Green Dreams

Looking out her window, she saw the world passing by. A world where she felt like an alien. They looked and spoke like her, yet there was something that held her back from calling herself one of them. She had moved here two summers ago, to live her dreams, but had not been able to savor anything truly, not here in this land she had fancied for ages. She was not ungrateful, this place had given her a lot of comfort, luxury and other delights. Yet, there was something missing amidst it all. Each day she would wake up with new hopes and dreams, brimming with energy to make a difference, but by night they all faded away, becoming a part of that huge void within.

She knew this could not go on forever, the indecisiveness and uncertainty. But she was torn in between two worlds, both of which she was obliged to. With passing time, she realized that she could put away her decision no longer. Closing her eyes, she contemplated, and listened to the discourse of her heart and mind. The compass of her soul was pointing to a faraway land beyond the seas. A land which reeked with the smell of earth and sweat, yet pleasing in its own way. Its diverse ways so baffling yet making a lot of sense. A land drenched in hues of saffron, white and green, gravid with culture, heritage and prosperity.

Opening her eyes, she watched the last rays of the sun fade away into the horizon. She smiled, knowing the choice had been made. Looking out the window, she saw the world passing by. They were beckoning warmly, asking her to be a part of them. Maybe she would, if she stayed here longer. But that was not to be, for she had a guiding light in her heart. A light that glowed with hues of the tricolor, bathing her in its warm glow, summoning her back to where she belonged, where could be fulfilled her green dreams.

*Painting Green Dreams by Kabir

Short Story : Reassurance

Do we have to use the escalator Mom? Five year old Dan looked up at Sofia, eyes round.

We have been over this a thousand times. Get moving Danny, unless you want to miss the start of the movie.

But Rob said…

He was making it all up to scare you.

What about Mary, Jessica and Simon?

They know how easily provoked you are.

What about that story in the papers Uncle Fred was taking about?

It was an accident baby, don’t be such a sissy now!

I am not a baby, protested Dan.

Then stop behaving like one. Step on it, will you? People are waiting.

Dan finally obeyed, and they were on the way up.

God please protect me and Mom, he kept muttering, eyes closed, clutching onto his mother’s hand so tight that she could hardly feel it.

Sofia smiled in embarrassment at the onlookers chuckling around them.

He’s been paying too much attention to rumors, she murmured to the old lady with the pink hat on the step below.

But how did that child die…

Shhh! She pleaded with a finger on her lips hoping Dan had not heard.

Evil eyes dear, evil eyes. Be careful about your boy, said Pink Hat, clucking.

They had reached the landing above, Dan opened his eyes slowly.

Didn’t I tell you darling? You were scaring yourself for no reason.

Yes Mom, he agreed and turned around just in time to see a slimy green hand withdrawing into the steps.

NOTE : This is my entry for the Ascension Short Fiction Contest. The story has to be of not more than 250 words while using the picture above for inspiration. Do try taking part, the contest is open till the 14th.

UPDATE (20th Jan) : The results have been announced. I did not get a prize, but I have been inducted into The Clarity Of Night Forties Club for the entries which scored at least a 40 out of 45 and represent solid writing in Jason Evans' judgement.

Ninth Of The Eleven

Hello friends! As some of you might already be knowing, one of my short stories has been published by Sai Kiran Publications in an anthology titled The Eleven, which is to be released today :)

This is the first time my work is coming out in print and I hope you will all encourage me and the ten other bloggers who are a part of this publication by ordering a copy and/or by spreading the word.

You can get your own copy of the compilation by filling this order form. Leave a comment with your e-mail address for my reference code in order to avail a discount on the book.

Will be looking forward to your feedback. Have a great year everyone. God Bless!

UPDATE (24th Jan) : To read a review of the book by Anil Sawan, click here