Setting 43 - 'Mirror'

From @ek_cuttingchai:

Dodging the swooning bullets around the darker rocks of the Konkan ports, the now famous gangster had laughed at his favourite game for over last two decades. Adventure spirit; one hand holding power, made him the don of the gold smuggling business.

Tonight, he smashed his glass of single malt whiskey and ice rocks shattering the honest pieces of silicates. His only son was shot dead.

He did not like the man in the mirror anymore.

From @ Keira Trager:

Im driving home' i know ill be alone again tonight.This thought made my heart tingled but just as i enter the door all i do is switch on the lights and my room becomes glamorously alive. There's nothing quite like the hearth of a fireplace to make me feel at home and feel the profusion of the color persimmon. I feel better.I walk through the glass wall and see my reflection. I see myself differently.It feels nice.I feel good. Im happy. I smile and my attitude towards every situation are the MIRRORS of my mind.

Setting 42 - 'No Gravity'

From @ SarbaniSengupta:

It was a lovely party on the terrace of a 6-star hotel, with vintage wine and sumptuous food. Shekhar was dressed as Superman and his wife was dressed as Lord Ganesh. He was drinking heavily and his wife seemed to be objecting. Suddenly, Shekhar jumped off the balcony with a shout, “God, see me fly!” His wife started wailing and said, “It’s my fault. I told him that you have no gravity when you drink.”

From @lonelycan:

"Danny, I don't know how would you take this. But I find your
personality traits fascinating!".

"What do my test results say doc?", Danny muttered nervously.

"Imagine a room of chocolates and a baby in it, without gravity! It
likes to chew on one for sometime, leaves it in the middle and move on
to the next one. That's you!"

Later when his parents asked about the results, Danny smiled saying he
can multitask well!

From @ KeiraTrager:

One cold night' Daniela woke up from a strange sounds which made her heart trembled.
"Daniela" someone called her repeatedly. She went outside and walked through the long dark road..
"Come..... "A soft cold voice guiding her way to the cliff, "who are you" she screamed... " i am you, look at me, don't you recognize me? I am what you made me."
"Come fly with me, Daniela" she felt trembled and float like no gravity.

Fear can raise ur feet high above the ground like no gravity.

From @SamikshaAdukia:

Dear Thoughts:

I want you

To wander fearless and seamless
To feel palpable excitement and have the sphinx-like smile
To be on a long wild-goose chase before being sated

And at the end of the road, I wish you show me wonder there, wonder at me.

Don’t be pulled down. Which ‘force’has worked on you!

Dear All:

Penny for your thoughts?

From @ek_cuttingchai: (previously known as @crazyandhow)

Singing. Dancing. He leapt from leaf to leaf, playing around and making fun of his red neighbours. The warm spring with blue skies and lush green grass made him joyous to life.  This is all it was about, this is all that mattered.

When the first snow flake landed on the turf, the grasshopper had no gravity of the winter. The red ants; they were working hard and saving food during summers.

Setting 41 - "Light"

From @ravivgolani:

He was petrified. And was glad people weren't missing him. Lost in their merriment, they had forgotten his. Typical. Festivals were always a pain - quite literally. Even his dark corner could not calm his nerves. Only tonight. He loved them too much to interrupt. Beter stay forgotten. The ray of light the next day would bring back his human masters.

From @ek_cuttingchai: (previously crazyandhow)

the young and restless had found their way. that was always the case. the teenage passion and thrill made them do ridiculous things which they wouldn't consider otherwise. he could not allow that to happen, discipline should be followed and it was his duty to get them to the right path. Raghuvir flashed his torch in the dark corridor and found the couple of 9th graders smooching. Ahha.

Setting 40 - "Idea"

From @ Keira Trager:

A funny thought comes on his mind.
'What if ill try to annoy this girl,i feel bored'
And He just did.
And after all the words he said, he was little satisfied. Feeling unbored and overexcited like every second counts.
He was little selfish' thinking onesidedly' never thought how he might affect the other side.
He never regreted' he had fun and thats what matters to him.
It was his IDEA' -having fun-over boredom.

From @crazyandhow:

"They love stories. They will believe it, they want to. No media, it will be whispered in their ears by friends, brokers, advisors. How about the rumour of an offshore Oil rig?" A smirk crossed his brilliantly lit face on 5th Avenue building sipping the fine scotch whiskey Chevas.

The retail investors went on a wild goose chase for next 4 months for rising stock prices with no real substance and Mehta pulled of the biggest scam of '92.

Setting 39 - Determination

From @crazyandhow:

More often than not, everything seems wrong. Success which was within grasp is actually long way ahead. A tired soul keeps motivating itself to move forward on its revered path. No one said it will be easy, just be Steady. Giving up is upto you or you can enjoy your Slow journey and try reaching the finishing line. Maybe, just maybe, I am the tortoise in this race.

From @ Keira Trager:

I always failed in what I do. Not because I don’t know how but I am afraid to do so. They laughed at me, bullied & belittled me and all I felt was shame.

My name is Kei’

I don’t know my parents. I live anywhere and all I know is nobody cares for me.

Tomorrow I am turning 21. And after all the time I have spent in this life, after all those roads I’ve travelled, after all the hardships I have done, all the cruelties, the pain, the sacrifices; I am now ready to take new route-to the ROAD LESS TRAVELED! And my only gas to be there is DETERMINATION.

Now, I am ready! Mind is all set. I will definitely show you my real worth.

LIVE & LAUGH!

From @ Megha Sureka Dhanuka:

Once, twice, thrice...innumerable times during the course of a day! Hands fumbled...but the spirit remained...! Her mind thought : one day I will get there..achieve it…the focus was unparalleled … after probably a thousand attempts spanning over a week – she finally got it right! Mastered the art of eating her rice with her own “Minnie Mouse” spoon …how adorable! The unfaltering “determination” of this fifteen month old is indeed a lesson for us grown ups!

Setting 38 - 'End of the road'

From @dbijal:

I found the way to reach my destination. As I took first step towards it, a detour sign greeted me.

With such difficulty I found this way and now I am lost again. Tricky routes make journey interesting and such was this way.

Now I am left with the tried and tested path. End of road is immediate just with no excitement.

With this, I pop sleeping pills to end my life.

