Unveil the Other Side

Rain poured softly the day Krishna first saw Purvi—draped in yellow, lighting incense at the Ganapati pandal. Their eyes met like a prayer answered. Thunder rolled, but all he heard was her laughter. From borrowed umbrellas to shared street-side chai, their story bloomed. Every rain after felt like a song only they understood. When they wed under cloudy skies, even the priest smiled, “Blessed by Bappa Himself.” Years passed, but every drizzle pulled them back to that pandal, that glance, that moment. Love, like rain, sometimes arrives quietly—soaking deep, leaving music in its wake. Krishna and Purvi were always meant to be.

 Jiya had always been a curious soul, the kind who’d talk to plants and give names to inanimate objects like her favorite mug, Mr. Steamy. So, when a small bird appeared on her windowsill one lazy afternoon, she wasn’t too surprised. The bird was tiny, with feathers the color of cinnamon and a beady pair of eyes that looked like they held the secrets of the universe—or at least where all the good crumbs were hidden. Naturally, Jiya decided that this bird needed a name. After much deliberation (and a short debate with Mr. Steamy), she settled on "Chirpy." Because, well, the little bird had quite the voice. Every time it opened its beak, a cheerful chirp would escape, as if it were sharing the world’s happiest news. Now, Jiya wasn’t just content with Chirpy being a visitor; she wanted to befriend the bird. So, she started leaving crumbs of her breakfast by the windowsill. And not just any crumbs—these were the premium kind, from her morning toast, perfectly buttered and crispy....

Hari was all set to start afresh on his new venture. Having a normal childhood with not much exposure to various cuisines he was hooked to the staples at his home - rice and sambar, idlis and dosas. Ranganna, Mallika and Hari were a happy family of three. Ranganna worked in a private company as a clerk. Mallika adorned the typical homemaker title. Both of them worked hard to make ends meet. A luxurious lunch in a restaurant was far from reality. One sunny afternoon as Mallika was watching a regular regional soap on television, Hari who was then around ten made a sharbat for his mom. It was not only a surprise in terms of his love towards his mom but she was totally in awe with the drink. It was extra ordinary. Hari had it in him. He had knowledge of flavor, he knew how to present his work beautifully. She praised Hari and started using his help in the kitchen when he showed interest. He learnt all of the delicacies his mom cooked at home, but it was all limited to one geographical area...

It was pure love. She couldn't resist being away for so long. The daily visits had turned into a friendship that created a feeling of wanting more. She was lured and her fantasy grew far beyond. It was a cold night. Christmas wasn't far , roads were covered in snow, twinkling lights on the trees shining all night, the path cleared by the mover. She could see you standing tall and inviting. Being stuck at home, she was waiting to run into you - of course you MC Donalds double cheese burger that she'd been craving for the whole of last week. 

There she lies on bed reading the thriller she'd borrowed from Mrs. Iyer living next door. Her gaze stuck to the mid pages, Krupa was completely engrossed in the chapter "Theft". Dwaraki returned from work early that evening. There was no response from Krupa in spite of numerous door bells.  He opened the window of drawing room, tried to get the spare keys that lay on the table, by stretching his hands. There was a sudden shriek of a known voice. That's when Krupa realized her folly. Dwaraki was discharged a week later after his forelimbs were back to normal. Cent Stories: I have seen people writing Fiction 55's and similar short stories with fixed minimum words. So in the same lines cent stories are those with an exact 100 words. This is the first one. There will be more coming.

Note: This folk tale is based out on one of my recent glass paintings. 3 Princess Glass Painting with Kundan work.[This is yet to be framed] Once upon a time, when HarshaVardhana was reigning in PushpakaNagar a wild dream haunted him on the full moon night. He had been a great devotee of goddess Durga all his life. That night the mighty king woke up confused after what he had heard in his dream. He would be dying soon and had only a couple of weeks left in this world. King Harshavardhana had 3 daughters all of whom had mastered martial arts, learnt various skills a ruler of a kingdom should eventually know. They were wise and extremely beautiful. When the news broke in the kingdom that their beloved king would be gone in a few days, there came a need to choose the new heir to the throne. It became difficult to choose the right one to be successor of such a mighty king Harshavardhana. Minister Chatrapati and Maharaja Harshavardhana discussed of a pl...

Disclaimer: This is a fiction. All characters and incidents are fictitious , if any resemblance to living or dead is purely co-incidence. It was a warm summer sunday morning. Air absolutely pure, weather perfectly pleasant. Laila's breakfast scream was well-known in the neighbourhood. A fitness freak Debashish was winding up his abs and weights routine when he heard his wife go top on her voice "Debo, your daily dose of protein is up on the table. If you are done with your toning, head to the dining please." He replied completely irked "Sssshhhh!! Can't you keep it low Laila? Payal is resting and so are our neighbours. I'm coming in a bit. Hang on". Payal shut her ears using the pillow on her side. It was her first day of vacation after the final exam of class VII , that meant long hours of sleeping. Laila did not care of any, she continued with her routine. 8 am, the table was dressed with a beautiful lilac setting that Laila bought in Belgium a y...

