Summer holidays are a wonderful opportunity to explore, unlearn, and relearn. Even before summer fully arrived, the heat was already oppressive. So, I decided to take a brief escape from the monotony of daily life and the relentless heat before our schedule got too packed. We reached out to two of our friends, and after …
Beneath The Banter
The silence in the conference room was thick, and the tension almost tangible. Sahil cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to him. โYou know whatโs worse than waiting for coffee from the machine?โ he asked, looking around. A few heads tilted in curiosity. โWaiting for a reply to an email marked urgent, only to get …
Book Review: Small Things Like These By Claire Keegan
After reading a 400-page book for the March prompt, I craved something lighterโa quick yet meaningful read. Thatโs when I stumbled upon Claire Keeganโs Small Things Like These. At just 85 pages, it intrigued me. Could a story so brief truly leave an impact? The answer is a resounding yes. This novella touched my soul. …
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Part 26: Zeal for Their Bond
Kasturiโs heart raced as she listened to Shanaya. โM. Rayโs book launch is at 2 PM, the day after tomorrow, at Connaught Place. Itโs a public event, and sheโll be discussing her latest novel, Kassyโs Tale,โ Shanaya informed her. โThank you so much,โ Kasturi replied, her voice trembling. Later that evening, Kasturi placed another call, …
Part 25: Yearning for Reunion
The voice on the radio sent a jolt through Kasturi. Her heart pounded as she leaned forward, straining to catch every word. The speaker, introduced as Ms. M. Ray, was eloquent, her tone familiar and soothing. But was it her? Could this be Meena? โMadam, where should I drop you?โ the driver interrupted her thoughts, …
Part 24: Xploring For Meena
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the city she once called home. Her heart raced as she climbed into a taxi, giving the driver the familiar instructions: "Khurda, near the old municipal park." The drive was a journey through time. The bustling roads and modern buildings felt alien to …
Part 23: Welcome Back, Kasturi
Later in the evening, Kasturi sat by the window, staring out at the sprawling cityscape. The warm glow of the evening sun bathed the room, but she felt no warmthโonly the weight of a dilemma that had been gnawing at her ever since her boss had suggested the trip to Delhi. "Relive the past?" she …
Part 22: Vivid Memories Resurface
The phone rang twice before Meena picked it up, a half-filled cup of chai still warm in her other hand. โMs. M. Ray?โ โYes, speaking.โ โThis is Anuja from RedLeaf Publishing. I'm delighted to inform youโฆ Your manuscript has been accepted.โ Meena blinked. โOh,โ she said, stunned. โReally?โ โYes! The team loved it. Itโs deeply …
Part 21: Unveiling New Horizons
Houston, Texas, 1991 Kasturi had built a good life for herself in Houston. It hadnโt been easyโthose early years were full of awkward introductions, strange food, mispronounced names, and the constant ache of being in-between worlds. But over time, she found her rhythm. "Thatโs not going to work, Matthew," Kasturi said firmly, her voice cutting …
Part 20: Tides of Change
20 Years Later, New Delhi, 1991 โTo be or not to beโฆ That is indeed the question,โ Meena said, walking slowly across the wooden floor of the lecture hall, her voice soft yet deliberate. โBut what if the question isnโt about existence, but about choice? What if Hamlet wasnโt deciding whether to live or die, …