From @crazyandhow:

The ambitious brow frowned for a moment before a thread of truth dawned. The madness, triumph and glory all whirled vulnerable in a storm and echoed with the Monk's words "Joy lies in the journey".

The Great General Theodeaus forgot this was the destination he had longed for and walked with peace in his heart on the new road that lay ahead.

From @ Samiksha Adukia:

Isn’t too much ‘safety’ risky?
It camouflages our laziness to think hard, think original.It is too loud to let us hear our Calling.So we opt for the crowded road, because it makes us feel 'safe'; we don’t even check where it goes.And without the map, we don’t see the end coming. SNAP! Don’t get stuck.
Sometimes, the road less travelled is better than a U-Turn at the end of the crowded road.

Setting 37 - 'Home'

From @ Kshitij Bader:

It contained my childhood memories, my toys, my life. I lost it. As a kid, when my dad's company caught fire, we had to let go of all my possessions, including our home. I've worked hard for the last 23 years for this moment. Today as I drive back into it, I can hear all my tears, see my laughter and relive my memories. I've brought it back, bought my home back.

From @crazyandhow:

It never hits until the last moment. Playing cool all this while, the reality had only started sinking in the last one week. The adieus and farewells from friends brought upon the crushing weight of gravity. Entering the Mumbai international airport with a mix of confusion and excitement, turned the last minute to see Mom and I realised that home is not a myth. I am gonna miss them.

From @vidooo:

Love. Happiness. Sense of Belonging. Warmth. Always Safe. Smiles. Comfort. Rest. Peace.

From @ Keira Trager:

Devastated. The feeling grows in me.

Crowd yet feeling so alone.

Having emotional turmoil feels like hell. I should not be dealing with this.

All i did was loved. I loved. Yet i found my heart astray. Longing for a home.

I decided to leave, to be far, ro run away from all the pain.

Heavy rain, thunder & storm. I was sitting under the bridge collecting all the memories, happy moments.

I smiled. And noticed he was coming near me.. Lets go. He said. I was waiting him to come. For 10 years ive been waiting him and at the right moment he was there.

"I love you.. Please come home."

 

From @ Samiksha Adukia:

 

Step out of your comfort zone and you know why they say ‘Home is where the heart is’.

Distance is a challenge.. new place brings uncertainty.

But then, life is less uncertain, more fun.

Just a matter of bumping into the right person.

If you stay with a flat-mate turned friend as awesome as mine, you don’t ask for more.

No wonder they also say ‘Home is where you make it.’

From @ Megha Sureka Dhanuka:

Home – is it the painting adorned walls covered with the ceiling, from which hangs your favourite chandelier? Nah! To me, its an assortment of memories you picked up on your journey called life….days when you sulked in a corner refusing to talk to anyone…to days when you simply couldn’t contain your excitement within the same four corners! True, every corner has its story, but is it really “home” without the loved ones to share it?

From @dbijal
Plain walls and empty house greeted us. It was a canvas and I was the painter.

On entering, images of my new home flashed in my mind. Any home has its owners personality.

Hall - pure and peaceful.
My kitchen - welcoming.
My parents room - simple and comfortable.
My room - mixture of tradition and modern living.

Just then it dawn upon me, my thoughts made this house my home.

Short break on short fiction

Guys, I am moving to a new destination in the coming week and a bit caught to send the settings to mailing lists, FB group and tweeting about it. With this even quirky rebel - Nasir is travelling since a while! So we are taking a short break of two weeks. I have a few stories pending to be put up which I will do in a while.
Till then, enjoy the archives and keep us posted with your likes and dislikes.

Cheers,

Mohit
@crazyandhow

The Giant Chapati

From @lenaland

I look at your photo and wonder how I shall ever find you among the twenty million people that is Mumbai.
Bustling crowds buffet me along half-remembered streets. Ah, this corner here, just past the spice seller, this is where our favourite street café used to be. You said it would be yours one day.
No! It can’t be!
‘Ravi! I shout.
And there you are, throwing a giant Chapati into the hot Indian night.

© Helena Mallett 2012

This is a guest post from Helena who follows the blog and is also published author of the book 75 x 75 word stories which is out there is Kindle and paperback versions!

 www.helenamallett.com

Setting 36 - 'Black'

From @dbijal:

A cloudless night with no moonlight and power cut ensured that darkness prevailed. To add to this, the noise of fighter planes overhead echoed the panic feeling.
The blackout had ensured the enemy could not attack the main city. If the city was attacked, millions of innocent lives would have been lost.
Though Black symbolises death, by blocking the city view that night, it turned into a symbol of life !!


From @Shraddha_G:

She brought in love, desire and hope with her.

Life was perfect with her pair of eyes making me see everything that my Coloboma eyes couldn’t.

I wished I could see her. Was her face as beautiful as her voice? I bet.

I got a call from the Police, “We have found a dead body of Summer Morgan, do you know her?”

Damaged. Lifeless. Pale. She was.

Black had become the story of my life now.

Short fiction continues

I am glad I continued my endeavour of writing Short fiction in the form of www.75wordstory.blogspot.in

It is equally incredible that a few people joined me along the way and send their stories. We have managed to get most of the writers via the facebook group of Short Fiction over the past few months. What is spectacular is that the how strong some of the short stories can be. Anything which can make your thought linger for more than a second on the fiction written, has succeeded in its attempt to grip the readers.

The original idea was to continue writing myself and keep improving which has taken a hit. I am lazier than I thought. I need to put in more effort myself to come to telling stories. So keep watching that space, you will see more stories from me.

And who knows, someday I might end up doing what every story teller deep down really wants to be doing.
Do it on a bigger platform.

Blogs are good but that love for books is just different.

*smiles*

 

Mohit

@crazyandhow

 

www.crazymms.blogspot.in

Setting 35 - 'Long road ahead'

From @dbijal:

It is said that a woman is born twice. Once at birth and other when she becomes a mother.
It was time for my second birth. Doctor just confirmed the positive result. After 4 years and 2 miscarriage, this good news greeted me.
Just 5 days earlier I wanted to die to be with my love, my husband. A dream in eyes, reality in womb and the long life ahead.

