Choked

The bright yellow graphics painted on the door do little to alleviate the overwhelming feeling of being dwarfed by the multitude of powers that have her back. She feels hemmed in with the pressure, though viewers look upon her quaintness with amusement. She is the woman who won over gold-plated hearts with the warmth and … Continue reading Choked

The Coup

The city’s traffic lights started blinking in Morse code, spelling out a warning almost no one could understand. All those who could were in gaol, because their forecasts did not match the rosy picture painted by those in power. The masses were swaying to the tune of the Pied Piper, oblivious to the fact that … Continue reading The Coup

Traps

In the heart of Azadpur, a city pulsing with history and ambition, a group of idealists led by Meera Joshi and Arvind Deshmukh, filled with hope and determination, decided it was time. The old regime—headed by the formidable yet corrupt Devendra Rao—had held sway for decades. His policies were riddled with nepotism, his ministers bloated … Continue reading Traps

Consequence

The CEO stared at the quarterly report, the numbers bleeding red like a wound he couldn’t heal.  “Falling flat on my face is not an option,” he muttered, as he instructed his juniors to key in the phantom transactions — manipulated transactions and inflated profits. The auditors were managed, the boardroom approved, choosing to ignore … Continue reading Consequence

Secrets

My mother told me about pots of gold encased in walls, at her ancestral home in the village. There was an old aunt who had entered the house young as a child bride, and witnessed all the hush-hush activity, perched on her mother-in-law’s hip. She was dead now, and the tragedy was a belief that … Continue reading Secrets

Digital Clocks

Why did she not respond there and then to say she did not like the other person’s behaviour and was not going to put up with it? It set up wrong expectations, and the relationship loops got badly entangled. She loses respect for herself whenever she thinks of it. She finds herself replaying those scenarios … Continue reading Digital Clocks

Sundance Cafe

“How about a cup of coffee in Sundance Café?” He asked after the completion of a gruelling college project. What started as a kind gesture from a classmate rolled over into the darkest chapter of her life. He introduced her to friends who, despite their polished appearance, were involved in nefarious activities. Her swift entry … Continue reading Sundance Cafe

Threat

She kept all of her deceased husband’s letters locked in a box until the day one arrived from him postmarked yesterday, and this one was ominous as he threatened to come out of captivity from an undisclosed destination, to expose her dark deeds. Fandango's Story Starter #212

Who was she?

Susan’s gaze locked with the stranger’s across the crowded restaurant, and she was suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful emotion. The hazel eyes with a red iris, blonde hair, upturned nose and a mouth that appeared to mock were just too familiar. She was glad her son was not here at this moment. The sperm bank … Continue reading Who was she?

Disappearance

“I’m not a patch on him”, said our favourite professor about his media baron brother. It saddened us to see someone we worshipped as the epitome of intelligence and confidence reveal a different side. Decades later, the alumni of the college reunite, and we embark on an online quest for our idol.   To our … Continue reading Disappearance