An Encounter with a Ghost (words 944)

(A story for Halloween Day)

It was evening. The three friends were sitting in a park opposite a girls’ college watching the girls coming out. They had nicknames for many and each one had chosen a few for making fun ensuring there was no overlap. They teased each other as those girls came out. None of them had the guts to approach them as there were plainclothes police women dressed like students on duty. But they enjoyed daily the harmless ogling and silent amusement. It is doubtful whether those girls were even aware of these youngsters.

It was one such evening when, instead of the girls coming out, a funeral procession moved along the road towards the burial ground.

Chellappa shuddered and said,” I am scared of burial grounds and will never dare to go 100 metres near them, especially at night.”

Rajesh laughed loudly and said” You spineless coward. I can stay the whole night alone in the burial ground. Want to bet?”

Chellappa kept mum but Selva seized the moment. "Let’s make it interesting. I’ll give you five hundred bucks if you stay alone in the burial ground from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. No torch, no phone, no tricks. Do you accept?"

Rajesh smiled, confident and said, “You have decided to lose the money. OK. I accept. It will be tonight itself”.

Selva replied “Don’t think you can fool us. We will be around in the vicinity keeping a watch when you go in and when you come out and whether you are in there alone.”

It was 10 pm and Rajesh was in the burial ground covered with a sweater. It was chill in the night but not cold. As a precaution, he took a baton with him though he was aware that ghosts cannot be scared away with a baton as we do with dogs. There was a body still burning with a few people lingering around. Several other bodies were reduced to embers, glowing faintly in the darkness. A few dogs roamed in the area while a bird howled from some distance. A cow was chewing cud a little away.

The air was thick with the eerie smell of smoke, from the burning woods and dead bodies, adding to the spooky feeling. The few people who were there had left. He saw the time and it was past 11.30 pm. Even the man in charge of the ground was not to be seen. Rajesh was alone there. There was a shed with benches for visitors to sit. But the shed was far interior and away from the main gate.

 A fleeting thought crossed his mind whether he was foolish in making such a bet. He had neither belief in ghosts nor had he seen one so far. Still, there was some uneasy feeling. He started chanting God’s name to divert his mind away from ghosts. But he decided to stay alert. He heard a distant bell marking midnight. Another six hours and he would coolly pocket 500 bucks, he badly needed.

His eyelids were heavy with sleep. He turned round hearing some rustle of leaves. He saw faintly a figure draped in white moving slowly towards him. He stood up and watched intently. Yes, it was certainly an apparition-like figure fully covered head to foot ambling towards him. His heart began to beat faster and the pounding became unbearable. His throat went dry. He wished to run towards the gate but his legs were frozen in fright. Somehow, he summoned his courage in a few seconds and screamed in fear as he began to run. The figure also rushed behind him. Poor Rajesh tripped and fell and the figure was soon upon him. Rajesh’s heart almost stopped and was about to faint.

It was then he heard,” Rajesh, don’t be afraid. I am Selva.I tried to scare you out of the 500 rupees bet. I thought you would run away. But when you fell, I could not keep quiet. Come on get up. We can go home. I think you are bleeding from some scratches. Let me wipe them with my kerchief, “Selva said

They sat down. Rajesh said “I don’t know whether ghosts exist or not. But I would never like to be in this place alone again in my life.”

Selva laughed and replied” Yes, it's spooky. the smell, the darkness and the ambience are all forbidding.”

It was then Rajesh saw at a distance a real figure approaching them in a floating-like movement clad in white with two big hollows for the eyes. Both stood up paralyzed in their feet.

“We cannot fight ghosts. They have no body to hit but they can kill us. It is blocking our way. Let us sit here quietly” whispered Rajesh. Both of them clasped each other tightly and with half-closed eyes were watching in trepidation the approaching apparition. It came near them and as if it did not notice them kept moving further. They were relieved but still in the grip of fear. They smiled at each other at the danger receding away.

Suddenly the apparition turned and howled as it rushed towards them shouting, “Hooey, hooey’ in a strange guttural voice. Both fainted and it was after considerable time they recovered when they felt water being sprinkled on their faces and heard their names being called out asking them to get up.

It was the quiet and docile Chellappa who was laughing hysterically at the frightened friends.

“I could not resist the temptation to pull this stunt on you both. Come on. Let us get out of the place quickly before something real happens,” said Chellappa still chuckling at their frightened faces.

 

 

The Power of Faith and Love797 words)

 

The Chief cardiologist sent for Sevanthi’s brother, Gaurav, in the morning after her rounds. When he met her, she said “I am sorry. I have no heart to tell her husband Sharath. that Sevanthi is not making it. It is ten days since she is on ventilator support. There has been no improvement. I intend to remove it tomorrow and she may in all probability collapse immediately. You can inform your close relatives. But be careful with Sharath. He is a doting husband, I can see. You must break the news gently to him.” 

Sharath was shattered when he was informed and became very quiet. After a long pause, he told Gaurav “Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. Would it not be possible to request her to allow Sevanthi to be on the ventilator for one more day? I am praying to all Gods incessantly. I hope a miracle can happen in the intervening period through His grace.”

“OK. I will meet her immediately and make a request though I am not sure what she would do,” said Gaurav

The chief cardiologist said” I don’t know. I will have a word with the Chief anaesthetist. Frankly, I feel she has lost the will to survive this time. On the earlier two occasions, she fought the disease with determination and survived the crisis.”

The next day morning Sharath entered the ICU.  The nurses knew the couple and had taken kindly to them. He had a big bouquet in his hand beside some packet. He gave the bouquet to the nurse and said “Today is our wedding anniversary. Please place the bouquet in a prominent place where she can see.”