From @ Kshitij Bader:

Rohan was in Goa all alone. Sad about the fact that he never had a girlfriend, his eyes were focussed on skimpily clad foreigners. He drank, drank, drank some more. Later as he was driving his bike, he crashed his bike in a bush in the middle of the night. As he came out of the bush, and waved his hands for a lift, the first car that came by was driven by Sabina, his childhood crush. She stopped and promptly took him in. It was a long road ahead and none of them knew what would happen next.

From @crazyandhow:

Bitter, sad and depressed, he was the jilted lover in pitiable state. The bottle was his new love, he drowned in it often now. Rashesh saw his life spiral down, step by step and din't realise where he is going. Another day, a fateful accident after passing out wound him in hospital waking up to a crying mother. He smiled. The bed gave him time to think for a frest start. He is ready and picking up the pieces for a new journey.

Setting 34 - 'An accident'

From @Shraddhi_G:

She came. She saw & conquered.

How can an 18 year-old college goer give me a run for my money?

I hate her. She hogs the limelight. Oh boy I find her so lame.

My Manager called me, “take June to our new office tomorrow. She is will be sharing the cabin with you.” The last thing I wanted.

My car stalled near the crossing. I stepped out. I got a sharp push.!!

She reported accidental death.

From @crazyandhow:

She was an average school girl. Nothing exceptional for anyone to have noticed the dusky Indian girl from middle class background. She was already getting known for dancing but who takes a kid seriously at that age. Then life turned around with an accident where the dancer lost her leg. Her tryst with destiny, went on become the most exceptional dance with artificial limb. We still read about her in our text books.

Setting 33 - 'Inside a murderer's head'

From @Verma_man:

What will he do? Will someone be there for him? I shouldn’t have done it.

But, no she had it coming. She knew much more than she should’ve known. It had to be done. I tried silencing her.

Was I too harsh? No, she slipped and moved. I just wanted to instill fear.

I’ve scarred him for life. No, he is barely 3 years old he’ll forget.

Two have gone, one lying cold on the floor and the other crying on the doorstep.

From @Shraddha_G:

Some like money. Some power. Some sex. Some even like God (can you imagine!)

I like sadism. I loved to watch people scream in fear when my homicidal psychopath father used to take me along for his adventures.

I used to be amazed sitting in a corner at how my dad slit their throats with such an ease.

Father finally got caught & hanged. I fled.

Yeah, I am the 'most wanted' serial killer today.

From @dbijal

Trigger pulled. Shot fired. Joey held the gun still in shock. The thrill of game just turned into fear of life. Dexter felt relief. His plan worked.
He had convinced his gang to play their favorite game. They would use fake bullets and aim at each other. He ensured to use actual bullet for Sam.
He could now date Alexis who was Sam's girl and got away with Sam's murder.


And @Kartik.Iyer with 150 words story:

He saw the sunlight diming and he could smell the cannibals around. Yes, he saw Myron, his dog, lying under a lamp post with his leg choked under the iron bar.  Will had a shot gun to save his and Myron’s life. No one had thought the cancer vaccine would have taken such a turn; turning humans into blood seekers. In a second, they came in and managed to bite the canine. Will was late by a second; too late. Myron was unconscious. He stretched Myron’s eyes and saw its pupils dilating, his heart rate increasing. Myron had to die, he felt or else he’ll become one of them. Pity, guilt, anger on one side; revenge, blasphemy on the other. He grabbed his big hand around the throat of his favourite pet. His nerves portrayed the tension, his muscles showed strength. As Myron made the soft death sound, his killer cried.

Setting 32 - 'An affair to remember'

From @dbijal:

It may not be perfect but it was the most popular and most talked after affair.
How can she even think this would work? A spy has a very adventurous life possibly, but definitely not the most fulfilling life.
She was successful in taming the tiger but only to an extent. What she did not plan for was her change of heart. Though it didn't end as expected, it still was worth remembering.

Setting 31 - 'the stormy night'

From @dbijal

At night, storm in my mind began. It was a matter of life and death.
As doctor, they were strangers to me yet both equally close. Choice was difficult but had to be made. One is living but not alive. Other is alive just needs to live.
At dawn break, with sunrise the storm within me had subsided. Life is valued by all and thus with help of angel, both lived.

From @ Samiksha Adukia:

The city seemed to be suddenly attacked
The boulevard was filled with fallen leaves
The hawker had taken refuge under the roof of the corner shop
The high-way was blinking with the red-lights of car; windows were pulled up
The sky was dark and starless, only ablazed by the lightning streaks
Last touches to the broken fence on the side-ways. Done.Teacher, “We will send your entry for the ‘Art Attack 2012’ contest. Good work.”

From @crazyandhow:

Moonless dark night, it poured heavily. The trees swayed, some bent down enough to crack open from spine. Bellowing wind and howls. The dim light at the corner of the street flickered in unsure hope to come back to life every few seconds. The wooden structures, those old houses along the pavement rattled to tell the story of what was to come. The only paper boat sailed lovingly once sank in the deluging waters.

Setting 30 - 'the first date'

From @ Samiksha Adukia:

What? You don’t believe in love at first sight?  You have to feel it to believe it
Not that I had never seen her before
We gawky teenagers loved to rave about beauties.  But it was not just about the looks for me.  
I knew I have to be patient
I was counting the days left
Dad, “Darling, as promised, your I-Touch.”
My dearest possession.
“Khush hai zamaana aaj pehli tareek hai”

From @Vidooooooo:

She was early for the first time ever. Waiting for the afternoon to unfold and let her long desired dream come true. He came, punctual as always. The flutter in her belly, heart pounding; as he called her name. The date was just coffee, small talk and a journey back home together. He sat across her, looked at nothing but her. He was all she thought he would be. Chivalrous. Honest. Handsome. Most importantly happy to be with her.
The way he held her hand, told her he respected her as much as he liked her. She knew she had fallen for him. And she knew it was right.

From @ Avinash Verma:

Women smile as I look at them with questioning eyes. Too terrified of the answer, the question is left incomplete. Every love around brings tear to one eye, other too dry to respond. Emotion turning stone as hope still tries to make them flow. Always a smile on the face, the lip always sealed smiling to the dream of a perfect romance someday. Teased and played with, heart still race, still giggle, still smile. Walking for the first date.

From @ Mayank Manohar:

She hadn’t arrived yet, I checked everything all over again. A candlelight dinner, soft music, a bunch of red roses and just the two of us was picture perfect. And then I heard her footsteps, there she was in a black dress, her hair playing with the melody of the music she stood there like an angel making the moment divine. I couldn’t help myself; I was lost in her eyes, lost in her aura…

Setting 29 - that one mistake.

