Don’t Turn Back

Flight Attendant Siam Mendes steadied his hands on the control. It had been 6 hours since they lost contact with the Air Traffic Control. Their pilot was dead and the co-pilot was being restrained by a group of stewards. Amidst screams and swears from the co-pilot, Siam tried to concentrate, recalling the basic training he had as a recreational pilot. A slick aircraft flew to his right side. An angry face from the cockpit peeked out and a hand brandished something. Soon another lightweight flew to his left. 

Then the radio beeped soothingly, ‘’Mr. Mendes, can you hear me?’’ 

This story {99 words) was written for Charli’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. Do click here to read the other stories in the topic, Danger Zone.

Aftermath

His soul wakes every Memorial Day and wanders across various tombstones, confused with the crowds and flowers. Perhaps he is trying to find the girl in the green dress he never proposed to, his mother who had prayed for 10 years to have him or the enemy who had asked for water. Or does he look for a meaning to his short life or wonder about people who live beyond 22? Whatever it is, don’t go there. Let his soul rest. Light a candle for him in your heart and revere the freedom he and his likes gave you.

The short story above has been written for Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. This week’s challenge is to write a story behind a memorial.

Living Forever – Flash Fiction Challenge

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Cherie looked at the old photo of college students, decorating her wall. He was the one on the corner. He had refused what she had asked and was now a flower vase in her showcase. Each vase symbolized the mood, color and character of the person, thus keeping them alive forever. Her collection had kept growing and she intended to add more.

“Cherie, did you dust the mantelpiece?” her madam called out.

“I will do it right away, madam,” replied Cherie, rushing over to the living room.

Madam had her collection of bouquets too. The ones that never withered.

This week’s flash fiction challenge is to write a story about “the old photograph.” What is captivating about it? Where did it come from? How does it incite a story? Thank you, Charli, for the opportunity.

Being ‘Normal’

My body shivers as I get off the train to look at the strange spectacle of human faces from the corner of my eyes. Unmasked and fearful of making eye contact, some people seem to rush down the streets while others keep close to the walls, their heads down. Assailed by sunlight, I walk in circles, wondering if I should cross the street to my office. I breathe with relief as I notice the essentials of life outside my office. Masked and relaxed, my eyes crinkle into a smile at my teammate as I walk confidently to my seat.

This was written for Charli’s Flash Fiction Challenge for Carrot Ranch. This week’s challenge is to write a story about a new way to office. Has the office changed? Can we return to normal after big changes or time away? Go where the prompt leads!

Short Story in CafeLit

Hello Friends,

My short story was published yesterday in CafeLit Magazine. It is a time travel story. Do please check out the link below and let me know what you think.

My Great-grandma is my Classmate

Thank You.

Contentment – Flash Fiction

Marie felt intense hunger as she marked the papers. She took out her snickers. She just had a little time before she got ready for second grade.

“Excuse me, teacher.” She turned at a low voice. It was Mina, one of the shyest girls in first grade.

“Yes, Mina?”

“I didn’t get the fractions you taught today.”

After ten minutes of explanation, Marie was satisfied that Mina had understood.

“Here, take this.” Marie smiled as the girl’s face brightened at the snickers.

Though a little late, her heart was filled with contentment as Marie walked to the second grade.

This was written for Charli’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. This week’s prompt is to write a story that seeds generosity.

The Unnamed Negotiator

The police inspector stood amongst the rioters, negotiating.

“They started it first,” screamed a youth leader.

The inspector told him what would happen to his future was he arrested. Anger reduced, they jeered at him. He was not the aggressive cop they were hoping for.

“Did you open teargas?” thundered the commissioner.

“No signal, sir.” The inspector cut the call and stood between the rioters, talking in soft tones, reminding them not to fall prey to their passions. Their mockery turned to exhaustion and they dispersed in the midnight, as a lonely figure walked back to his police car.

This story was written for Charli’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. This week’s prompt is to write a story that rethinks the hero. Thank You, Charli.

Late Realization

Sam completed his homework as his sister waited patiently with her Math problems. After helping her, Sam organized the table for the primary school students he tutored. He could hear his mom typing away in the next room. She was also training to be a Montessori teacher. Sam thought about their lives a year ago. His mother spent all her time on TV soaps while Sam and his sister fought over petty video games. His father, the sole breadwinner, labored until he fell sick with Covid. Now Sam wished his father had been around to see his ‘responsible’ family.

This was written for Charli’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. The prompt this week is to write a story that takes place a year later.

Short Story – Rustom’s Interview

Hi Friends,

My short story, Rustom’s Interview, has been published in The World of Myth Magazine. This is the first time I had tried two POVs. Thank you so much, Stephanie, for the publication. Please click the link below to read it. Thank You.

Rustom’s Interview

Short Story Published in The World of Myth Magazine

Hello Friends,

My short story, Stay Away from Home, has been published in The World of Myth Magazine. It falls in the dystopia/science fiction category. Do please click the link below and go to the stories to read it.

Stay Away from Home