The nurses who knew the seriousness of her condition wiped their tears unknown to him and kept the flowers by her side after showing it to her. She was in no position to move her head with her mouth and nose attached to several tubes. They withdrew discreetly to the sides leaving the couple alone.

Sharath waved a big greeting card one foot long in pink colour before her and smiled at her saying “Sevanthi, can you see this? Today is our thirty-eighth wedding day.” He signalled with his hands the tying of the nuptial knot around her neck. “

There was a perceptible movement in her eyes and he saw her blinking her eyes twice as if in acknowledgement with a trace of a faint smile. He then unwrapped a packet showing her a gorgeous Mysore silk sari in blue colour with a zari border. She had a fancy for the blue colour and wanted one in Mysore silk. He could see her smile a little more. He clasped both his palms tightly and said ”You will be fine very soon and wear this sari after you reach home. You are getting better and I expect you to come home very soon.” He could hardly suppress the tears flowing from his eyes.

The nurse came near him and told him softly “Enough for today. She should not get excited. You may please leave now. Doctors are expected any time”

The Chief anaesthetist also pleaded successfully with the Chief cardiologist independently unaware of the developments that she be allowed to remain in the ventilator for a day more and that he would gradually withdraw the support the next day watching her ability to manage with reduced support. The doctors did not fail to notice the shining flowers by her side.

It was a great surprise to both the Chief cardiologist and Chief anaesthetist to see her come out of the crisis without any adverse effects as the ventilator support was withdrawn gradually. In a couple of days, she had shown remarkable recovery and was soon discharged home.

Two instances stood out in her case though it could not be said with certainty which one or both helped her overcome the crisis. One of the nurses had gifted Aunty Sevanthi with a copy of the Bible which the latter had requested be placed under her pillow for His grace.

It is beyond our understanding, whether the thoughtful act of the nurse in placing the bible under Sevanthi's pillow at a critical time or the loving gesture of her husband in bringing flowers, a big greeting card and a sari in colour she liked, brought about a will to live in her which the doctor had earlier felt she had lost.

Be that as it may, many things are beyond the ken of human understanding that can bring about a miracle like abiding faith in God, the prayers of the dear and the power of love expressed and demonstrated in apt time. But suffice it to say that Sevanthi lived long after the incident and wore the blue sari she liked best.

Kavya's Engagement (778 words)

( If this  makes you  smile at the end, please comment with your name)
Kavya was reading the novel's last few pages and hoped to complete it before the train reached her destination. She had an unusual feeling of being stared at by someone and looked up to find a gorgeous guy looking at her intently standing slightly away. She lowered her eyes only to look up after a few seconds to find a guy gazing at her continuously. Though annoying initially, it gave a pleasant feel. After a couple of times, he smiled at her. She now became upset and did not turn to his side. When a lady in the opposite seat stood up to get down at the approaching station, he jumped with alacrity to occupy the vacated seat. Though she relished his proximity, she kept looking at the book's pages though her mind was full of him.

Whether by design or carelessness, the book fell from her hands only to be retrieved instantly by the alert guy and handed over to her with a slight bow. She said thanks and this opened the floodgate for small conversation till the end of the journey. It seemed they travelled by the same train and compartment daily culminating in mutual love. They met on weekends, saw movies, ate at good restaurants and spent time in parks or malls. She had revealed to Sunil that she was a junior officer in a bank living with her parents and brothers.

“What do you do for a living? You have never mentioned where you work?” she asked one day

“Will tell you in due time. There is no secrecy as such but would prefer to tell you when an occasion arises. Do not worry. I am well employed,” Sunil replied

“I think I can make a good guess. Some intelligence or secret service in the government, it must be. You look an attractive mix of Pierce Brosnan and Sean Connery” she said with a smile.

She tried in vain several times to ferret out the information, till one day she threatened her parents would not agree to her marrying someone whose job was a mystery. He then agreed to reveal his profession on any day suitable at her home when her parents were there. It was agreed to meet the next Sunday.

Sunil was at her place sharp at 4 pm. After introductions with parents and siblings were over, he wished to spend some time with her before the formal revelation. “Why do you make such a big drama as if you are a top functionary of a UN organization?” she asked him when they were alone in her room

“True I like to dramatize. I am thirsty having come in the hot sun. You haven’t offered me even a glass of coke” he said

“Oh, oh I am so sorry,” she said as she hurriedly brought him some cool drink in a tall glass.

A few minutes after gulping it, he jumped and asked “What have you given me? My whole body is shivering unbearably. Can you get me a big bed sheet without fuss?

When she handed over the bed sheet, he covered himself and was seen shaking all over. He soon covered himself head to foot much to the bewilderment of Kavya. She asked him “Are you feeling better, at least a little? Should I call a doctor?”.

To her horror, she saw the bed sheet crumple on the sofa. She lifted it to see him totally vanish before her eyes. In fear, she let out a scream and her parents and brothers rushed to her side.

” What happened? Where is he?” they asked in unison. One of the brothers looked under the bed, behind the curtain. They stood totally perplexed when Sunil entered through the door with loud laughter. Kavya screamed again and this time in delight.

“Can you now guess my profession?” he asked her.

“Not a magician. I am not going to marry a magician, however, great he may be” she said

“Sure you don’t have to for I am as you correctly guessed a secret service officer with magic as my pet hobby.” 

He turned to her father, showed his identity card and said “If you all agree, I would like to put a ring now on her finger”

He showed his bare hands, clapped twice, twiddled his fingers and contrived to get a diamond ring out of thin air before putting it on her finger with a flourish to the glee of all.

