Tag: #relationships

CFFC: Fun with Sticks & Stones

Hello, hello ready for some fun with sticks and stones? The virtual kind are the best and thanks to Cee I never thought I would ever be fearlessly playing this game. This week the topic is either Sticks and Stones. As usual Cee gives wings to sticks and stones as well and we are allowed to be creative and have fun with this challenge. How could I resist eh? 😉

Off we go…

Some serious contemplation of sticks. Perhaps they too have a challenge that they need to participate in 😉

When sticks stick to the ground…

Sticks and stones – big ones. 😉

This one evokes envy – one can only dream of the peace and contentment in his life 😀

No pebbles here but it’s made of stone – a contemplative stone 😀

I used to love reading books in this pose, once upon a time – do you/did you?

Time for a break on a sticky stand 🙂 Love the bilingual message 😀 We all do deserve one break at least!

Here’s the break time complete with stick spoons 🙂 Yes it was delicious

One of my favorite notices that I found at a hotel in Goa and so apt for the times we live in. It was on a stick type frame, just in case you were wondering.

Thank you for dropping by and do leave me a note – they make my day! Cheers

FF: Spinning a Yarn

Hello! Hope you are having a super day. Here’s my attempt to participate in the weekly flash fiction party hosted by Rochelle where everyone is welcome to join. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo prompt below.

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

Spinning a Yarn

Words 100

“I want my order on the 15th,” the customer said.

“But Madam,” Rekha pleaded, “30th was the agreed date. Chikankari* is handmade, it’s time-consuming and back-breaking ….”

“I can pay extra.”

“They’re award winning artisans, one can’t just order…”

“How about 30% extra?”

“I‘ll request them.”

 “So darn hot!” Rekha moaned at her artisan’s makeshift shop, a mat, under the banyan tree.

The wizened woman looked up from her embroidery.

“When will my order be ready?”

“Another 10 days.”

“5 days.”

“Sorry Madamji. My son isn’t well and my…”

“Not my business. For each day’s delay, I will deduct 10%.

***

A/N * Chikankari is the technique of creation of a chikan work, which is a delicate hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabrics. Traditional chikankari is white floral embroidery on soft pastel shades of light muslin and cotton. You may visit this link for more information

Thanks for visiting. Would love to know your thoughts. Have a great day 🙂

TankaTuesday #2

Good day! Another attempt to write tanka while participating in Colleen’s #TankaTuesday challenge where the rules are to to write in any of the 24 syllabic forms of Japanese poetry using a kigo or season word as an inspiration. While there are 24 seasons in Japan, we are allowed to use season words as per our region.

I am trying out a tanka and have used ‘Dandiya’ as the kigo word here. Dandiya Raas is a folk dance of western India mostly in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This popular socio-religious dance is performed during the Navaratri (literally – Nine Nights) festival in honor of Goddess Durga who is believed to visit her home on Earth along with her children and their unique animal companions, (but that’s another story for another day, perhaps). This festival usually occurs in the period of late September to late October with the actual dates varying from year to year. Dandiya is performed in memory of Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura (literally – buffalo demon) and the colorful sticks (called dandia) used in the dance represent her sword.

I took this image from this site just to give you a better idea. I hope the kigo word is acceptable?

And the tanka is

trees

swaying in the breeze

dandiya practice

he joins up unaware

of her fracture

Initially I thought of going for just the haiku (the first 3 lines) then felt it could be a tanka as well. Also the explanation seemed a bit disproportionate to the kigo description. Still is actually 😀

That’s it folks. Do let me know your thoughts, comments and tips. Have a great day and thank you Colleen for the challenge.

FF: Off His Chest

Hello everyone! It’s Friday Fictioneer’s time and we have yet another party which you are welcome to join. Thank you Rochelle for hosting it and Jennifer Pendergast for the photo prompt. Click here to join and the Rules are here.

PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast
FF: Off His Chest

Words 100

 “Hello David.”

“Mary? How…When…”

“Why so startled? My first time coming home after my wedding, I had to meet you. Aren’t you going to ask me in?”

“Er….”

“Everything’s the same. That pen stand’s the one I gifted you? Aww, David. Still pining for me? Sorry, darling but it’s time you moved on.”