From @Shraddha_G:

“Listen, I don’t care. I’ll need the money now to fix the glass of my new car… “

“But Sandy try to understand. I just can’t manage it...”

“Fine.” & the bitch stormed off the room banging the door so hard the windows shuddered.

Little did she know, that I broke the glass. Wicked. ;-)

Me- Broke, disheartened & a failed businessman.

Bitch- heartless, vixen, prodigal wife, careless mother.

Marriage- That one mistake of my life.

From @ Mayank Manohar:

Stars were twinkling bright; a cool breeze took me to the flashback yet again. It was midnight, I light up a cigarette. If it hadn’t been that one mistake then I would have never got a loyal companion like blue leaf, when friends turned their back on me it was this which hold me in those tough times, I though and took a long drag. I smiled at the gigantic sea and a lone tear trickled down my cheek.

From @dbijal

Mistake would be doing a wrong deed intentionally or unintentionally. But we all know that there are some good mistakes.

This mistake made my life worthwhile, made the person I am today. When plans go for a toss, we blame mistakes. Such is my case too.

My daughter is my beautiful mistake. My husband and I never wanted a child for first 3 years of marriage.

But that one night mistake seems perfect today.

From @vidoooo:

She was 5. Enjoying a bicycle with her elder brother. Loving the wind across her face. Squealing with joy. All she wanted was to ride faster. He did just that. Ten minutes later he stopped, scared, when he found blood dripping. Her little foot had gotten into the wheel. The spokes tore into her tender flesh at the ankle. The ride he wanted her to enjoy left her with a little hole for a wound. That one mistake she made - not make him stop soon enough or let her feet loose off the holder....difficult to judge.

From @crazyandhow:

Screamed. Cried under the showers. Destruction; rebel; rage. The outgoing, live life large guy was engulfed in fire within. The wicked smile, gleaming eyes had his stories. Deep kept secret, deep kept mistake.

Setting 28 - 'Lost and Found'

From @ Kartik Iyer:

Imagine…if u, a sportswoman, were banned from competing in your favourite sport in your country due to a positive dope test…you will feel wasted, pathetic, unpatriotic, right? Now imagine if u went to some other country and worked fucking hard in the same sport, then u come in the Olympics and kick your 1^st country’s participant’s ass in the final. One country’s loss was other country’s gain. That’s what Svetlana Podobedova did in weightlifting 3 days ago to win gold.

From @ Arjun J:

In a crowd of hundreds, she could easily spot him, stared at him while she smiled and cried at the same time, with a hesitant state of mind she approached him with a whispering "Hey!". Confused he replies, "I'm sorry, i can't really recognize you", she silently whispers "I'm sorry" and leans towards him to kiss like they used to, he takes two steps back turns around and runs away.

From @ LilFly08:

Is it possible to carry something and not realize you have it? I have found that it is! Day in and day out I looked in the mirror and all I saw was this mousy bug-eyed girl staring back at me. Today was like every other until someone bigger than me decided to pick on someone even smaller than me. I stood up not thinking how this would make me stand out. As I stand in front of the mirror now I can see the change I have found my Courage!

From @crazyandhow:

Wringing in his ears, he could hear his heart this very moment. The first drop of sweat broke in the back of his temple, he now felt the heat in his limbs from all the running. Mind raced to events that lead him to this second, he was on the verge of bursting. His hands wobbled upon reaching the place, misery and sorrow in his heart.

Missus Birkley, "Johnny your pencil box is in the lost & found cabinet."


-----x------x-----x------

A longer (really) fiction contributed by a fellow writer Avinash Verma on Lost & Found. Guys please keep the 56 to 75 words limit rule for the short fiction! 

Tick tock - tick tock - tick tock. I stare at the clock as it makes that noise. The answer sheet placed right on my desk as the teacher shouts, "Write your roll numbers. No noise, talking, peeking. No looking back".  I look across the room and my buddy Chintu showing me a 'thumb up' off his left hand. "All the best" he whispers. I nod and stare back at my question sheet. MATHS - 7 questions, every question has 2 sub question, have to solve 5. Any 5. To pass I need, its a 100 mark paper so 35. Question 1 is compulsory it has 15 sub questions, any 10, 2 mark each. So now I am left with 6 optional questions. Last few are very hard type. So left with 3 optional questions. So, well I think I'll pass. Nice. time to read the questions. "Psst" my reflex are quick to turn my head towards the noise. Its Chintu, scratching his head with 3 fingers and eyes alert towards the teacher he says "teesra ata hai" I nod my head from left to write, "Seventh" I nod again, "second" I look at the paper, read question 2, look back at him and nod. "Saale, idhar kya..." and a pumping action from his left hand. Chintu is definitely angry at this moment but he is a good friend. Its great to have friends in life. I have lot of friends. But Chintu is like my brother. He is my best friend. "Supplement, ma'm" the sweet voice from the front row calls for the teacher. Sweety Parmar, the angel. Smart, cute and beautiful. How the hell can god make her so lovely and me so lame. I don't have to be lame. I can be smart, very smart, the smartest, fittest, the best in the class. And then, Sweety Parmar will be my girlfriend. Now all I have to do is read the questions and answer to pass. Yeah just pass this time, but next time I shall study hard, practice well, and answer every question in the paper along with options. Help Chintu, ask for supplement before sweety and get the maximum marks in the class. Then teacher will praise me in class. Sweety Parmar will ask me to study with her and then she will be my girl friend. "Time's up students, quickly make sure you have written your roll number on supplement, write your number of supplement and tie them properly", yells the teacher. What the... time is up already, where the hell did I lose all the time. the paper is empty, quick quick at least I should complete question 1 before teacher reach my desk. 20 marks + grace + I'll beg for some marks to pass. "Time's up, give your paper". "Teacher please, teacher please, just 1 more, i'll fail". "You'll fail even if you write the whole paper. Give!! Stupid fellow", she snatches my empty answer sheet. "Chalta hai yaar next time", Chintu tries to console me. Its a shame. Sweety Parmar will never be my girlfriend.