Kavya examined the ring suspiciously and pinched him hard and as he screamed in pain, she said ”Just wanted to make sure whether you are real” followed by loud laughter from everyone.

 

A test of values(916 words)

It was a well-known restaurant in Bengaluru. bustling with patrons, the air filled with chatter and the clinking of cutlery. A group of half a dozen boisterous girls entered the restaurant and were assigned a corner table at the far end. The girls were seen giggling for no reason and often broke into a riot of laughter interspersed with loud shrieks and hearty banter. It seemed the presence of others hardly mattered to them. They had all assembled to meet their college mate Amrita who had come from New Delhi on a short vacation.

“Look at the handsome bearer by the table to the left. If he were to join films, he could give those ageing heroes still playing young roles a run for their money," teased one of the girls.

All eyes turned towards the young man in dark pants and a full-sleeved white shirt taking orders from the adjacent table. His face was turned away but one could not miss his muscular, well-proportioned body, the long curly hair and a panther-like gait as he walked towards the kitchen. As the girls continued to admire him, Amrita's heart skipped a beat., could it be her boyfriend Rajan, her heartthrob? The gait and hairstyle were unmistakable. It cannot be, as Rajan was a class topper destined to succeed in life. No, no this must be his clone or a lookalike, perhaps-. Both were initially corresponding but lost touch with him after some time

She lost her mood for partying. Citing a severe headache, she wanted to be excused and told them that they could meet on another day. Luckily, he had not seen her and if he were really Rajan, what an embarrassment it would have been for her amidst her friends. She sincerely hoped that he was someone else and not Rajan.

The very next day impelled by curiosity, she went alone to the same restaurant just to make sure it was not Rajan. He had a large mole on his temple and that should clinch matters. When she went to sit near the same table, she saw him from a distance. She stood and looked at him to draw his attention. As expected, he noticed her and rushed to her side

“Isn’t it Amrita? What a pleasant surprise to meet you after such a long time! How are you, Amrita?” he asked animatedly

She looked at him with the order book and a pen in his hand and said with some irritation in her tone “Yes, I am Amrita indeed, Rajan. But for your mole, I would have surmised it is your double doing duty as a lowly waiter in a hotel”

Rajan’s smile faded. “Why speak disparagingly of a waiter, is it that you consider a waiter’s job demeaning? All jobs are honourable, Amrita” he said.

“I don’t know but I am sure I would not be a friend with a waiter. He doesn’t belong to my circle. I am very much disappointed. I came here to make sure that the waiter whom I saw here yesterday is not you. Sadly, it is not so. All my hopes of having a long-term relationship with you are shattered. Why did you have to take this poor job- so beneath you especially when you were a topper with high potential? I think you did a management course too? I am sorry Rajan; I have to bid you a goodbye” she spoke.

It was then one bearer came to Rajan’s side and said in a deferential tone “Sir, some visitors have come and are waiting in your office”

Rajan turned to Amrita and said “. Please come with me. I will send them away in a few minutes.”

Amrita was surprised. Why would they address a waiter as Sir and request him to meet the visitors in his office? Does he have an office of his own? Then what is he? With such doubts assailing her mind, she went along with him.

They entered a large air conditioned richly carpeted room with a large mahogany table, matching chairs, and a well upholstered sofa set. He sat in the chair and disposed of the visitors in a few minutes.
Looking at the bemused Amrita, he asked “Are you surprised? I own this restaurant. We have a chain of such places in the city. To interact with my patrons and also see how the waiters are dealing with them, I mingle with them once in a while. To me work is worship and nothing is below my dignity. Did you not notice that I was not in uniform, unlike others?”

With much embarrassment, Amrita began pleading “Oh Rajan, I am extremely sorry for my hasty assumptions. Please forgive me. I came to the city only to meet you and carry forward our friendship to the next level. Luckily, I could meet you. All is well that ends well. Here is my address. My parents would like to meet you. I can come and take you when convenient for you”

Interrupting her, Rajan said, “Lucky that I could meet you here in the restaurant for it showed your values in true colour. I am greatly disappointed with you. You are not the kind of person whom I would like to have as my partner in life. Let us be just friends. Thanks for dropping in.“

As she stood frozen with her mind reeling at the unexpected denouement, he extended his hands for a final handshake and a goodbye.

Miracles do happen (502)

Saranya invariably brought her boy Anil of seven years in the evenings to the park. He would play on the slides and swings for some time and after that, on some days they would settle down on the bench adjoining the road outside the park. She would show him the various passing vehicles and things and name them. The boy Anil could not speak since birth though he could hear well.

 She put him in a normal school hoping he would blend with other children over time and regain his speech. But Anil after a few days refused to go as the other children made fun of him. Her complaints to the teacher were of little avail. As the boy was adamant, her husband felt they wait for a year more and coach him at home in the meantime. They went to all temples and donated to noble causes, hoping for God’s grace.

 As they watched one day from the bench on the roadside, the buses and trucks whizzing by, a boy of six years came towards Anil and stood by his side. Saranya turned to see if anyone related to the boy was around and found none. She concluded his mother must be begging somewhere in the park. How careless of her, she thought, to leave the young child alone on the pavement of a busy road,

 Anil gave a toffee from his pocket to the boy who had nestled by his side.  Saranya was restless seeing the boy left alone to fend for himself with his mother nowhere in sight. She repeatedly glanced in vain on all sides to locate her. Saranya wanted to go home but did not have the heart to leave the little boy just like that.

