Why the Caged Bird Doesn’t Sing
Words 100
“Once upon a time, I was young, happy and carefree.” He said addressing gathered guests on their gala anniversary celebrations. “Until I met her.”
Laughter.
“But,” he raised a hand; “I experienced true happiness only after marriage.”
“Awww.” They nudged her and giggled.
Whenever your demands were met, she smiled at them.
“Thank you for the greatest joy of my life,” he pointed, “my darling Jaya.”
Whom you wanted me to abort, she swallowed.
“I am now the proud husband of a Bank Manager.”
Cheers and claps.
One who is not allowed to manage her own account. Her father beamed.
***
Written (with apologies to Maya Angelou) for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Liz for the intriguing photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
Stories and more 
Dear Dahlia,
This is simply a magnificent piece. You’ve painted a picture of their entire marriage with a few deft strokes. Brava!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Coming from you the Queen of flash fiction, this is high praise and I am deeply touched and humbled. Thank you Rochelle
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I have to agree with Rochelle… It is a bitter pill indeed that she must swallow… until she is done with him (which I hope she does…)
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She can never be done with him for she is not important, her family, her children, her parents are…
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Sad state of affairs…
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Thank you Dale for sharing your thoughts 🙂
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That was indeed excellent.
A whole life in 100 words..
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Thank you Sharu for an awesome comment 🙂
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Wow, that was hard-hitting, and oh-so-real.
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Thank you Anurag!
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So sad.Lovely Maya Angelou! She escaped from the cage and smiled and sang. So there is hope for our caged bird. Thank you, Dahlia.
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Thank you Ferdi😊
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I think this is my favourite of all your pieces so far
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Thank you Neil that means a lot🙏
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Very good, he is blissfully unaware of his actions and how they make them feel.
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Thanks Iain
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Excellent piece. Story of many indian households 🙂
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Thanks Rupali🙏
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Omg! This is small but packed with impact just how flash fiction should be.
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Thanks so very much😊
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Welcome D 😉
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That is brilliantly crafted. Awesome write.
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Thanks a lot YS !
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The unvoiced, unacknowledged stoicism which has kept many a marriage afloat.
Dahlia, your words, your imagination, never fail to move.
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Deeply touched and humbled Ruchi. Thank you for an awesome comment🙏
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Beautifully detailed story of some of the traditions that bereave some women.
I love fairytale so you had me with ‘Once upon a time’. Some marriages are secretively
painful so very un-fairytale. Loved this story …
Isadora 😎
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Thanks so very much Isadora
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Wow Dahlia, that was brilliant. So moving and so true for so many bound in this relationship. An entire story in a 100 words, quite a feat. Brava!
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Thank you Anu🙏
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A lovely chap to the rest of the world, nasty inside.
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Exactly. Thanks!
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The story is well told in just 100 words! 🙂
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Thanks Amy!
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A well told story and sadly often true.
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Yes the reality for many. Thanks Brenda
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Get out quick! sad reality for many, and yet she keeps it all inside. What would happen if she took control of her life?
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She’s probably afraid that the entire family structure would collapse if she were to do that. Thanks Fatima for dropping by!
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A hard-hitting piece. I am sure it resonates with many
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Thanks Piyali 🙂
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You’re welcome, Dahlia
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Outstanding piece. You really knocked this one out of the park.
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Thanks Russel for an awesome comment 🙂
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There is such a lot going on in this piece, and so many hidden secrets.
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Thanks Liz!
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Ditto what Neil said. This is a super piece. A lifetime in so few words.
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Thanks a lot for your kind words, much appreciated 🙂
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My pleasure.
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awesome synopsis
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Thanks so much!
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You tell so much in so few words. A fine piece of writing, Dahlia.
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Thanks Jilly 🙂
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A very moving story, hundred words have summed up the whole life …not of one but many many homes, wonderfully written and expressed so subtly….amazing piece!
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Thanks a lot Jyotsna
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Stunning write.
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Thanks Lisa!
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This is one brilliant story, I am truly amazed.
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Thanks a lot!
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What an powerful piece! By juxtaposing her husband’s speech with her private thoughts, you’ve told us all we need to know about their marriage… how sad for her. Love the title.
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Thanks Magarisa. The title was inspired from Maya Angelou’s I know why the caged bird sings
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You’re welcome, Dahlia.
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No better way of telling a really great story
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Thanks Michael!
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there’s a lot of bite in these snippets 🙂
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Thank you!
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Beautifully written. Well done.
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Thank you Sandra.
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Brilliant, Dahlia. A personal fate, but also universal for far too many women, children, and also some men.
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Wowww…. life in a nutshell from the points of view of each partner… one singing his glory and the other resigned to her fate!! Every thought of her’s degraded him further and further deep down into an abyss… there can be no redemption!! “Her father beamed”, really hits rock bottom!! Excellent!!
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Ah Su thanks so much! Especially for catching the import of the last line🤗
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