My second submission (first one here) this week after my ‘inspirational’ walk 😀 Would love to know which one you think is better. Thanks!
Photo (c) Adam Ickes
His First Pair
Words 102
“Dadu you came!” Rimi ran to hug her grandfather.
“Soon our village will get electricity…”
“Great! Dad will have no choice but to take me.” Rimi pulled him.
“Wait. Let me wash my feet first.”
“Why are you bare feet?!”
“I couldn’t wear leather on my feet!”
“But Dadu shoes are also made of synthetic material.”
“Really?”
“Yes! Let me buy you a pair of shoes.”
“I love my new shoes.” He carefully tucked them into his bag. “Thank you.”
“Aren’t you going to wear them?”
“Oh but I couldn’t!”
“Why not? They aren’t leather…”
“They’ll get dirty and frayed.”
***
Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Adam Ickes for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt (and showcase your story) click here.
“There!” Mohini huffed from the gentle climb on to the dam, “This is where I grew up, beside the mighty Ganga. Beautiful isn’t she?”
Sia blew on the bubble till it popped. “Sure.” She ruminated, busy taking selfies. “The mountains in the distance look better. She’s too dull and bloated, like an over-fed slithering python for my liking.”
“She wasn’t always like this. She was free, fresh and sparkling, singing her song while skipping and dancing her way over boulders and stones.“
“What happened?”
“She was dammed up for the greater good.”
“How much longer Mohini?” Her husband called. “I am hungry.”
***
Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Dale for the photo prompt. If you want to read the other stories inspired by this prompt (or add your link) click here.
“What a historic day*!” Rohan exulted. “We are free! The society has been forced to accept us.”
His wife swallowed. “Co…congratulations.”
Rohan looked at his watch. “Why aren’t you ready?”
“I thought you’d be out celebrating with…with your boyfriend.”
“Don’t think so much.” He snapped. “Get ready.”
“I…I don’t feel like…”
“Did I ask you?”
“Fine!” She stood up. “Let’s go.”
“Are you crazy? Go to a family function dressed like that? Wear the red and gold silk sari.”
“That’s so bling!”
“I don’t care.”
“Take Ma, she’s dressed.”
“She’s overdressed.” Rohan fumed. “With Dad gone, it’s time she wore sober colors**.”
***
*Earlier this month, in a (welcome and long overdue) landmark verdict, the Supreme Court in India overturned the controversial section 377 a 158-year old law against consensual gay sex. The judgement heralds a new dawn for personal libertyand a major victory for the LGBTQ community.
**In India, widows were (are) supposed to wear only white and red is the prerogative of married women.
Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Dale for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here.
“Yes. A thousand times yes. My love for you shines brighter than the moon.”
“That I agree.”
“Then…?”
“Your love lives off my love. No wonder it’s fickle and ever-changing.”
“Don’t say that!”
“Why not? It’s the bitter truth unlike your sweet lies. Your game is up for I can see through your fake protestations of undying avowals of love.”
“Don’t be so mean. My love for you is pure!”
“The only thing pure about you is the darkness of your soul.” He picked up his bag.
***
Written (after an eon and this one too almost slipped out – or perhaps it would have been better if it had missed the bus) for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Gah Learner for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
Amidst thunderous applause Kali walked up to the dais to receive her award from the President of India. Not just a wife and mother, she was a woman of substance – of the likes of Madame Curie. Pride and exultation filled her as she surveyed her family cheering and clapping until their throats and hands were sore.
“Wonderful groundbreaking work Madam,” the interviewer gushed. “You are truly an inspiration for all women and we are extremely proud of you.”
“Thank you.” Kali said modestly.
“Tell us Madam who was your inspiration on this long and difficult journey in a male dominated field?”
“My inspiration?” Kali laughed. “Everyone!”
“That’s interesting. Could you elaborate please?”
“I was named Kali because I was dark. I was also given other names because I was fat and short.” Kali shrugged. “Rejected by suitors and reviled by society I turned to my first love, academics.” Kali smiled. “So here I am.”
“What about your husband?”
“He’s been a pillar of strength all throughout. He took care of home and children while I slaved away in the laboratory…”
“How long does it take to make a cup of tea?” A querulous voice demanded.
“Coming.” Kali switched off the gas.
***
Written (after a long time!) for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Susan for hosting the challenge and Anurag for the awesome photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
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