 As she was thus engrossed in tracing the beggar woman, she heard a piercing scream ‘Amma, amma.’ As she turned around in great panic, she saw to her great shock, the little urchin running towards the middle of the road with a a big bus speeding towards the boy a few moments away. Without a second thought and unmindful of the imminent danger, she jumped on the road and pulled the boy in the nick of the moment before what would have certainly been a ghastly accident and instant death of the urchin.

Only after she brought the boy in her arms to the safety of the pavement, did she see Anil in all smiles. Her heart skipped a beat when she realised that her son had uttered the word ‘Amma’ for the first time. Filled with tears in boundless joy at the unexpected recovery of his voice, she hugged Anil and smothered him with kisses even as the boy started speaking broken and halting words, but words nonetheless.

She firmly believed that merciful God had restored his speech, while the doctor felt that it could be the shock of the very near accident that Anil saw did the wonder. Be that as it may, Miracles do happen, isn't it?

 

Raju’s three wishes (576 words)

Raju had lost his way in the dense forest. He had come along with friends to explore the green forest on a Sunday and spend time with nature savouring its raw beauty in all its forms. Enthralled by the surroundings, he ventured farther into the forest, unaware that he had strayed from his friends and lost track of the path He pulled out his phone to contact them, but his heart sank—the battery had drained.

 Though it was only 2 p.m., the thick canopy of trees made it seem as if dusk had already fallen. He heard unusual and strange noises and was afraid of lurking reptiles. He got scared and started praying under his breath even as he kept moving into the maze searching for a clearing through which sunlight could enter.

Suddenly, as something soft and cool slightly brushed on his cheek, he jumped away, startled that it could be a python from the overhead branch. He could see nothing and moved away quickly.

After wandering aimlessly for a long time, he was relieved when he saw a little yonder, a small bright patch. When he went near, he found to his great relief and glee an old man of indeterminate age sitting under a tree with his legs crossed in Padmasana. He had a flowing white beard and his eyes were closed obviously in meditation.

Raju sat quietly before him waiting for him to open his eyes. Raju was afraid to disturb him lest he get angry and refused to help him find his way out. Minutes clicked past and it was almost an hour and he was still sitting before him. Meanwhile, the weird noises around him grew shriller, more unsettling. As a fly sat on the edge of his nostril, he could not stifle the loud sneeze despite his best effort. The old man opened his eyes and surprisingly smiled at him.

In a soft voice, that was a whisper, he asked “Son, what are you doing in this dense forest? It is risky to be here with wild animals roaming about.”

He prostrated before him and said “Swami, I lost my way here and could not find my friends with whom I came. I am afraid I have strayed deep inside the jungle. Can you please help me get out of the forest?”

“I have not seen a human for several years ever since I came into the forest as a young boy in search of meaning of life. I am not normally visible to others eyes. Luckily you could see me. I am pleased with you. Ask me three wishes. They would be fulfilled immediately.’

“My first wish is to be out of this jungle,” he said

” It will be done immediately after you express your other two wishes,” said the sage-like person

“Swami, I love Swarna, my colleague, very much but she is not reciprocating. Can you make her fall in love with me, please?” asked Raju with much hope.

The sage nodded. “What is your third wish? Tell me quickly for I will become invisible soon.”

“Swami, I cannot believe my luck. Am I dreaming from my sleep’ Raju asked in utter disbelief.

Just then he heard his mother waking him up shouting “Raju, you said you had an interview today. It is getting late. Get up, it is already 8 am”

Did Swarna reciprocate his love? I am not aware. What is your guess?

 

 

The doubtful loan (1190 words)

                                                      A  story for Halloween month

Govindram, who hails from Rajasthan, was Periasami’s neighbour for five years in Tiruppur. When Govindram moved to the southern town, Periasami’s family was helpful initially. He did not know the customs and language of the new place.

 Though wealthy, he never lent money as he was not in a money-lending business. But his usual caution gave way when his wife pleaded with him on behalf of Periasami’s family. She fell for the sob story of pressing need from Mrs Periasami and her assurance that the loan of Rs 25,000 would be returned in a few months. Even after a year, there was no sign of money being returned. Gentle reminders proved to little avail. There was no documentary evidence for the loan given. Being soft by nature Govindram relied only on polite demands for repayment even by instalments. While Periasami did not deny the liability, he always requested more time.

After learning, the nuances of manufacturing and marketing of hosiery goods, Govindram shifted to Jaipur to start his own business. Periasami assured him that his money was safe with him and that he would return in four instalments without fail with the repayment commencing after three months. It was more than three years since Govindram left. He did not get a penny. Though Govindram had lost hope of getting back the money and was reconciled to write it off, he kept reminding Periasami at regular intervals.

Mani, a 12-year-old boy, had come on summer vacation for two months to stay with his uncle Periasami and aunt at Tiruppur. The boy knew from the casual conversations between his uncle and aunt about the loan they owed to a North Indian Marwari and his frequent reminders and their inability to return.

 During this period, Govindram had to visit Tiruppur in connection with a big order he had secured. He decided to meet Periasami to recover the money or at least take something in writing as proof of the loan taken.

When he knocked at the door one evening at 7 PM, Mani opened the door.

“Where are Periasamis? Are they in the house? I have not seen you earlier,” asked Govindram in broken Tamil. Mani could immediately identify him as the person his uncle owed money to.

“I am Mani, nephew of Periasami uncle. My aunt has gone out and should return in an hour or so. What is your name, Sir, for me to inform my aunt?” replied the youngster.

“Where is your uncle? Call him,” instructed Govindram.

“He is no more. Are you not aware that he died of a sudden heart attack about two years back? As my aunt was afraid to stay alone, my parents sent me here,” replied Mani

“Oh, oh, my God, I never knew. There was no intimation too from your aunt. I will wait for her. I hope she will come soon, “said Govindram in a softened tone.