Setting 27 - 'The broken road'

From @lonelycan:

"Ani-ettee! Not that way! You won't be able to jump across.", Jimmy said.
"Let me try Anna! If you can do it, I can too!", Anju was adamant.
Jimmy knew that tone. There was nothing he could do to stop her.
A swift run up and she leapt!
Jimmy snapped back to reality as the crowd went thunderous. That
incident of the broken road had brought Anju a long way.

From @rumna:

It will be twenty five years this August. Twenty five years since they had been classmates and confidantes. Of course, in the past few years, they had gotten together over reunions, organized by well-meaning friends, but hadn’t really explored any feelings because of respective spouses.

All that was over now. Both were single again. Would they reconnect? Would they be able to re ignite that spark? Older, certainly, but were they any wiser? August the 26th.

From @lilfly08:

All that talk of burning bridges made sense now as she looked across the courtroom at the one she had thought of as her life long mate! The agitation in his face made her cringe yet again. It had only been two months since he had set their relationship ablaze with one searing backhand to her face. And for what? After all she had been faithful; he was the one who had a mysterious woman accompanying HIM to court. She looked away “This road is broken” she told herself forget pitying him it is time to move on.

Setting 26 - 'A day before doom's day'

From @SuperFail_Bot:

Rocking in his chair with a dimly lit cigar dangling between his fingers, he looked at his half-filled goblet of wine; the old gramophone sang his favourite Beetle’s tune as he slowly closed his eyes and let his mind go down the less frequented memory lane. That smile, those eyes, which won him over. Those tiny hands which wrapped around his finger. A smile broke on his face; yes, he was happy. Happy for it happened. With a smug smile on his face, he sat there waiting...waiting to join the inanimate void.

From @crazyandhow:

The tribe had been in secrecy for over 2000 yrs. Just waiting for the right moment to embark upon the world that they are as powerful as during the peak with their magic and witchcraft. The activities began a day before their original prediciton of 21 December, 2012 as apocalypse. The Mayans were getting ready all this while. It is to them to show the others a way. They are back for the final battle.

From @lilfly08:

She took a hit, paranoia set in. “What should I be doing if this is the end? The kids! I must gather the kids. I need to protect them!” She started in motion rising from her bed. The effort made her dizzy. “Maybe I shouldn't worry”, she thought, “they are most likely FINE”. “I should check” she thought, as snippets of Doom's Day movies ran through her head. “I should be close to them so we have a chance”. This thought set her in motion. Shakily she made her way down the stairs. “This is crazy!” but that thought was over-road by the nagging voice that chanted “...and then the end will come.”

Setting 25 : Going Back

From : @lonelycan

"I must do this for my country!" she exclaimed.

"The country which humiliated you for your looks? How can you forget
the headlines? They stripped your medals! Questioned your morals! Why?
Because you look manly? Can that be undone?", her brother argued.

She dismissed him before he could overwhelm her. Nothing could kill
her spirit to do something for her nation. The ace woman runner of the
country was now returning as the coach.

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From : @dbijalAt present, I dream of future similar to my past. A life would come to this world but grow up in a different environment. 

The talks with grandparents always amused me. They said things were simple back then and I thought they are simpler today. However, when I have nephew and nieces today, I talk like my grandparents.

Thoughts are like swing. They take you forward and make you go back in time.


 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From @Shraddha_G

There was laughter, strumming guitars, songs overall through the return journey from Pune.

Our rock band had finally nailed the prestigious MTV Rock contest.

Poppp..!!!  came the gushing Champagne to celebrate our Euphoria.

After a sharp turn , the caravan rocked near the edge of the hilly road.  

I & my drummer evacuated the caravan steadily & we were moving out.

“Shaunnn.. Help…”

I went back to save him & the caravan went crashing down.  

Setting 24 : A Chosen Confrontation

From : @crazyandhow

The photographs burned today. The digitals deleted forever. The gifts
and memories were being thrown out with the garbage that had rotted
for days now. The last 3 years spent in self disdain of his lost love.
Happiness had no meaning for him anymore. Once, illustrious career
looked below average. Seeing her kiss another man made him realize he
is nothing more than a stupid dumbfuck.  Avi smiled and started
putting HIS LIFE together.

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From : Mohit Chopra

He wasn’t late, he gently opened the door and stepped in, carrying a bouquet of roses. He thought I was asleep and felt he had succeeded in slipping in quietly. He moved towards me and I shouted,

“Who were you with? Who gave you these roses?”

He was stunned and speechless, “These are for you” he murmured

“I know baby, but sex is so good after a fight!” and planted my lips on his.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From : @lonelycan

You think you can confess to me and get away with it? Do I look like
a fool to you?", World's favorite daddy did not seem to like his
daughter's confession, not one bit. Neena kicked hard and wailed from
the other side of the door. "She does not get out of the room", he
announced. Neena realized her friends were right. She should have
never discussed about her love to her parents.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From :  @dbijal

We all have our talks, gossips, secrets, crushes, feelings and relationships. What is a bit amiss is openness. Its easy to talk about someone when they aren't around.

How different would it be to confront others. Even better, confront oneself for a change. Fears, strength, hatred or love. Time to walk down a road less taken.

One doubt as I progress is whether such confrontation will help me steer clear in way forward.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From : Shraddha Ghatge

Life choses to confront you when you play with it,

Wrong deeds confront you with its consequences,

A question in life confronts you for an answer when you are running away from it,

Facing a confrontation is what my deceased wife taught me…

I woke up with a start when I heard her call me…

I saw her white shadow on her favourite chair…

“Tell me John why did you kill me..?”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From : Samiksha Adukia

Hector was hurt, humiliated and heartbroken.

Hector sought answers from Venus.

He drove to Venus’s apartment amid heavy rains.

What awaited him there was going to throw his world apart.

He rang the bell and the door opened after FIVE minutes.

Venus Panicked. Hector Surprised.

Venus was with her ex-boyfriend.

Hector stood still and then left without saying a word.  

Hector paralyzed. Still stuck in that moment.

But even the Sun sets in hell.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

From : Kartik Iyer

9year old Rahil, home after school,

Frightened that mamma will lose her cool,

His head down, as she opened the door,

He was silent without any roar.

Something’s wrong, she wondered,

Keeping his head on her lap, he praised,

‘House looks nice and the food smells great’…

Continously thinking, ‘should I say or should I wait’.

