Tag: Life

FF: Autumn Years

Hello! Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers a story in 100 words inspired by the photo provided this week by Ted Strutz. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Ted Strutz

Autumn Years

Words 100

All those road trips, the singing, the food and best of all, the laughter. Where had it all gone?

Even the leaves had fallen and life looked bleak and barren. Nothing to do but wait for death. Wasn’t it?

Perhaps for you, a branch swayed in the breeze, I am waiting for spring. What has gone will come back. There will be new leaves, sprouts, flowers, fragrance, birds and bees…

But what about me, the old abandoned car wailed.

Well for starters, you can stop crying. And wait for spring too. You can offer solace and be home to many.

***

Thank you for reading. Have a great week. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for the now completed short story:- Some Sugar & Spice. Or if you prefer poems, have a peek here

#tanka 9 & 10

Hello, hope you are having a grand week. This week in my usual mid-week posting, i present to you, two of my published tanka.

white flowers
of the Rangoon creeper
turn red
how was i so blind
to the warning signs

Mohua Maulik
haikuKATHA issue 38 December 2024

this winter
only dusty leaves remain
on the amaltas
where have all the flowers
and laughter gone

Mohua Maulik
haikuKATHA issue 38 December 2024

Thank you for visiting. Do let me know which one resonated with you, if at all. Have a wonderful day ahead. And if you would like to browse the other poems in this genre, click here.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

#haibun 5

Hello and welcome to my blog. It’s middle of the week and the time to blow my horn. Today i present a haibun for your reading pleasure.

Wrong Place Wrong Time

I went higher and higher up on the swing until I was horizontal with the bar. I must have been about 7 or 8 years old but I still remember that curl of excitement at the pit of my stomach, the rush of air, my exultant laugh and then — a sickening thud. 

dense fog…
playing on a loop
the what ifs

Mohua Maulik
haikuKATHA issue 39 January 2025

Thank you for visiting and do share your thoughts. Have a wonderful day and week ahead.

If you would like to visit the other posts in this genre, click here.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: Up in Flames

Hello! Hope you are having a restful weekend. Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words based on the photo prompt kindly provided by Marie Gail Stratford this week. If you wish to read the other stories inspired by this prompt or join the party, click here.

Photo Prompt © Marie Gail Stratford

Up in Flames

Words 100

Bunty stumbled and flopped down on the couch. “What’s for dinner? Never mind. Let’s go out.” He switched on the television.

Rani gave a resigned look. “Been drinking again?”

“Let’s go!” He grinned, fanning himself with a wad of cash.

“Where did you get that from?”

“Call the boys.”

“They aren’t home yet.”

“Why not?”

“The school has taken them for an educational trip.”

“Where?”

“To the science fair.”

“What!?” He sat up.

“Why? What happened?”

The TV blared in the background.

Breaking News: A bomb blast occurred a few minutes ago at the city’s ongoing science fair. Details awaited.

***

Thank you for reading and leaving me a note. I will be along in a bit. Have a super weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice the next chapter is up.

FF: Of Endings

Hello! I loved the photo shared by Dale for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers and couldnt resist posting another story. Hope you like! Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

Of Endings

Words 100

“Nani!” Shiuli came running, “You are missing all the excitement.” She dragged her granny to the balcony. A crowd had gathered below.

“Oh! Where’s the pipal?”

“Remember that sound during the storm? It was the pipal toppling over.”

Granny gave a sigh. “I will miss that tree.”

“Look at the damage Nani! Lata Auntie’s balcony is smashed. Three cars crushed and the tree is hanging on the electric cables. The pole too is nearly uprooted. Now, there will be no electricity or internet.” Shiuli moaned.

Granny gave another sigh. “When it’s my time, I hope I can slip away quietly.

***

Thank you for reading my second submission to this prompt. Have a great weekend. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for Some Sugar & Spice. For those already reading, the next chapter is up but no promises on stress relief! 😀

FF: Reflections

Hello! Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers a story in 100 words inspired by the lovely photo provided this week by Dale. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

Reflections

Words 100

“Wh…at?”

“Let’s end this.” Sahas’ voice was flat.

“Why? You were so happy on our 25th anniversary…”

“After Tara’s marriage, I felt it was my last obligation.”