“Please come in and sit. It is not advisable to stay outside here after it gets dark. Can you tell me, if it is alright, what for you wished to meet my uncle or aunt?” asked the young boy.

“They owe me some money for more than five years. I came to ask them to return the amount. By the way, why did you say it is not safe to stay outside? Any menace from stray dogs” asked Govindram with anxiety on his face.

“The threat is not from dogs but something … worse.,” Mani whispered, his voice taking on a spooky tone. Ever since my uncle died, a ghost has been frequenting this house after dusk and barges in loudly even if the door or windows are closed. You can see then things getting scattered as if being thrown about in anger like it’s searching for something,” Mani paused dramatically before continuing,” Aunt thinks it’s looking for someone who owes it something. She even suspects it could be violent from the manner it enters and behaves in the house. After a short while it disappears, though on a few occasions, it has visited more than once the same night especially if there are visitors,” explained the boy gratuitously in great detail.

Govindram’s anxiety shot up several notches. “Was there any ghost earlier before your uncle’s demise? Whose spirit could this be, could your aunt guess,” asked Govindram

“Initially she had no idea. After repeated visits, she felt, from the way the ghost moved to different rooms with ease, angrily throwing the clothes about from the closets, and the way it lingered in the bedroom, it could be uncle revisiting his home. She has told me once that my uncle is visiting fearing the lender or his recovery agents, may cause trouble for her. For this reason, my aunt wished that I stay with her and my father readily agreed as there is also a good school nearby,” said Mani.

Govindram looked nervously at his watch showing 7.35 PM. It was dark and silent outside and he could hear only the patter of a drizzle. He was twiddling his fingers in vague fear.

It was then there was a knock on the door. Govindram started perspiring. Unperturbed, Mani looked through a peephole and opened the door for his aunt Ms Periasami. A relief washed over Govindram and after customary salutation expressed his sadness at the passing away of her husband Periasami.

Shocked, she wiped her eyes with her sari even as she looked at Mani nodding slightly and pleading with his eyes and then turned to Govindram to say,” Nothing is in our hands. We are helpless. ”

“I agree with you there are things beyond our control. I am concerned to hear that you are being troubled by nocturnal visits of a ghost almost daily. Do you believe it could be your late husband, as your nephew tells me? He also mentioned that it seemed prone to violence against those who displeased it,” asked Govindram.

Before she could respond, there was the unmistakable sound of the gate opening, followed by loud, slurred curses. Heavy knocks rattled the door, and Mani peered through the peephole again.

“It’s him,” he said gravely, turning to his aunt. “He’s back. And he’s angry.”

Govindram’s face turned pale. “H-him? Who’s him?”

Without batting an eyelid, Mani said, “Uncle...”

Govindram’s legs turned to jelly. Peering through the peephole, he saw the silhouette of a figure waving a walking stick and howling like a drunk. The sight was enough to send Govindram into a panic.

The next moment, he ran towards the rear door vowing never to return.

Mani opened the door to let a drunk Periasami in with his aunt screaming at her husband,” You worthless man, you have absolutely no shame in not repaying the loan you took years ago and yet squander money on drinking daily. That Marwadi neighbour came just now looking for you. I do not know what Mani told him and he ran away in mortal fear.”

When Mani’s bluff sunk in, all the three roared in laughter not knowing Govindram had tripped at the rear entrance and was lying on the ground hearing their boisterous jubilation.

 

Atul's Tryst with Truth (982 words)

 

Atul loved his Dada ji(grandfather) with all his heart. He cherished every moment spent with him, listening to his stories and conversations. The old man, well into his eighties, adored his grandson. Though the old man had three sons and two daughters, he stayed with Atul’s father the eldest with his other siblings living abroad.

Despite being only ten years old, Atul was a precocious boy and was fully aware that his mother viewed the old man as a burden imposed on her. She despised him and often insulted him for whatever he did or didn’t do.  His father remained indifferent and never confronted Atul’s mother about her rude behaviour. This attitude saddened Atul. He was not aware that this passive role of his dad stemmed from his preference not to upset his wife further in the absence of other options.

Atul’s favourite activity was taking strolls in the park opposite their house with Dadaji. The old man would entertain him with stories from his younger days and often advised him to be truthful, no matter the consequences. Atul, curious and thoughtful, would sometimes challenge him by asking, "What if telling the truth harms an innocent person? Would you still tell it ?"

Dadaji would smile proudly and say, "The truth should always be spoken when it serves a good purpose." He never complained about anyone even after hurtful insults though Atul cringed at his mom’s petulance.

Lately, though, Dadaji had been saying something that made Atul uneasy: “I’m biding my time. I feel it will happen soon. Promise me, no matter what, that you will take care of your parents with love and care, and never make them feel unhappy.”

“Dadaji, I know you’re unhappy sometimes. I am too when Mom shouts at you. I hate her for it,” Atul would reply, his voice full of frustration.

Dadaji would gently admonish him, “You must never talk like that. I’m disappointed with you. Never speak ill of others, no matter what they do or say.”

Atul was often scolded by his mother for spending too much time with his grandfather and she frequently complained about it to his father. No one in the house spoke to Dadaji. Atul’s father, who returned late from work, would spend time with his mother in front of the TV. Dadaji’s room was at the rear of the house, far from the rest of the family. Occasionally, his father would visit him, only to loudly remind him to "adjust to the ways of the house" and "not be a nuisance," though he never clarified what he meant. Atul, perceptive as he was, understood that his father said these things only to appease his mother.