Smiling, ‘u lost the umbrella, right son?’

‘Sorry maa’

She softly touched his head and said ‘Lets have lunch’

Setting 23 - Never Say Die

From Vidya Kumar :

16th May 2006 : 
8.30 am - dad called mom on his way to work, I can't muscles on the right side of my face he said. 
9.30 am - dad's admitted into the hospital. Reason was Bells Palsy(partial facial paralysis) Eye open, mouth drooling, speech impaired, smile weak but crooked. 
Days turned into weeks but no form of muscle exercise worked. The doctors said this is how it would be now on.... 
But he worked diligently with the therapist, twice a day. The reason of his motivation he said was us, his two girls. 
18 mths of hardwork everyday, and he was back to normal. 
I learnt it from him 'never say die' keep at it, it'll show results.As Batman learnt, "Why do we fall? So we learn to pick ourselves up"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From  @djibal :

"Join me in welcoming Major Chenoy", announced the host. 

Chenoy was one of the few militant who survived the Kargil war. He was called to share his experience with the cadets. 

He was injured severely in the war. Just when the doctors thought he would slip into coma, he came to life. A miraculous recovery for a person who was being operated for 14 hours. 

All he said is "I survived because I chose to live".

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From Sami Adukia :

Womanizer, tom-cat, lady-killer- hardly anyone knew him as Neel.

He treated women as equals. And sequels. 

But Sheena was different. Never did it last for so long. Yes, she was the one.

Vini, Neel’s colleague, was disturbed, needed a friend; he was considerate.  He made her comfortable, made her smile, made her speak about her past. And before she knew it, he became a part of it.

When addicted to the highs, chasing never dies.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

From Kartik Iyer :

34years old, round and cheerful was Fred, women loved him, men wanted to be him.

Lived a life of a king without the wealth….donated 80% of whatever he earned to ‘The Blooming Buds’ and the rest was for the weekend parties!

He always had some pain but never complained.

Doctor: With a heavy heart, third degree lung cancer

And 2months later,

His last words were,

“Always stay high, never say die”

--------------------------------------------------------------------

From @crazyandhow

Fallen; broken; his silence and growing wrinkles spoke of his lost
courage inside this cave. He sat there staring at the lonely spider,
crawling towards his web in vain. Everytime it fell. Bruce looked more
closely, in anticipation and hope like the last leaf on a tree.
Seventh time, the spider spun the web.

With the new profound thought of try and try, the Scottish king
gathered his army again, this time; to triumph and succeed.

From @Equanimous:

Shaitan Singh was the leader of the battalion that defended against 1000 Chinese soldiers attacking them in 1960. They were only 123 led by Singh.  The courage and bravery shown by them at 17000 feet is inspiring. Shaitan Singh inspired his troops despite being wounded. For every 1 soldier India lost, the Chinese lost 5. Truly, the Shaitan still haunts the Chinese. The Chinese announced a unilateral ceasefire 3 days after his death.
 
His Never Say die spirit helped India regain the crucial Chushul Sector on the border. He fought the Chinese till his last breath. Angels were guiding him. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his leadership and courage.
 
No words are enough to describe the bravery of Shaitan Singh and his men. 75 words were not enough to pay him my homage and tell you this unheard story. Apologies for extending the limit.

Setting 22 - 'Dead End'

From @crazyandhow :

Pain. Agony. Betrayal. Fuck. Madness. Failures. Lonliness.

Scoundrels. Witches. Cheats. Dogs. Cruel. Selfish.

The darkness.

Sun-kissed beautiful morning awaited me when I stuck out the stormy
night of no hope; no will; no meaning. Sunshine brought the toughness,
strength, joy. There are no dead ends for me. This is life; and I keep
walking.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
From @Shraddha_G :

"I will kill u.. u bastarddddd rat.. “I heard her sharp shrill voice.

They were so after my life... “Oh Guaddd.. leave me alone.. will you?”

I ran past the main door, saw the empty street, took a turn around d corner & stopped.

All I saw was a human graffitied wall saying “Dead End”

I turned around; she was there with her huge long hair gang, sharpening their claws, whiskers shining.

No escape now.
------------------------------------------------------------
From Ravi Golani :

“Congratulations”, “Well done, man”, “I am so proud of you”.
“First attempt main clear kiya mere bete ne”.

“All his hard work has paid off”

Studied overnight, slept odd hours, addicted to caffeine, played PS2,
gained 35 kilos. Stopped talking to many, started talking to new
people.

CA results had been declared. Most hearts swelled with pride on my
achievement. One was doubtful. All indulgences in his eccentricities
would now come to a dead end.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From Vivek Todi :
"Be bold enough, you shall always find a way!", Her master's words
echoed inside her head. Her katana couldn't cut through the trap that
held her left leg. Shivering as she imagined her fate if she fell into
enemy hands - She clenched her teeth and with all her might, delivered
one final blow with the katana. Freedom!

"Atleast you could have picked up the rest of your leg!", The doctor
at their base mocked her.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
From Sneha Mehra :

It seemed extremely easy. I took off and proceeded with no obstacles in view. Excitedly, I neared the destination. However, one wrong turn changed everything. I looked left and right but there wasn’t anywhere I could possibly go. I was trapped! Exasperated, I realized I had to backtrack and find another way, fast! As I turned, the bell sounded. It was over- I had lost. Well, I understood, solving mazes can be tough at times!


--------------------------------------------------------------
From @dbijal :

Life is a mystery,
Which all try to solve,
One day becomes history,
As time evolves. 


Death is inevitable,
Embrace it gracefully,
Only one life available,
Live it peacefully. 


Life that starts,
Will come to an end,
Love from your heart,
No regrets and amends. 


An end marks beginning,
As sunset and sunrise,
Start of new day,
To bring new surprise. 


One dead end opens,
Ten new doors,
Let's keep moving,
To reach new shores.

Setting 21 - 'The first victory'

From @Sneha_Mehra:

A single mother of an autistic child, I was scared! Nevertheless, I decided to give my best to bring him up. As he grew, he couldn’t talk, hold objects or even balance himself. One morning, when he was six, I heard a voice. What was just a mumble for people was unsurpassable euphoria for me! He smiled and held my finger. It was our first victory- and I silently knew there were more to follow!