This is a fiction that cropped up as I saw this berry mousse picture in my pile of photos. Comforting herself on a couch in the drawing room Kritika picked the remote control lying on the glass tepoy by her side.She changed the regional channel that was constantly running the past hour while she was busy with the preparations for supper. There was a reality game show about to start in few minutes.It was one of the many shows she never gave a miss. Kritika worked as an HR executive in one of the most reputed industry in the city. She had moved into the new apartment with her husband Vaibhav the previous day. The locality was pretty new for the couple. They had been married for 6 months now. Adjusting to a new life , new lifestyle and now a new locality with new neighbours, new faces was on their cards. One thing that still kept them smiling was that their work place was just about ten minute drive on the outskirts of the city from their new home. That evening Kritika picked some ...

Aadhya continues.. "See I told you about a surprise right? She is my friend Shilpa. And he is Mr. Perfect - Gautam". On sensing the gravity of the situation Shilpa managed to smile a bit with a simple "Hello". Gautam Nodded in response. Aadhya felt the missing surprise factor and was curious to know what the matter was. "Do you guys know each other?" asked Aadhya pointing to the silent Shilpa and dumbstruck Gautam. "Aadhya, I have to leave , got an urgent deliverable to be completed." - said Gautam in hasty and left gobbling up a glass of water. "Aadhya, can we have some fresh hot lemon tea?". "Order two of them please." said Shilpa to the waiter who approached the table. "No make one of hot espresso" Aadhya intervened. "For God's sake tell me what is going on. I need some explanation. Kill the news Shilpa." she pleaded. "Aadhya, Gautam is a married Man.He is my colleague Shalini's husban...

Aadhya picked her phone and re-dialled the last number. Yes it was Gautam. They had got closer from friends to buddies and now madly in love with each other. " Guess What?" in a high exclamation "Tell me what is it Aadhya?" "I have a job and I need to start work this Monday at the Blair's." "That is a wonderful news. Lets celebrate over at the coffee bar. Come over at 5 and I'll pick you up from Market area." "Sounds great.I'll be there. See you soon." Aadhya is waiting in front of Maria Bakers. She is all excited about the new job. Shilpa was returning home after the days work and she spots Aadhya on the other side of the road. Shilpa crossed at the junction and waved her hand signalling from this side to that. Aadhya was so happy to see her friend. She hugged her and revealed the news of the new job. "Hey Shilpa, I have been offered a job at the Blair's Publications.I was about to call you after your work time. I...

Shilpa helped Aadhya find an apartment studio that best fit her requirements. Aadhya got acquainted to the new home and the new environment. She met Gautam at the famous Indian grocery store one fine day. She actually bumped into him when she was moving towards the cash counter. "Hey Ms. Aadhya. How are you doing?" "Oh am Sorry.. Ga...Gautam (With a surprise). " "Yes Gautam. Glad you remember me and my name" "That day I could not thank you enough and before I turned to bid a bye you were gone." "Oh yeah I got a call from my manager and before I could answer it and return you had left." "Well I am doing good. How is your work, targets and what not?" "Hhhh! Work never going to end. I am quite happy by the way it is getting these days. Things are way better and more streamlined. Leave that alone. Tell me if you've found some offers. What's going on at your end?" "Gautam, you pretty well know that I am not ...

Shilpa, a chirpy bubbly girl from Delhi - the same city as of Aadhya, was presently working at the "Bank of West" after her arrival in the States. She got married a year ago to Mayank Bhansal, a so called rich MNC employee and had immediately joined him after the rituals. After Shilpa came and settled in Chicago, she continued to be in contact with her close friend Aadhya. In a way it was Shilpa who helped Aadhya gain confidence in herself and come over to the states for a better career. "Helloooo Aadhyaaa. Finally you decided to fly down here. Feels so good to meet you after such a long time. Hope you had no problems and your baggage is allright. By the way Mayank was about to join but you know these service oriented companies and their deadlines..." Excited Shilpa said in a single shot. "Hi Shilpa. Very nice to meet you too. I had a safe journey and everything was smooth and clear especially with the help offered by Mr. Gautam" As Aadhya turned to point ...

Almost an year ago, when Aadhya left to US after completing her post graduation in Mass Media and Communications from a reputed college of Arts - Pune, little did she know about the future that was in store for her. She had a very charming and attractive personality. She excelled in her studies too. October 27th , the evening she landed in Chicago is the day that remains bold and clear in her memory. In the baggage counter she stood wearing an anxious look. Her bright eyes were searching the two huge suitcases. Her mom had packed them with all sorts of eateries which consumed more space and weight than Aadhya's clothes or other essentials. She was nervous yet tried to portray the calm and confident self. "First visit to the states ?" came a gentle voice from behind. Startled at the question, Aadhya shook her head to respond in a "YES." "Well I am Gautam Choudary. I guess that was a Yes. No need to panic. Customs check is just a formality. I was afraid the ...

