Category: Flash Fiction

Worse than Death

 Words 100

The perfect night for ghosts, he thought as he trudged into the darkness.

The winds shrieked and swirled about him ruffling the white sheet draped around his shoulders like a cape. He clutched it closer.

Why the hell did I agree to this dare?

Scare ghosts with a sheet? Sheesh.

Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa* over the rattle of the shutters, he stepped inside.

What could he take as proof?

“Mammaaa!”

Was that a…ghost?

“What are you doing here?” He asked the girl from down the street.

“Hiding.”

“Here? Aren’t you afraid of ghosts?”

“Ghosts can only kill you.”

***

* Hanuman Chalisa is considered to be one of the most powerful mantras to overcome obstacles and remove fear especially of ghosts and black magic.

Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Sarah Potter for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.

Taking the Highway

Words 199

 Lata put away the dinner things and looked over to Tumul, her husband of three decades. As usual, he was blowing smoke rings.

“Why do you insist on smoking?” Lata burst out. “The doctor…”

“I’m not smoking dammit! Can’t you see I am practicing for the smoke rings competition?” He coughed. “This year I will beat that insufferable Ghosh…”

“But at what cost?”

“Death is inevitable.” He lit another cigarette. “May as well do something great before then.”

“Why choose something so destructive? Why not do some charity…?”

“Reserve the lecture for your students.” He snapped. “Go away and leave me alone!”

A smoky heart floated across to her.

“As you wish.” She dragged out a packed suitcase.

He blew another ring that slipped down over her head to encircle her throat.

“I’m sorry Tumul,” her voice cracked, “But I cannot sit and watch you kill yourself…”

“Don’t be a fool Lata.” He rasped. “I’ll stop once I win…”

“What if you don’t win? What if you fail?”

“Real failure is not in failing but in not trying.” He intoned.

“It is also failure not to know when to stop trying.” She swallowed. “I’m done being a failure.”

***

Written for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Alistair Forbes for hosting the challenge and John Robinson for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here.

Thanks for reading 🙂

Sauce for the Gander

 Words 100

“Chunnilal!”

“Who’s it?” Chunnilal called from within.

“It’s your friend. Was amnesia part of your dowry?”

“Come in!”

“A remarkable transformation of your dingy squalid quarters.” Kanha whistled.

“My wife’s handiwork.”

“Mmm the aroma of freshly tempered dal! Makes me regret bachelorhood.”

“Stay for dinner.” Chunnilal succumbed to his wife’s nudge.

“Not today. I’ve been summoned by your heartbroken paramour.” He winked and vanished.

“That troublemaker!” Chunnilal cursed.

“But not a liar.”

“It was before…”

“Would you overlook my ‘before’?” She challenged.

“I would.” He swore.

“Then we are even.” She smiled.

“You mean…NO! Get out.”

“Even but not equal.

***

Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thank you Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Roger Bultot for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.

Thanks for reading – have a great weekend 🙂

Come into my Parlor

Words 200

 “May the best man win!” The colonel toasted the three hapless men sitting in front of him.

Sundari stood behind the colonel, calm and watchful. To look at her one would wonder that only three people had turned up. But then the conditions in the advertisement had been very specific and applications stringently scrutinized.

“To stake your claim on Sundari, you will have to either level that hill in 24 hours, or vanquish the enemy at our borders, or,” he broke off chortling, “marry my daughter.

“Papa!” Tullika gasped.

The colonel ignored Tullika. “Well?”

“This is preposterous,” stuttered the greying gentleman, “to give your precious racehorse to whosoever marries Tullika! If I were younger I would have broken your nose.” He strode off.

“Well?” The colonel was unfazed.

Rakesh, the taller one, bowed, “It would be my pleasure…”

“Really?” hands on her hips, Tullika cut in, “So desperate for a freebie? Be warned, I am high-maintenance, wacky, cranky, fat and ugly.”

“I am game,” Dhruv butted in, “but you’ve got to ditch your crankiness.”

“Fat chance,” she crossed her arms.

“What if I forgo Sundari?”

The colonel shook hands with Rakesh. “Thanks for playing along. Let them battle it out.”

 ***

A/N: Five characters in 200 words – was I too ambitious? Do let me know and thanks for reading.

Written for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Alistair Forbes for hosting the challenge and Dawn Miller for the amazing photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.

For readers of Moonshine, here's Chapter 169

The Critical Ingredient

Words 101

 Smriti stared at the decorated nuptial bed in dismay. Which was worse, bedding a complete stranger or her best friend?

“Who needs enemies when you have friends like ours, right?” Shirish murmured behind her.

Her embarrassment eased. She laughed. “I am hungry.”

“Me too.” Awkwardness flared until she caught the teasing glint.

She punched him.

“Ouch!” he protested.

“Wow!” She gaped at the swanky kitchen.

“Like it?”

“I should have married you 30 years ago.” She choked.

He scratched his head. “I couldn’t have afforded a modular kitchen then.”

She slid into his arms. “But you made me laugh even then.”

***

Written for Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting this challenge and Jan Wayne Fields for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.