From @dbijal

Results came and I was celebrating with my besties. All of us cleared this time. Victory party destination - Goa.
Planning about future, I put wrong foot ahead in present. Unconscious, numb, unresponsive and dead. 9 months I was in coma.
Marks on my body make me revisit those days. It still send shivers through my body. Doctors call it 'miracle', I call it 'my first win over death'.

From @Samiksha_Adukia:

Kesha had been the star student.  And she was not just that. 
She was a winner since the time she did not even understand winning- it was more of a habit than a passion. 
Failure is always behind the magnifying-glass, looks bigger than it is.  It scared her-hell yes, made her work-yes, strengthened her-NO.
Not losing was the reality, winning was the illusion.
BUT…it was not late.Her ‘Realisation’- her first one.

From @Equanimous:

Wimbledon has been his dream. His game is perfect for the green lawns of SW-19. He was destined for the title. But he ran into his nemesis. The man who will haunt him for life. Lost thrice in finals and five-times to the eventual champion. Wimbledon still eludes him, the dream slipping from his hands.  Charismatic Underachiever. Andy Roddick. The pursuit continues for THE FIRST-WIN.As Mika Hakkinen said , ‘Second Best is the first loser’.

From @Vishal_vagabond:

His eyes opened for the limitless possibilities. He had something in him which could compete anywhere and with anyone. Determination. Hardwork. Resoluteness.

People had now learnt to respect him as a genius they never understood before. Once who sounded mad to a world was now path breaking leader of his time.

He remembered, it all started with a humble gester. His mentor's assuring belief in him and his first victory that followed. The tiger had taster blood.

From @quirkyrebel:

As much as some might hate Charlie Sheen, "Win here , Win there, Win Win everywhere" is epic ! Victory for me was first understood when I came 2nd place in my 2nd grade in a hand writing competition. From then on the word 'competition' became a driving force for larger victories. But today, victory is not about beating anyone but gaining fulfillment in life from everything done beyond your potential. Hence, win everywhere.

From @vidooooooo:

My new home gave me exactly what I needed - a little space to have my own garden. I was so eager to get started. Granny guided me the first time. I was thrilled.  Lovely bright blue bells I wanted to see. Nothing happened. Got infested with ants, never flowered, buds grew but withered soon. Disheartening. I stopped paying too much attention, but still loved her. Each time I looked at her, somewhere in my head I never forgot to tell her that I love her. My very first that I sowed. It gave me a very unique joy to see her grow.
I being close to two and a half decades old, found so much love in me for the little creeper. Silly it may sound, I even christened her 'Blue".
But all of a sudden one fine day, I realised she flowered. One and half year for this to happen. And the happiness that one flower on her brought me. It was the most beautiful feeling ever. My Blue's first victory.

---x---x---x----

I think @vidooooooo is cheating with more words. *winks*

Setting 20 - "Stabbed in the back"

From @dbijal:

"Your time is over" said Rishin and pulled the trigger. It was empty gun but our group loved the thrill in this game. Next it was Viral turn.

He had to shoot Naina. He pulled the trigger and Naina screamed. This time, however, she wasn't acting. Viral grinned and said, "You deserved this".

Viral's motive to play this game today was now clear. He wanted to get even with Naina. They were partners in crime, but only Viral was caught as Naina sold him out.

From @DeliciousStrawberry:

They explored their passion. Their heat. Raunchy, crazy, outright dirty. Sometimes when you think people are kidding, they are not.

I walked in on Sunaina and Samarth doing it on my bed. Disgusting. But I made them pay.

He just got the divorce notice today, he will be paying a good sum.  And her, well let every guy on internet wank off at her pics. They had it coming.

Setting 19 - "The long lift journey"

From @Superfail_bot:

A flashy handbag by her wrist, a bright yellow umbrella angled on her hips; wrapped in a thin shade of red possessed with milky white skin and her dark twinkling liquored eyes.

I stood there admiring the beauty of the Almighty, in the most gendered way possible.

She glanced at me and smiled; a smile that’d last me a mile.

Damn, getting off the lift to reach my 2nd floor door never stung so bad

From @dbijal

To make their perfectly planned vacation a bit adventurous, Sameer and his friends ditched their flight from Delhi. They opted for road journey with a twist.

With budget constraint, they had to take lift to reach Srinagar. Luck shines upon them so they find such transport. Their long lift journey too had plans of its own.

Their vehicle meets with a terrible accident which leaves most of them with life worst than death.

From @KartikIyer:

18^th Floor, Claude came running in the corridor, smashed the lift button….staring at the lift, he pointed his finger towards Martin to bring the body out. As blood played the phenyl’s role of wiping the floor, they threw the body inside the lift. They got in, Pressed G. 3a.m, they weren’t expecting anyone down. Between the 6^th and the 7^th floor, electricity went off. 8am, Saturday morning, the cops got them out!

From @DeliciousStrawberry:

I always had the temptation; he never ever made the move in the lift. I so wanted him there and then. I looked him in the eye and gave a frenchie. There was no stopping him now. We both wanted the thrill; THE THRILL. He was biting me, wrapped him hands around my waist, raised me like a feather.
Next moment the guards opened the lift on 14th floor and pointed the CCtv camera to us. SHITTTT.

From @crazyandhow:

Unexpected. Scary. Awesome. Mad. Crazy.

Hot. Sweaty. Unknown. Strange. Laughs.

26/7 rains jolted and unnerved Mumbai. Whereas I met ‘HIM’. Crazy, crazy it was. Caught in the lift for 8 hours with a stranger in absolute blackness. We started talking and ended up here today. Rahil just slipped me an engagement band. I hear the bells soon. :)

Setting 18 - "the deja vu of destiny"

From @crazyandhow

They said he is too old. Should have bowed out when he had the grace of world no.1. Why does he keep playing and bring shame to own glory.

Friends whispered. Media screamed. He did not just lose matches but fans and faith.

He kept walking. Not as master but a servant of the game.

2003 - Australia. The 33yrs old unbelievable Andre Agassi won his 8th open era tennis grand slam.

He did his usual. Humble. His bows. His kisses to stands.



From @dbijal

Countdown begins. Days, hours, minutes. The possibly most important day of my life. Heart throbbing, anxiety and nervousness.

My friends called me stone-hearted, but this moment in life I could feel all mixed emotions. In matter of second my destiny would reveal itself.

