Shantivan was a place where stories seemed to grow on trees, quite literally like the leaves on the ancient banyan tree in the town square. The town, famous for its “Festival of Stories”, attracted book lovers, dreamers, and wanderers who found themselves lost in its charm. A vibrant market thrived at the heart of the …
The Storm Within
Noor was walking through the storm, or was she the storm? The sky was getting darker, and the wind picked up pace, howling like a hungry monster. It was April, and Rishra, a small town in West Bengal, was not new to these fierce storms, locally called Kal Boishakhi. Noor didn’t know how far she …
The Taste of Inclusion
Morning at the Tripathi household began with the fragrance of incense, the sound of cymbals, and the low hum of mantras. Sunaina Tripthi, 50 years old, was known to be an ardent devotee and a person of great religious conviction. As she recites the mantras with her closed eyes, her fingers move over the rudraksha …
A Debt I Can Never Repay: A Tribute To The Indian Army
There is someone looking out for you,Someone who would lay down his life for you.And he won’t even ask why—He’ll bear it all with a quiet smile.I may salute, I may write a few lines,But how do I repay such lifelines?His courage is calm, his silence loud,His wounds wrapped in a tricolor shroud.No matter what …
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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. “You know what’s worse than waiting for coffee from the machine?” he asked, looking around. A few heads tilted in curiosity. “Waiting for a reply to an email marked urgent, only to get …
Part 26: Zeal for Their Bond
Kasturi’s heart raced as she listened to Shanaya. “M. Ray’s book launch is at 2 PM, the day after tomorrow, at Connaught Place. It’s a public event, and she’ll be discussing her latest novel, Kassy’s Tale,” Shanaya informed her. “Thank you so much,” Kasturi replied, her voice trembling. Later that evening, Kasturi placed another call, …
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 warmth—only 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. “Ms. M. Ray?” “Yes, speaking.” “This is Anuja from RedLeaf Publishing. I'm delighted to inform you… Your manuscript has been accepted.” Meena blinked. “Oh,” she said, stunned. “Really?” “Yes! The team loved it. It’s deeply …
Part 21: Unveiling New Horizons
Houston, Texas, 1991 Kasturi had built a good life for herself in Houston. It hadn’t been easy—those 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. "That’s not going to work, Matthew," Kasturi said firmly, her voice cutting …
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