“Did I do something wrong? I will be better. I swear.”

He shook his head. “I want out.”

“Is there someone else?”

“Does it matter?”

“What will everyone say?” Sheeta pleaded.

“Tara’s fine.”

“What about the others!” She screamed.

He shrugged.

Two decades later, Sheeta sent a text to Sahas.

Dinner? My treat.

What’s the occasion? Another promotion?

A thank you for releasing me from a prison I didn’t know I was in.

***

Thank you for reading. Have a great weekend. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for Some Sugar & Spice. For those already reading, the next chapter is up. 🙂

FF: Be the Light

Hello and welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s weekly challenge of Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words. This week the photo is kindly provided by Sandra Crook. If you would like to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here. Off we go!

Photo Prompt © Sandra Crook

Be the Light

Words 100

Be the Light

Words 100

She woke with a feeling of being trapped.

A heart attack?

Whom could she call at this hour of the night?

An ambulance?

But somebody would be needed for the paperwork.

How had she been reduced to this?

Once surrounded by a full family, today, there was no one.

“Dear God, is there not a single person who is mine? Am I that bad?”

A blinding light enfolded her even as a voice boomed.

Even in this life you didn’t learn what I sent you here for – no one belongs to you. You belong to none. You belong to Light.

***

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Looking forward to visiting your blog. Have a lovely weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next two chapters are up.

FF: The Party

Hello, hope you are having a grand weekend. It’s time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers and as usual i am running late. But better late than never. So here i am with another story in 100 words, inspired by Rochelle’s photo. If you want to read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here.

Photo prompt © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The Party

Words 100

“The party isn’t until 7 pm.” My husband looked at his watch, “how come you’re ready?”

 “Aunty requested me to come early and help her get dressed.”

My husband gave a snort. “You always rave about the way she wears her sari and make up. Why would she need you?”

I hesitated. “Perhaps she’s feeling her age.”

My husband grunted and thankfully let it go.

I had kept my promise. All Aunty wanted was moral support. She needed someone to hold her hand and soothe her jangling nerves.

Her husband of 60 years had raised his hand at her, again.

***

Thank you for reading, i will be along to read the other stories inspired by this photo in a bit.

For anyone interested, Chapter 17 of Some Sugar & Spice is up. Or if you prefer poems in the haikai genre, click here

FF: The Collapse of a Merger

Hi there! Today I am again attempting to play a 100 words for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers on a photo kindly provided by Roger Bultot. If you want to join in or read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here. Thank you Rochelle and Roger.

Photo Prompt © Roger Bultot

The Collapse of a Merger

Words 100

There were smiles and claps all around as they shook hands and embraced.

The envisaged final outcome promised to set an example to the world. The wide arched span, bolstered modern support systems and thoughtful inclusion of futuristic elements, instilled confidence and joy in all.

Money exchanged hands, deadlines were set and tasks assigned. In keeping with the design requirements, work began simultaneously from both ends.

Over time, differences arose, however, yielding to pressure from senior advisors, all activities were completed on time.

Barely into the first monsoon, the foundation collapsed and the entire structure toppled over

Another failed marriage.

***

Thank you for visiting. For anyone interested, Chapter 5 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: Stuff of Dreams

Hello and welcome to another edition of Friday Fictioneers with Rochelle leading the way, this time with a photo from David Stewart for a story in 100 words. If you want to join in, click here. Thank you Rochelle and David.

FF: The Stuff of Dreams

Words 100

A cheer broke out from the crowd as Parul arrived. She had just won the gold in the 5000m after yesterday’s silver in steeplechase.

“Quite a journey from running in sugarcane fields, training with boys, overcoming societal pressures to the top of the victory stand. Congratulations!”

Still out of breath, Parul smiled. “Thank you.”

“What a thrilling finish!  Throughout you were trailing and whoosh – in the last 20 m you overtook the lead. How did that happen?”

 “It’s been my dream to join the police. It popped into my head that a DSP post is  guaranteed for gold medallists.”   

***

Inspired by a true story of Parul Chaudhary, the first Indian woman to win gold at the 5000m race, Asian Games 2023.  Click to watch her thrilling win!