Atul also knew his mother diluted Dadaji’s coffee with water and often gave him leftover or cold food. She made him eat alone at the dining table, much before the family sat down together for dinner. After his early lunch at 11 a.m., Dadaji had nothing to eat until 7 p.m. except for a cup of tea and a few biscuits at 4 p.m. Atul knew his grandfather was often hungry and would sneak cookies from the kitchen after school to share with Dada ji.

 Dadaji had a sweet tooth, but his mother rarely gave him any sweets, even though Atul’s father regularly brought home sweet packets. She would keep them in the fridge for days, only to give them away to the maid later. One afternoon, while Atul’s mother was out, leaving him and his grandfather alone at home, Atul became engrossed in a computer game and forgot about the time.

When he finally went downstairs at 4:30 p.m., he found Dadaji in the kitchen, opening a box of pedas he had taken from the fridge. Atul smiled and said, “Dadaji, you could’ve called me. Never mind, I’m hungry too. Let’s eat together.” They finished all five pedas in the box.

Around 7 p.m., Atul heard his mother shouting at the top of her voice. “Nothing is safe in this house! How can I lock the fridge every time I go out?”

She called out, “Atul, did you eat all the pedas from the full box I kept in the fridge? I was going to send them to my mother! It’s missing. I’m sure you wouldn’t touch it, so who else could have stolen it except the ever-hungry glutton in this miserable house?”

Atul, angry, shouted back, “Don’t accuse without knowing! I was hungry, and I checked the fridge. There were only five pedas, not a whole box as you’re saying. I ate them and shared them with Dadaji. What’s wrong with that? You can call me a hungry glutton or whatever you like, but Dadaji hadn’t even had his tea by then. It was 5 p.m.! I hate how you’re always shouting at him. I don’t want to live in this house anymore.”

Dadaji, who had heard everything from his room, felt tears trickle down his cheeks. His grandson had taken the blame to shield him from his mother’s wrath. A little while later, Atul entered his room and said, “Dadaji, I wasn’t truthful, but it was for a good reason.”

The old man hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead. “Come to see me first thing in the morning, before anyone else comes to my room. Do you understand, my little buddy?” The boy laughed and ran off.

The next morning, Atul woke up earlier than usual and remembered Dadaji’s request. He rushed to his side, only to find him sleeping unusually late. Gently nudging him, first softly and then harder, Atul quickly realized that Dadaji’s time had come, and he had finally found the peace he had longed for.

He could hardly suppress a mournful groan when he saw a small book of quotations lying by his side with a tag scrawled ‘To Dear Atul'  in Dada Ji's hand.

Madhavan and the mysterious ghost (725 words)

 Madhavan Namboodiri, a man in his early forties, was steeped in religious devotion and spiritual practices, his unwavering faith centred on Guruvayurappan. His bachelorhood, a quiet act of defiance, troubled his aged mother and sister with whom he lived. Yet, Madhavan found solace in his rituals, remaining undeterred by societal expectations.

For years, he worked as a government clerk in Kerala, his life following a predictable, serene path. But when a sudden departmental reorganization led to his transfer to a remote town in Chhattisgarh, Madhavan accepted his fate without protest. With a small box, bedding, and a shoulder bag as his only possessions, he arrived at the desolate station early one morning, where a colleague named Mohanty waited to receive him.

Mohanty presented him with two housing options: one nestled in the bustling bazaar area, surrounded by people and noise, and the other—an independent but dilapidated house—secluded and quiet, closer to a temple.

"I'll take the second one," Madhavan declared. "I need peace for my prayers, and the proximity to the temple suits me well. Besides, I cook my own food."

Mohanty hesitated, his face tightening with concern. "I’d suggest the house near the bazaar," he said cautiously. "This other one, well, it’s... isolated. Not to mention, you’re new to the area and don’t know the local language well. There’s safety in numbers."

Madhavan raised an eyebrow. "What’s the real issue, Mohanty? Why is the rent so low despite it being an independent house?"

Mohanty leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper. "The house is said to be haunted. No one’s lived there in years. People say a ghost roams the place at night."

Madhavan chuckled softly. "I’ve no fear of ghosts, my friend. If they exist, they’re no match for my faith."

Despite Mohanty’s pleas, Madhavan moved in, his mind untroubled by the supernatural warnings. The house, though worn by time and neglect, was cleaned up, and by evening, Madhavan had lit a lamp before the image of Guruvayurappan. The first night passed in peaceful silence, much to Mohanty’s relief.

But the peace was short-lived.

On the second night, after his usual prayers and recitation of the Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, Madhavan woke abruptly at midnight, a strange heaviness pressing down on his chest. He sat up, gasping, and drank water, trying to shake off the oppressive feeling. When he lay down again, the sensation returned—this time stronger, as though an invisible weight bore down on him, suffocating him. He could feel a presence, unseen but undeniable.

Refusing to be cowed, Madhavan sat up and resumed reciting the sacred verses. Instantly, the heaviness lifted, and the room felt lighter. He continued praying until 2 AM before finally drifting into an uneasy sleep.

For the next few nights, the haunting repeated itself, till he commenced reciting Sahasranama though after 2 AM it did not trouble him. Each time, the presence grew more menacing, the weight on his chest heavier. Yet Madhavan’s resolve did not waver. He prayed with greater fervour, hoping to banish the sinister force plaguing him.

On the seventh night, however, the air in the house felt different. As he lay down after 2 AM after his prayers, the oppressive force unusually returned with a vengeance, nearly crushing him under its invisible weight. He could barely breathe, let alone sit up. Desperate, he cried out, “Oh Guruvayurappa! Why this trial? Please, save me!”