Late November, Chicago. That evening was freakingly cold, winds were really gusty making a cold day feel even colder. Naked trees and frosted leaves , the signature of nature that marks the winter, was here. Sleety weather was in full swing with flakes of snow drifting down in a pace of its own, forming a layer of about a foot high or even more in some areas. After a tiring day at work, Aadhya headed towards the metro station. She took the same route since 6 months, after having joined the firm that hired her as a print media specialist. Enroute, as she walked past the coffeeshop at the cross-section of Pike and 4th Avenue , the aroma stopped her from moving any further. She couldn't resist the hot espresso and forced herself into the cafe. Aadhya ordered her all time favourite on the menu - "A tall espresso Please!". As she wiat at the counter her sight moved to an empty table at the corner of the lounge. "Your espresso M'am, Cream on to your right please" ...

Kasnau, Rajasthan Late November evening, a lively couple ,Keya and Ratan, in the remote village of Kasnau were celebrating the joy of the new arrival in the family. Friends,family and well wishers from the entire village had gathered around their old rustic home aiding moral support and to be a part of celebrations. As Ratan held his daughter for the first time, he exclaimed " This encounter is magical ". Ratan was beyond himself with happiness as congratulations poured in from every corner of the village. The baby was no doubt an angel with lovely inquisitive little eyes. Keya was not able to pull off her eyes from those cute chubby pink cheeks, tiny little fingers , soft and tender skin. The happy couple, Keya and Ratan named their bundle of joy - Pari. Pari was perpetually sweet and obedient, even to those who abused her of being unlucky and a bad omen. Yes you read it right. Soon after Pari was born, in about a month's time, Ratan's paddy fields had been infected,...

Disclaimer: All characters in this short story are fictitious. If any resemblance to either living or dead then it is purely co-incidential. Bhoomika ran out of the main door bidding a Goodbye. As her parents wave their hands, she jumped into a taxi that had been waiting for an hour. Her flight from Delhi to Chennai was scheduled to depart at 6 am and she was running late as usual. Bhoomika worked in an MNC after her graduation. Holding a masters degree from the University of Stanford landed her in a position that demanded her skills to be used to the maximum. Talent and expertise at the best, made her conquer the title Senior Manger, Marketing team. Close to 10 years into this corporate world had proven her abilities to sustain and bring in the best of the bests. Well, now she was working on a collaborative project that requuired a third party involvement. Risks are bound to be while working on any high profile projects in this highly challenged and competitve era. Bhoomi had it in he...

Kruti was blessed with wonderful parents and she got the best of everything in life. Education, extra-curricular activities like dance, singing, painting, skating - she was a brilliant kid all through and now grown into a beautiful young, intelligent girl. The statement "Beauty and Brains" fit the highly ambitious sweet girl aptly. Ramu kaka's ginger tea is the key ingredient to start her day with the lingering freshness. Aroma of the chai kept her going all day through. Excellency in all fields, specially remarkable academics recognition landed her in a high profile job. Living her dream in a city that offered the best of bests, she couldn't have asked for more. Roshan Joshi, her immediate boss, appreciative of her achievements, proposed a new opportunity abroad, only if she was interested. Kruti's response was immediate and negative. She did not want to leave the city that gave her everything in life. Roshan respected her decision, quit the proposal. As she mo...

That morning's sunrise was the best sunrise she had seen ever, the gold rays of sun kissed her forehead whispering good morning in its own charm. Parth lie beside her deep in sleep. She held his hand and rested her head on his chest. He slowly opened his eyes cleared the strings of hair which had fallen on her face and held her in his arms. The knock on the door for the morning coffee awakened them. Kshama had plans of spending her morning in the sophisticated inhouse Spa where the expert hands worked. Parth was lazing around when Kshama hurried through the door to reach the luxurious spa on time so that she didn't miss her appointment. Tejas dropped by when Parth was munching on a multigrain sandwich in the living area in his suite and the memories poured one after the other. Parth questioned Tejas about Manya. Manya was the girl who had to be tying the knot with Tejas but the misconceptions that cropped, had them part ways. They were no more in contact with each other. Parth ...

The lower deck had separate cabins for each family and Parth's reservation said "LD12". A handsome young cabin boy brought their baggage and comforted them in their luxuriously spaced room. As they freshened up, a cup of hot aromatic tea was served in their cabin which charged them up on a lousy cold morning. Kshama changed into the gold gown and she wore the black belt bought at the Gucci store specially picked by her after placing an order. The accessories were carefully chosen to match the evening spirits. She ensured Parth wore his Black blazer over the light brick colored shirt complimenting his Sharp end custom made French style shoes. They moved to that portion of the deck where roulette was being played. The Wheel on the table was spinning and the ball finally landed in Black 20. A guy in his late twenties had won a bet of $1000. Kshama stood there astonished at the guy's Luck. Men and women who had earned all their life saving penny over penny, were trying...