Short-story

Camaraderie

Published

4 years ago

April 18, 2021

Tanvi Nagar, Delhi Public School, Gurugram, Haryana

“Oh! I have spotted a beautiful garden resplendent with flowers,” I said. “Have you!” exclaimed Monarchy. Monarchy and I are best friends with many other companions in our cluster. She gets her name from the butterfly type we belong to. We have large, orange and black coloured wings with spotted edges of orange and yellow tinge. I often contemplate whether it is our colour or our strength that gives us special status.

But Monarchy and I sleep, fly and drink nectar together. We flew down to the garden and saw yellow, bright red and orange flowers. They looked very inviting. We glanced at the Lantana bushes. After sucking nectar, Monarchy announced that she was sleepy. I agreed because even I was aching to bask in the sun on a cloudy day. We flew down to a clump of trees. We found the twig, which was our favourite haunt, we called our home. We clung to the twig and slumbered. We woke up to see the clouds fading away. Our friends from the cluster had joined us as unexpected rain always played the spoilsport.

We sent a small signal through our antennas. Today, Monarchy, Monar, and my turn to descend on a journey to visit the park resembled a Valley of Flowers. It was a picturesque sight, with water gushing through the small stream in its vicinity. But most butterflies loathed going there. The park was frequented by errant visitors who chanced upon butterflies and tiny creatures with their nets. Going there always made me nervous. “Is it my chance today?” I asked dolefully. Monarchy, too was petrified. I helped cheer her up and lift her spirits. “We are the Monarchs. We can fly faster than those children in any case”. She nodded in agreement.

Over the years, I have often pondered over why people looked disgusted when they saw me as a caterpillar, but today they were so fascinated and marvelled at my sight. We chatted and smelled our way through our flight with the help of our antennas and our feet. We nonchalantly flew down to the fresh flowers with a sweet aroma. “Hey, look at that,” shouted Monar. Just then, to our dismay, some butterflies fluttered at the sight of children. Monarch and Monar headed for the bushes to hide. I could get the nectar while the rest could dodge the children. If we all flew together, we were sure to be distinguished.

I chose a gleaming orange flower akin to my colour, as it would camouflage me, a trick we use all the while when we fear a predator. Just then, the children came tiptoeing like mystic shadows. I did not notice them except hearing the crunching sound over the grass beneath their boots. I was attracted to the sugary nectar, and greed got the better of me. A tall, burly child put a net over me. At the first instance, I escaped, but I suppose I was a little slow. He jumped up so high, and his butterfly net was just the suitable gadget to take control of me. I could not resist, and the mesh encircled me. I tried to shout for help, but my voice faded into oblivion. The boys shouted, “Hey! Hey! We have caught it.” The other children from behind laughed and celebrated. I felt ridiculed and helpless. I was suspended in the air. I tried to flex my wings, but any attempt was futile. In my numb state, I did not notice that my friends were trying to follow me. “No, I shouted out. Go back, or they will catch you too.” But they would not leave my side.

The boys took me to a garage near a mansion. They had a few glass jars covered with black cloth. I was released into one of them. It seemed I could fly out, but I couldn’t go; something blocked my flight. I flew all over the bottle, but there was no escape. It was time to take stock of the situation. I was a captive in a dark and dingy room. Some light came in through a small window with its glass door held ajar. I knew this was the only hope to my world full of radiance, liveliness and freedom. I missed my dear friends. I reflected on every moment spent with them. Somehow I needed to keep my spirits up. Lo! What do I see? My friends were around. I saw them at the window. Was it my imagination? I thought.

“No” came Monarchy’s voice from across the window, as if she had read my mind. I was astonished; friendship had meant she had risked her life to help set me free. Monarchy had not come alone. I saw a little girl dressed in a beautiful red dress. She bounced on every step. I wondered what she would do till I saw her trying to jump in through the window. Alas! She was much too short for that. The hopes which had risen were fading, and the world lost its colour. They took no time to find a way. She turned a flower pot and climbed in. I could get the smell of fresh soil coming from underneath her feet. The little girl was prompt and let the black cover off the jar. She smiled sweetly. I was puzzled whether I should wait to watch her, thank her or find my way out of captivity. I knew she was an angel, with deep brown eyes, so calmly set in. She was kind with a dulcet voice. Even today, her melodious voice echoes in my mind. I bid goodbye. Monarchy has never shared the secret of how she came by Angel. Friends are like the Gardeners who toil hard to get the flowers flourishing. Monarchy has stood by me as the most trusted friend who gave me another chance to start my life afresh.

Short-story

Fury of Tomato

Published

1 year ago

August 16, 2023

VOV Writer

Advika Bhatnagar
Shikshantar School, Gurugram
Grade 3

Alice, a nine-year-old boy, lived in the countryside of Tinseltown with his Granny. He was a stubborn and edgy child. He liked to eat whatever he wanted and didn’t care much about Granny’s words. This made the old lady very sad.

“Granny, Granny, hunger pangs! I want pizza and chocolate ice cream for dinner,” said Alice

“Wait, child, I’m making delicious chicken soup, healthy multigrain bread, and a fresh salad,” answered Granny.

Alice got angry when he saw salad on the dining table. He yelled, “Again, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and tomato. Is that what I will eat? “No, no, no, never, not at all. No dinner tonight.” Granny got worried and left the house to get his favourite food.

Alice was all alone. In anger, he picked up the tomato and threw it at the wall. The red pulp of the tomato almost covered the mid-wall. He was shocked to see the pulp turning into a monster.