Suddenly, the pressure lifted. In the dim light, he saw it—a pale figure standing by the door, beckoning him with an unearthly but an elegant hand. It gestured urgently as if commanding him to follow.

Madhavan, murmuring "Narayana, Narayana" under his breath, got to his feet and followed the spectre outside. The figure glided through the night, leading him away from the house. And then, without clue, it vanished.

A deafening rumble erupted behind him. Madhavan spun around, his heart pounding. The house collapsed into rubble as if struck by an unseen force.

He stood frozen, unable to comprehend the horror he had just witnessed. What had saved him? Was the ghostly figure the same entity that had tormented him nightly, now turned saviour? Or had it been a divine messenger, sent by Guruvayurappan himself to answer his prayers?

Madhavan had no answers. But one thing was certain—he was ready to move near the bazaar.

 

 

Whose Inspiration ? (840words)

(An old story I regularly read to shore up my faith in the Supreme lord when it is lagging)

 There is a Perumal Koil (temple) not far from my house housing several deities with Lord Krishna being the principal deity. There were shrines for other gods as well. The temple is serene in the early mornings, with the soft hum of hymns, the rustle of devotees moving, and the faint fragrance of flowers and incense hanging in the air. I visited the temple daily in the early mornings and some days in the evenings too. Usually, I stop at the main shrine to pray and walk around other shrines without much pause.

Let me come to the main character in the story. In the last two months, I have been observing an elderly lady at the portico outside the main shrine away from the inner sanctum where the devotees enter for darshan and theertham (holy water). She posed no hindrance to others as she stood in a corner. A frail old lady with silver hair, good looking and in a traditional nine-yard sari worn in Vaishnavaite tradition, she was always seen devoutly praying to God with tears running down both cheeks. Her lips were always quivering presumably praying for fulfillment of wishes. If there was no crowd, I have seen her murmuring as if she was in conversation with God present before her. She would be staying for about 30 minutes and the priests took kindly to her as she caused no disturbance.

I would feel ashamed that I was not getting as much devotion and fervour as her and feel bad that my visit to the temple was merely a ritual devoid of passion and hunger for God that she displayed. There was a sense of inadequacy in my prayers and greater admiration for her. Gradually I grew acquainted with her and would greet her with a smile when she looked at me. Though we never exchanged words, I could feel a bond between us. If I missed seeing her for two days continuously, I would be concerned whether she had fallen sick. In a way, I felt a slight change in me as I grew more devout seeing her and started praying for greater devotion.

It was then that I missed seeing her continuously for more than a fortnight. I was certain that she must have fallen sick. I didn't know whom to ask or knew where she lived. As I was in the inner sanctum one day with none else present, I asked the priest “Are you aware why the old lady is not seen these days? I used to see her daily without fail and her devout presence was an inspiration for me."

The priest chuckled softly and said "You must be referring to Chellamma patti. I am surprised to hear that instead of the Lord Himself inspiring you towards bhakti, Chellamma patti doing it. Anyway, why don't you meet her yourself? She is in the house adjacent to the Ahobila mutt in the same road hardly a furlong away and the door is painted in green colour."

I was hesitant to meet her at her house but curiosity overtook my discretion. After all, I was just going to enquire about her well-being, I thought. The door was half open. I heard a loud noise from the TV. I called "Patti, patti" twice. There was no response as the volume of TV was high. I pushed the door and craned my neck inside. 

To my utter surprise, I found the old lady in a nightie  sitting on a sofa munching popcorn and watching a popular Hindi serial Bhagya Lakshmi on Zee TV. What a different setting from the tearful lady pleading in the divine ambience of the temple to a carefree lady relaxing on a sofa before a wall TV, I wondered. She did not notice me initially being engrossed with the show on the screen. When I coughed to draw her attention, she saw and welcomed me to sit by her side.

"What a surprise! I am happy to see you here. Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked.

"No, I was concerned when I did not see you for long. I asked the priest. He gave me your address"

“Oh, oh, it is very sweet of you to have worried about me. I am fit and fine. I visited the temple daily to pray for the early marriage of my granddaughter. It was getting delayed and my daughter was worried. Luckily, thanks to Lord Krishna her marriage has been fixed. Since my prayer has been answered, I have stopped coming." she said very casually and laughed loudly.

The taunting yet profound words of the priest about my getting inspired by Chellamma patti instead of the Lord came sharply to my mind. It dawned on me that devotion is not just pleading tearfully before God in the temple alone but it is total faith in Him for him to answer your sincere prayers from wherever you are and doing whatever, even before TV munching popcorn or from a secluded forest.

Appearances are deceptive (665 words)

The young woman clad in Jeans and a T-shirt was standing restless at the back of the line at the Enquiries counter in the post office. About half a dozen people were ahead of her, and the clerk at the counter was working slowly and talking on her mobile frequently.. Just then, a well-dressed young man sauntered up to the counter, ignoring the line, and tried to catch the clerk's attention. The others in the queue, though visibly annoyed, remained silent.

“Mister, don’t you see the line?” the young woman shouted. “Please stand behind me.”

The young man turned, surprised. “I’m not here to do any business,” he explained. “I just wanted to inquire about an address in the area.”

She snapped back, “Do you think we’re here to chit-chat with the clerk? We all have inquiries to make. Get in line.”

“Sorry,” he replied calmly. “You could have told me softly. There’s no need to raise your voice. No one else seems to mind.”

Though he spoke politely, he moved to stand behind her. It was only then that she noticed how handsome he was—a tall man with chiselled features, the type who could easily play the hero in a movie. His expression, however, showed no sign of friendliness after her outburst. Regret washed over her; she wasn’t typically rude. The tension from some urgent tasks awaiting her at home must have triggered her temper.

