettin down?" she teased him…I think your stop has come, no?
He looked at her, a little demoralised and very upset.
No answer.
She waited for an answer....was he still thee? "Hello?"
"Oh..oh yea..I was just...my bag...well see u then"
She said nothing but was slightly hurt that he wasn't waiting, she held out her hand, "Nice meeting you, Gerald!"
"oh yea..same here...bye...brr..inda.."
she thought she felt his scent fade away..and heard him stepping away from her...the bus started moving again..
Then she turned her head as if in submission to fate…
She hummed a part from the song she was listening a few minutes back
"Bura na maano baat ka
Yeh pyar hai gila nahi
Haan yehi kahoge tum sada
Ke dil abhi bhara nahi"
The very next moment she felt someone sit next to her… A voice now familiar sang
"Haan dil abhi bhara nahi
Nahi nahi nahi nahi"
There was laughter, there was a joy that would fill any cheerless heart with hopes and dreams…
On that day of no apparent consequence, two people had the bus ride they would remember for the rest of their lives.
hey sameera... i have a minor correction to make in my story..
in this para (2nd of the text)..
"Ahh... well.. yes. She tracked down the source of the voice. Do you know how far is Brown Street? He regretted it the moment he mouthed that. He had asked a dumb question to a girl who couldnt see."
The first line "Ahh... well.. yes." is supposed to be in italics as it is supposed to be said by the male character(Chris..
n hey.. when are the results coming?? u must be havng a tough time deciding! u consulting other bloggers too.. or are u judging on the basis of ur knowldgeable discretion?
Thanks Akila for taking part!
You underestimate yourself :)
Thanks for the entry Chris!As you can see,I published the corrected version :)
Hey Pranay,you seem a perfectionist :)
I corrected it,no worries!
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