“Um…”

“I love this quaint chest. Remember how I used to hide here whenever the doorbell rang? Ha. Ha!” She opened the chest. “Eeeks!”

“Hi Mary.” Raina popped out.

“Why’re you hiding here?”

“I thought it was his mom. How’s Shailesh?”

“You know my husband?”

“Sort of. My ex-boyfriend.”

***

I tried my personal favorite format – only dialogue. Wondering if it worked or was confusing – do let me know. Thanks for reading. Have a super day 🙂

PS: In view of the confusion, I edited it. Hope it reads better now. Thanks for your support.

FF: Divided

Written for the Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle – a story in 100 words or less. Click here for other stories on this prompt.

PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

Divided

Words 100

“Must you always win?” The chair overturned as Rohan stormed out.

Dave held Sheila back. “Let him be. He’s had a bad day.”

“That’s no excuse for bad manners.” Sheila fumed.

“Maybe he’s hungry.” Binna said.

“Who isn’t?” Sheila was in no mood to be pacified. “Always bulldozing…”

“When did I ever?” Rohan was back.

“Last Sunday, when we…” Sheila began counting.

“It was my birthday…”

“Today’s mine.” Binna raised a hand.

“Right!” Rohan clicked his fingers. “And you’d naturally prefer chole bhature over tacos.” He smirked.

 “Nope.” Binna countered with a smug smile. “I ordered tteokbokki.”

***

Hello everyone! I sneaked in last week and hope to stick around for a long(er) period this time. Looking forward to catching up with all of you. Happy weekend 🙂

WWP #287: Not So Sweet Revenge

Hello! I am back with a piece for Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt – Revenge in exactly 79 words. Hope you like!

Not so Sweet Revenge

Words 79

“Where’s Deva?”

“Daddy!” Chotti ran to him sobbing. “He’s gone off to play football. He has an exam tomorrow as well.”

“That boy.”

““He’s always playing.” Chotti rubbed it in. “Or teasing me.” She pouted.

“Hari Prakash!” Her father shouted. “Go get Deva home immediately.”

Chotti skipped, but stopped short.

“Daddy, let him play today.” She wore her most angelic expression. “Scold him later.”

“Why?” He frowned.

“Because, he promised to get her an ice cream today,” Khushi revealed.

***

Thanks for reading, would love to hear your thoughts. Have a super day ahead

FF: The Monster

Written for the Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle – a story in 100 words or less. Click here for other stories on this prompt.

Photo prompt Sandra Crook

The Monster

Words 101

“Nani,” Chotti pulled at her granny’s hand, “let’s go the other way.”

“But that’s so much longer dear!”

“Chotti is terrified of afraid of that,” Deva snickered nodding his head.

“That’s just a hill.”

“No Nani,” Angel clung to her hand “that’s a monster from space. It’s face was eaten up by the creeper.” Her eyes were wide with terror.

“Deva.” Nani looked at him reprovingly.

“It wasn’t me! “He raised his hand solemnly, but couldn’t quite hide the gleam in his eye.

“Chotti,” Deva capitulated, “the creeper is actually trying to save the poor monster from being completely washed away.”

***

So, what do you think? Go on, say something 😀

Have a super weekend and thanks for dropping by.

FF: Faded

Written for the Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle – a story in 100 words or less. Click here for other stories on this prompt.

Photo prompt Dale Rogerson

Faded

Words 100

“Crying?” His gruff voice broke into her reverie.

“I’m not.” She huffed.

A familiar yet unfamiliar touch.

She jerked away as more tears rolled down. “I thought you couldn’t see in the darkness?” She said stiffly.

“After all these years, I don’t have to ‘see’ to know…”

“How many years before you know what I’m thinking?”

“Many lives. You’re mysterious.” He settled down beside her. “Part of your charm,” he coaxed.

“Thinking of my first love.” She confessed. “I miss him.”

“First love? Who’s that? Where’s he?”

“Even I wonder.” Khushi stared at him as the lights came back on.

***

His First Pair

My second submission (first one here) this week after my ‘inspirational’ walk 😀 Would love to know which one you think is better. Thanks!

adamickes-childsboots
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.

 

 

 

 

Enslaved

dales-waterfall
Photo (c) Dale Rogerson

Enslaved

Words 102

“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.