“Ha, Ha, Ha, you stubborn boy. Every day I see you trouble your Granny for food. When you hit me against the wall today, I felt hurt. I will teach you a lesson. I am the new king of vegetables. I rule the meals,” said the tomato monster. And then the monster followed him everywhere in the room.

Alice was so scared that he was running in different directions. Sitting under the table, he quietly prayed, “Oh God, please save me from this deadly monster.”

Alice rushed to his Granny’s room, wears her hat and robe. He picks up the embroidered, favourite napkin of the Granny and moves slowly towards the wall. He wipes the tomato pulp, and the monster disappears right away.

Alice gets the lesson of his life to value all food. He vows to take care of Granny, as her belongings protect him. When she was back, he hugged her and said, “I love you so much. I will eat whatever you cook for me.”

The writer attended Takhte Writers & Publishers’ Story Writing Writeshop at Kalasthali, Gurugram.

Photo Courtesy – Andre Taissin (xRUJcUTEp6Y) Unsplash

Short-story

#Anecdotes of India@75

Published

3 years ago

June 2, 2022

VOV Writer

India, an enigmatic and epochal country, has an unparalleled and flourishing cultural legacy, which we are proud to represent. It is steadfast and unyielding, and it will never be lost to future generations. This year marks the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.

Writers are synonymous with bringing about a renaissance, whether literary or social; they function as negotiators to mediate the country’s social and cultural difficulties and, at times, become reformists. They have a legendary imagination, a distinct voice, flawless creative control of wordplay, and the ability to represent reality.

Takhte Writers & Publishers in collaboration with StoryMirror launch the literary contest ‘Anecdotes of India@75′

‘Anecdotes of India@75’ acknowledge the unacknowledged. It could be a person or an incident adding to national ethos, and you as a writer feel that others should know about it. So, start thinking, exploring and writing it in a stimulating story.

Rules:

Participants have to submit their content on the above theme.
Winners will be decided on the basis of editorial scores.
Participants should submit their original content. There is no limit to the number of content to be submitted.
There is no word limit.
There is no participation fee.

Categories: Story

Languages: English, Hindi

Prizes:

Top 2 winners will be felicitated with the Coffee Table Book of Rs2500/- authored by Takhte Writers
Top 20 winners in each language will be published in an ebook by StoryMirror.
Winners will receive digital certificates of appreciation.
All participants will receive a digital participation certificate.

Submission phase – May 29, 2022, to June 28, 2022

Declaration of Result: August 11, 2022

Contact:
Email: takhtevov@gmail.com
Phone/ WhatsApp: +91 9311845524

Short-story

Twisha and Alex on Moon

Published

3 years ago

April 18, 2022

VOV Writer

Reyaansh Bhardwaj
Scottish High International School
Gurugram
Grade 4

Alex was in his science lab carrying out his usual experiments. But, this time, he had thought of making a robot, which he wanted to gift to King Andrew during his birthday celebration. At that moment, Twisha came into the lab with Oreo.

Twisha, a year younger than Alex, is a sweet, pretty and short-tempered cousin. She asked Alex about his new experiment and shared her thoughts about going to the Moon.

Alex said, “Wow! Moon. I know you always wanted to go there. However, right now, going to the moon is more like a dream as we do not have a spacecraft. One day, I will take you to the moon”.

“One day! Seriously Alex. It doesn’t seem that near now. I surely want to go now,” said Twisha.

“Oh, Twisha! Don’t lose heart. I just remembered that Dr Peter is a Rocket scientist. He lives in the U.S.A, and I’ll talk to him about it,” said Alex.

Twisha replied, “Don’t make it tough. I will take you there.”

Alex was wonderstruck and astonished and teased her, “You are not a scientist. Are you a magician? HA HA HA HA HA HA.”

Twisha frowned. Seeing her annoyed, Alex said, “Ok, ok, so when are we going? How are we going? For how long are we going? What are we taking along?

Oreo heard the word going. He whined as if he should not be forgotten in their plans.

Twisha replied, “So many questions in one go. Bro, relax. We’ll go after two days on the full moon night.“

Twisha patted Oreo and said, “My Lil pup, I’m sorry you can’t go this time, but I’ll treat you with your favourite bone and peanut butter.”

As planned, on the full moon night, they both go on the terrace; Twisha asks Alex to lie down on the spread carpet. It was attractive, multicoloured with stars on it

Alex gets grumpy, “Are you serious. Is this your plan? Just lying down, and we’ll reach the Moon.”

“Have patience, this carpet has magical powers, and it will take us to the moon,” said Twisha. Her mind is burdened and overworking how to calm Alex and end his curiosity. Then, as in a trance-like state, she can take him and bring him back quickly.

Twisha picks up the crystal ball and asks him to focus on it and take deep breaths.

In no time, Alex exclaims, “Wowww! We have finally landed. It’s giant. Twisha, you know other names of Moon, its Luna, Selena or say Artemis. Moon is the only natural satellite of our planet and the second brightest object in the sky after the sun. Any object on the Moon will weigh six times less than on Earth. It rests on the tallest mountain, the Mons Huygens. Twisha, you would have read too, that Neil Armstrong was the first person to set foot on the Moon.”

Alex, for hours, kept gaping and looking around in awe. He is surprised that Twisha has not spoken and asks her, “Hey! Why are you not saying anything? You also know so much. So you should share your learnings.”

Twisha giggles and pats Alex’s shoulder, “Hey, Bro, how are you doing? I think you completely enjoyed your visit to the Moon.” Alex rubbed his eyes and looked at her with his mouth open.

Photo Courtesy – aron-visuals-unsplash