Turning to him, she softened her tone. “I’m sorry. You mentioned needing an address. I live in this area and might be able to help. Which place are you looking for?”

His face relaxed slightly. “How kind of you! I’m new to town. I just arrived at the airport an hour ago. I have an appointment at a house on 3rd Cross, 21st Avenue. Do you know it?”

“Any landmark they mentioned?” she asked.

“Yes, they said there’s a KFC outlet at the corner of the main road.”

She smiled. “That’s just a stone’s throw from where I live. I can take you there.”

“No need to trouble yourself,” he replied, smiling back. “I’m supposed to go there only by 3 p.m., so I’ll grab some lunch at a restaurant first. Just tell me the route.”

“Go straight for about 200 yards, take a left at the signal, and turn right at the third street. That’s 3rd Cross. What’s the building number?”

“Sagar Apartments, number 22, I think,” he said.

“That’s the fourth building on the right,” she said, her voice suddenly shaky. Without another word, she abruptly left the line, hurrying off as if she had forgotten something.

At 3 p.m., Nirmal arrived at Sagar Apartments and was greeted by an elderly gentleman. Inside, there were several women and two other men. After exchanging pleasantries, a well dressed young woman entered with a tray of coffee, sweets and snacks. Her father introduced her, saying, “This is Nandita. She works with Oracle after completing her B.Tech.”

When Nirmal saw her, he was taken aback. Smiling, he asked, “Nandita, didn’t we meet at the post office a couple of hours ago?”

Startled, Nandita replied, “No, I didn’t go to the post office today.” Her father and the others present looked confused.

“How could that be?” Nirmal exclaimed. “You argued with me for cutting the line! How can you forget something like that so soon? It’s amusing.”

Just then, her father called out, “Sharmila, Sharmila!” Another young woman entered the room, and Nirmal's eyes widened in surprise as he saw her. She looked identical to Nandita. Sharmila couldn’t suppress a giggle.

Her father, puzzled, asked loudly, “Why are you giggling? Did you go to the post office this morning and have an argument with this young man?”

Sharmila, lowering her head, nodded.

Nirmal laughed. “Yes, this is the fiery one I met! The two of you look so much alike. I just hope Nandita is the gentler twin.” Nandita lowered her head with an imperceptible nod and a shy smile.

 

A few 55-word fiction

After a long time, here are some 55-word stories for a change to make you smile.

 1. Identity

A policeman stopped the car
‘You jumped the signal. Pay me Rs100’
No, I didn’t. It was green.
‘Sorry. either pay up or take the challan
‘Give me challan’
‘Your license please’
‘See my ID card’

R.Guruprasad
Vigilance Commissioner
Government of ……”

Sir, excuse me. I didn’t know

Never mind. Show me your identity card.

 2. Hello

Hello
Yes, sir
I need a piece of information.
I am new here, Sir
Call someone else
No one here
What crap?
True, all are dead here except me
What bull shit are you talking?
When everyone is dead, how can I say they are alive?
Where are you speaking from?
From the mortuary, Sir

 3. Friendly alert
He whispered in the crowded bus. “Pickpockets are plenty here. Be careful."
Immediately I felt my back pocket and sighed with much relief.
"Thank you for alerting me," I said as he neared the entrance.
When he alighted at the next stop, gratefully I touched my back pocket to find to my shock it empty.

 4. Fortune
I was sitting on the bench at the park.
When a small dog snuggled my feet, I patted it gently
Wagging its tail, it romped on the sidewalk happily. 
A man on cycle foolishly crushed the puppy.
Struck with remorse, he thrust 500 rupees.

“What name?”
“Dunno”
“Strange name” 
I genuinely pitied the street dog.

 5. The First time
My family was away.
I found her when strolling in the mall. Tall, shapely and attractive, she was.
I took her home. How lucky I am, I wondered even as I laid her on the bed.
I gingerly caressed her soft silky hair.
It’s my first gift of a Barbie doll for my baby daughter

 6. Jackpot
The neighbour said first thing in the morning "You will hit the jackpot today!"
I wondered how he knew my plan to visit the Casino.
With high spirits, I determined to try my luck fully. As I took the car out, I broke a flower pot mistakenly. My wife shrieked "You have hit Jack’s pot!!!"

 7. A night at a motel

It was midnight.
“No vacancy,” said the motel clerk.
“There is a key hanging on the board.
“Not suitable for occupation.”
“Give me the key, I have no place to go”
“You will regret”
“Never mind.”
An icy cold hand tapped me from behind as I inserted the key.
“I have lived here for ages.”

 8. Urgent Surgery
“I have unbearable pain below my right abdomen”.
After examination, the physician asked, “Have you made your will?”
Shocked, I asked, “Is it life-threatening?”
“Acute appendicitis”
“It is a minor surgery,” I said
Yes, minor for most but not for Dr Govinda, the only surgeon available.”
“Why?”
“He failed in anatomy thrice scoring single-digit marks

 9. Why?

She met her ex-flame in a mall

He dropped her home

‘Please come in.

‘Surely, I will’’

They sat on the sofa with drinks.

He hugged her tight. She melted

Soon they locked lips passionately

They went into the bedroom closing the doors

The next moment she rushed out screaming

Why?

Sorry, 55 words restriction!!

 10. Clever
The boy opened the bottle lying by the pond. Out came a genie.
“Ask me a wish" 
"Let me ask my mom."
“I cannot give time.”
"Okay, tell me how such a big form can be in the small bottle?”
"Simple like this” the genie went in. Capping the bottle he ran to his mom.