Written for the Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle – a story in 100 words or less. Click here for other stories on this prompt. Thanks to Rochelle for the photo prompt.
Into the Ring
Words 101
Diwali was here.
Time for some clean up.
And new beginnings.
After days of dithering over the messy clutter, she took the plunge.
Choking, she tripped over the lamps – but alas, no genie appeared.
The sunglass display rack looked promising but it wobbled and swayed.
She let it go.
The pressure cooker?
On second thoughts, no.
Still fragile, she wasn’t ready to explore that angle yet.
She steadied her gaze and began.
Once upon a time,by the edge of the forest, there lived an evil witch alien. They had two smiling eyes, three ears and no lips.
The doorbell rang.
***
Happy Diwali to everyone. So happy to be back after ages. Hope all of you have been well. Looking forward to be able to reconnect with you all 🙂
Hello and here’s hoping you are doing well in these difficult times. I am trying to get back to blogging but nothing new as of now. Unless you are into #IPKKND and Silver Streaks. In which case, Season 2 is now underway. See you there 🙂
Photo (c) Susan Spaulding
The Christmas Gift
Words 200
“I wonder what Santa will gift me this year.” Rimi mused.
“Lucky you,” Rimi’s grandfather was jealous, “In my time there was no Santa.”
“That’s not possible!” Rimi protested. “Perhaps you were a bad boy.”
“I was always a good boy.” Huffed Dadu. “It’s not fair that I didn’t get any toys. Not even on my birthday.”
“Aww.” Rimi commiserated. “I’ll ask Santa!”
“As if he’ll agree.” Dadu snorted.
The next morning, Rimi ran to Dadu. “Guess what I saw last night?”
“What?”
“A thick blanket of snow covered the garden…”
“But it never snows here!”
She stamped her foot. “It did last night.”
“Fine!”
“Elves sat around the stumps talking when a sleigh drew up in a shower of snow. I jumped out and asked Santa why he didn’t give you gifts.”
“What did he say?”
“He said his GPS wasn’t as advanced then.”
Dadu coughed.
“I said, why not gift him now? But Santa said he brought gifts for only children.”
“I told you so!” Dadu grumbled.
“But I managed to convince him!” Rimi was triumphant.
“How?”
“I said what about those in their second childhood?”
Dadu laughed and enfolded Rimi in his arms. “My best gift ever!”
***
Written (after ages) for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Susan Spaulding for hosting the challenge and for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
Just like the ones she needed to fulfill her New Year resolution.
Perhaps she could buy one before the year ended. At least it would be a step in the right direction. The shoes looked comfortable, not something that would give shoe bite. But probably beyond her shoestring budget, she sighed.
Perhaps she would dig out an old pair, go for a walk, and find some inspiration on the way.
***
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.
Something is better than nothing right? Or not? Go on say it!
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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