The result is out. I feel a deja vu of destiny as history repeats itself and I have yet again failed my exams. Tears have dried but my heart cries.

Setting 17 - #Found

Due to some errors in coordination, the theme was posted on Facebook group and not sent to the mailing list. Sorry guys!

From @Sneha_Mehra:

The painting was sold for a whopping Rs. 1 crore! Her happiness knew no bounds. Her accident last year, had changed her life altogether. The sorrow of losing her legs and a shattered dream of becoming an airhostess was unsurmountable. Overcoming this grief, she discovered her passion for painting. And thus, embarked a new journey of life. She had lost her legs, her dream but found a passion, a will, a purpose to live for.

From @lonelycan:

"Find me Bhaiya", echoed through the darkness - every night. Memories
of their hide and seek game tormented his dreams. Every morning he
mourned over the year old accident. Finally, he realized a way to end
this. He walked by the edge of the cliff from where she had fallen. A
deep breath - a clenched fist - a wide leap, there she was! Arms wide
open - benevolent smile - deep round eyes. "Found you!", he cried out
loud.

From @Sneha_Mehra:

The museum director was being interrogated. “As I entered the hallway, I saw the broken window of the tiara room. Unlocking the door, I entered only to find the tiara missing” Detective Ben observed the room from outside. He smiled since he’d found the culprit. Entering the room he said, “Mr. Paul, you should’ve really broken the window from outside! Now, guide us to the place you’ve hidden it.”

From @crazyandhow:

Tensed. He frantically looked the chair. No. Table. No. Around the bed, somewhere between the sheet. No.

That moment, it was the most important thing in the world for him. How would he even survive?

How could he lose it. He was on the verge of bursting into tears. Looked again.

There it was! oh yes. My sweet. My precious. Crawled; an year old Rahil, picked up the cheeto from the dirty corner and enjoyed its last bite. Yum!

Setting 16 - #Drive

From @ravivgolani:

His pictures splashed across tabloids and newspapers across world.
Everyone wanted to know more about him. To them he had appeared out of
the blue. But he preferred to keep out of media’s reach. He was “the
arrogant”, “the most eligible bachelor”. His wealth estimates kept
everybody bewildered.
He marveled in his success. Wondered if he hadn’t gone bankrupt so
early in life, would he have had the drive to reach so far.

From @lonelycan:

It was her first time and like all first timers - she too was very
nervous. Her veteran friends told her it just feels weird for the
first time, but at the end of it there is a feeling of immense peace
and satisfaction. "This isn't that bad!", she thought after the first
round. Soon she fell in love with the idea of spreading awareness
about cleanliness and picking up trash to motivate others.

From @dbijal:

"Go for it, Drive it!! Accelerate your way to the top". These motivational words of my boss unclear at that point when he got his new car Audi Q3. He was in love with it. His speech got me thinking of the similarities between driving and my profession.
Multi-tasking, passion, caution, responsibility and lastly, my choice. I choose the route to succeed. The drive will only be one part of this beautiful journey.

From @SnehaMehra:

This red, two-seater beauty was his, at last! Now he only wished that she sat beside him. He zoomed towards her in style and stopped the car in front of her. Her eyes went wide in awe and excitement. Nervously, he invited her to climb aboard. She hesitantly looked around and sat. And whizz! They went past everyone! Both their mothers smiled as their 5-year olds enjoyed the drive around the complex.

From @guruvrs

Early morning. Idlis and sandwiches packed. Bags loaded. Jostling over window seats. Engine starts. Radio on. Voting for choice of songs. Time flies. Pit stop for breakfast. Milder music. Debate begins. Argument. Throats get dry. Someone gets offended. Silence prevails. Music takes off. Hungry. Street food. Jokes. Laughing out loud. Squeezed group photo. Chatter. Flash back. Memories. Loud music. Singing louder. Go crazy. Live the moment. Pause. Future plans. Engine off. Destination reached.

Setting 15 - #Humour

From @SuperFail_Bot:

Unknown city – Pointed fingers – Staring faces – Hushed voices.

Quickened breath – Hesitant legs – Jangling tray – Slippery stairs.

Epic fall – Food in hair – Toothy Smile – Laugh everywhere.

Helping hand – Cheerful tones – Friendly students – Known the unknown.

From @SnehaMehra:

“You would be a successful joker! “. He thought it was a joke. Today as he retires, he’s proud that he was courageous to leave his dull job 40 years back and pursue his passion- bringing laughter with his silly but delightful antics. He wasn't just a humourous jester but a pathway for people to find happiness, even if momentary. His last show today and he starts like day one- “People! Let’s laugh it off!”

From @lonelycan:

"You're only good at making people laugh at you, else you're useless!", mocked his friends. He was used to it now! Walking through the lockers, he could still hear their satirical humor about his looks. Little did the fools know that they were the first of the world whom he entertained. Even though an MSc in electrical engineering, the world now acknowledges him as one of the top 50 comedians ever!

From @Kartik_Lunkad:

They giggled, not really laughed but just giggled. They could not understand how two tennis players could fail to win a match or refuse to lose a match for so long. Isner & Mahut weren’t famous men until they dueled for 11 hours to win a match. A sport can be nothing short of a war at times - only with satirical humor in it. Isner finally won that match. He celebrated appropriately, he collapsed.

From @crazyandhow:

Softly he curled the tuft of hair behind her ear. Looked her in the eye; intent and reassurance. A rolled tear gave way to a gentle smile. The one which melted him. She found joy around him, his company. "Thanks for being with me Aarav, you have always been the one for me. Why can't my boyfriend be like you; bastard. Atleast I will always have you as my friend." Aarav gave a hollow laugh and got her hot coffee.

From @kartikiyer:

‘Santa banta pakau jokes, Friends with facebook pokes,

9gag mystery, Tv show ‘khichdi’,

Heartiest laughs on non-veg talks, 3months stinking socks,

Golmaal and home alone, Full night on the phone,

Blackberry without querty, fuck studies lets party,

Drinking, gambling, smoking, Poker loser stripping…

Singing, dancing, jumping, beer and burping

Fridge lights ‘on-and-off’, fucking electric shocks!

What to write on humour,

I don’t have fucking clue….

My brain’s having tumour,

I’m going all blue!

lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala.