అలవోకగా నవ్విస్తూ రెప్పపాటున జారిపోయే చినుకు చినుకు నువ్విచ్చిన ఉద్వేగమే తూగుతూ సాగిపోతూ హాయిని అందించే ప్రతీ ప్రయత్నమూ తాళలేవు నాలో ఉప్పొంగే ధ్వనులకు

ప్రతీ హాయి కొత్త ఋతువును పరిచయం చేస్తూ దాగిన మనసుని ప్రణయంతో ప్రత్యక్షపరుస్తుంది తరచి చూస్తే ఒక్కోక్షణం పలుకుతూనే నీ ఊసులు అందిస్తూ సాగిపోతాయి

తీర్చలేని లోటు అని తెలుసు తీరని వేదన నీకే కాదు నువ్వే నేను అనుకున్న నాకు కూడా..

Disclaimer: For ages above 18 only. I: Calling “Oh, God! It is 8 am already! I have to reach the office in thirty minutes!. Why didn’t the alarm ring today? Did I forget to set it last night? Well, that has never happened before, and Padma said she would be back before sunrise, but she is not here yet. She is certainly getting out of line these days! I will be late for work today because she failed to set the alarm last night before leaving.” Narayan spoke to himself as he walked towards the main gate to fetch the milk cursing his wife. On his way, he noticed Padma enter the gate slowly with a petrified look. She walked past him like he was not standing there, and as she did, Narayan screamed, “Where the hell were you? You are not only late but even ignoring me as if I am not here?” Cover Photo by Vani Buddhavarapu Unbothered, Padma kept walking, and Narayan continued, “Don’t walk away while I am talking to you, Padma! Your failure to set the alarm is making me late for work!” Padma entered the kitchen without flinching and opened the refrigerator door to store the milk. Narayan furiously followed her, shouting, “Did you just walk past me like I didn’t exist?” Padma lifted her head but didn’t respond to his question. She once again ignored Narayan’s presence and started walking towards their bedroom. Narayan, burnt with anger, started looking for something, telling himself, “She is going to die in my hands today.” Meanwhile, Padma screamed at the top of her voice, “Oh God!” Narayan screamed back from the living room with a confused look on his face, “What happened now?” Padma didn’t respond. Instead, she sobbed loudly. Narayan entered their bedroom to find out what had happened. He was awestruck after witnessing his body lying on the bed. He could not believe what he had just seen and wished it was a nightmare. Padma continued to sob loudly, and Narayan stood there still, unable to understand how he could be standing near the entrance, still breathing while his body lay on the bed. Padma, before long, returned to her senses and dialled to say, “Nandu! I think your dad is no more. He is not breathing. I am terrified; please come home immediately.” “Your dad is no more? Am I not breathing? What is she saying?” Narayan asked himself without moving an inch. He is unsure how long it has been since he stood there still. Soon the word spread, and people started to gather at his house and sob uncontrollably. With members coming from everywhere, Narayan was even more worried. At one point, he screamed, unable to take it anymore, “Can somebody tell me what is happening here?” Though he didn’t get an answer, he noticed two beings floating toward him. Their appearance hinted at the bitter reality that he was dead. At last, the truth was so evident that he wept, saying to himself, “I can’t believe I could be dead. I cannot die this soon, and this can’t be happening.” One of the messengers walked up to him, commanding, “Mortal, your time here is done. We have a long way to go.” Narayan fell on the messenger’s feet and cried, “Please don’t take me. I can’t be gone this soon, not today and not for another few years.” “What? You don’t get to bargain with death. You have served your time here, and we must leave immediately,” the messenger responded. “Now get on your feet and start walking with us,” demanded another messenger. Narayan, still sobbing, implored, “Please do not do this to me, my family is dependent on me, and I cannot abandon them by dying.” “You can’t be serious about this? You either walk with us politely, or we will have to drag your arse from here. Either way, you are going with us,” ordered the first messenger controlling his anger. Narayan pleaded again, but this time, he asked for another chance at life. The second messenger asked, “What makes you think we would agree?” “Because I have always been a responsible and kind human being. Moreover, my family needs me here,” replied Narayan confidently. “No, they absolutely don’t, and why would we give you another chance at life for your family’s sake when all you have done is punish your loved ones?” asked the first messenger. To which the second messenger added, “Your death is a favour to them from our end.” That statement didn’t stop Narayan from pleading, “My body is still here, and I promise I will rectify all my mistakes and not be the same person as before if only offered another chance. Everybody deserves a second chance, don’t they?” The first messenger replied, “If you could recall the cruel and inhuman things that you have done, I don’t think you would even ask your life back to rectify it.” Narayan, without a moment of hesitation, replied, “What if I do?” II: Consummation Nearly three decades ago Narayan and his family had gathered at Padma’s house. After they settled in the main hall and Padma was brought before them, Narayan’s mother whispered, “She is beautiful, isn’t she?” “Just being beautiful is not always enough,” Narayan replied curtly. “She should have a pleasing face, an acceptable wit, and gentle manners enough to credit that she is my wife. Most of all, her character should not be deficient.” Narayan's mother bitterly replied, expressing her disgust on her face, “You view women merely as chattels and breeding stock. Wake up before it is too late!” That was the last word Narayan’s mother spoke until they reached the point of consummation. Padma was dressed up in a white saree with light make-up and jewellery. She didn’t seem excited. Rather, she looked petrified after what her mother had said to her before sending her inside the bedroom. Her mother’s words just kept ringing like an alarm in her head. Padma, tonight it might not be as beautiful as you think. He might hurt you, but definitely unintentionally, and there could be blood, but do not worry. It will only get better. Padma had no idea what her mother was talking about, but she could not help but think of the words ‘hurt’ and ‘blood’ again & again.” Even when she entered the room, she kept wondering about “Hurt and blood” while horrendous thoughts took over her. However, before long, Narayan interrupted them by saying, “Looks like you are all set for a beautiful ride tonight, love.” Padma did not respond because she simply didn’t know what to say. Narayan, noticing her lost in her thoughts, asked, “What are you thinking about? Love?” To which she responded, “Nothing. I’m just…” and she paused. She couldn’t manage to say what she was thinking, but something lightened her up when Narayan mentioned the word ‘beautiful’. She hoped maybe it would not be as bad as her mother had described it would be. She also recalled her friend Savitha talking about her wedding night. She said it was incredible, joyful & passionate, and her friend has never lied to her. “Padma!” yelled Narayan, “You seem so lost!” “No, I am not,” she replied immediately. “Alright! I am sure your mother has explained everything to you in detail about the wedding night?” asked Narayan curiously. Though that question took her to the two words blood and hurt, Padma hesitantly replied, “Yes. Of course.” With a beaming smile, Narayan announced, “Good, then let us start without wasting any more time.” Confused, Padma asked innocently, “Start what? Talk about myself?” “What do you want us to talk about yourself?” “About my likes and dislikes, for example, my favourite colour or food..” Interrupting her, Narayan replied, “Don’t be silly! We have all the time in the world to talk about these petty things. This is not the right time for that. Padma felt like someone had just punched her in the gut but remained quiet, hoping it would get better. Narayan moved closer to her and looked at her “I need you,“ he growled. “I need you right now.” Padma didn’t flinch. She didn’t know what to say. He instructed her to lay flat on her back. Padma hesitantly followed his orders. As he slowly stripped off his clothing, his eyes never left her charmingly dishevelled form. First, he unbuttoned his shirt one button at a time. Then his trouser had already been rumpled by his order. He caught her eyes, dark and large and filled with confusion and smiled with satisfaction that she was indeed a virgin.; “You have never seen a naked man before, have you?” he murmured. She shook her head, saying no. To which he remarked, “Perfect”, and leaned forward, removed her saree and threw it on the floor. As he moved closer, he whispered, “You will never see another, too.” Padma lay flat on her back on the mattress with just her blouse and skirt on. Narayan’s desire swelled when he imagined her breasts with no blouse on. He wanted to enjoy himself thoroughly in bed since the time he had laid eyes on her. However, he felt she was still fully clothed and still fully innocent. She wasn’t yet ready to see the proof of his desire. But little did he care about what she wanted or desired. He climbed onto her like a feral cat and crawled towards her inching closer to her elbows, which had been propping her up. His ends slid to the top button of her blouse and unhooked it. He still could not get a clear picture of her breasts. He unhooked all her blouse buttons, and now he looked at her breasts with hunger. Her nipples were rosy pink, and her breasts perfectly fit his hands. He cupped one of her breasts, squeezing it hard, and Padma screamed in pain. He didn’t bother to pay attention to her scream. “So lovely,” he murmured and squeezed both her breasts harder. She was in pain, but she could not express it after all she was told by her mother. She certainly did not want to upset her newlywed husband and make things worse. “I want to feel you,” he whispered, interrupting her thoughts. She was so perfect, so utterly beautiful, and he wanted her all for himself. He reached her waist, trying to get rid of her skirt, but he could not manage to do it, which only frustrated him. He yelled, “Can’t you see I am unable to get rid of this skirt of yours?” Frightened, Padma immediately sat upright and got rid of her skirt. She was completely naked in front of him and was uncomfortable under his gaze. He demanded she lay back on the mattress, which she did. He reached her womanhood and brought his lips close to hers down there. She shivered with desire for the first time and moaned softly. Pleased, he moved over her, nudging her legs further apart and letting out a moan; he took a deep breath. He was trying to make sure that he remained slow and gentle, but his need was getting stronger and stronger, and his own breath was growing fast and ragged. She was ready for him, or at least as ready as she was going to be. He knew that this first time would bring her pain. He fitted himself against her opening, using his arms to brace his body a few inches above hers. “I’m going to make you mine now,” he said, inching forward as he spoke. He plunged forward. “Oh,” she breathed. “Oh my!,” he groaned, barely able to believe just how good it felt to be buried completely within her. “Oh, my, indeed!” he shook his head slowly as his body began to move in an ancient rhythm. His mouth took hers as one of his hands snaked up to caress her breast. She was utter perfection beneath him, her hips rising to meet his, moving tentatively at first, then with a vigour that matched her rising passion. “Oh, God!” he moaned, his ability to form flowery sentences completely lost in the primitive heat of the moment. “You’re so good. So good, ” he admitted. Her breath was coming faster and faster, and each little wispy gasp inflamed his passion even more. And with each thrust, it was getting more difficult to put her needs before his. “You’re so beautiful, so unbelievably,” he exclaimed, trying his best. She’d stiffened beneath him, and not in the climax, “You called me beautiful,” she whispered. For the life of him, he couldn’t understand how that was a bad thing. “I’m not beautiful,” she whispered. “Listen to me,” he said, his voice even and intense, “and listen well because I’m only going to say this once. I desire you. I couldn’t sleep all these days wanting you. I have lusted for you. It’s the most maddening, beguiling, damnable thing, but there it is. And if I hear one more word of nonsense from your lips, I’m going to have to tie you to the bloody bed and have my way with you a hundred different ways. Until you finally get it through your silly skull that you are the most beautiful and desirable woman that I have ever met, and if everyone else doesn’t see that, then they’re all bloody fools.” He thrust into her real hard, this time with his long and hard erection. She screamed in pain but moaned after a second. From that day and for all the years to come, Narayan never requested or pleaded for sex. It was always offered at his will, and not a day went by where he didn’t think it was right to be given what he sought. III: Consequence Nearly a decade ago! Sujatha was twenty-two when Narayan caught her with a man in the back of his car, parked next to Narayan’s backyard at nine o’clock on a Sunday night. The car was cold, and they had been doing pretty much the same thing a dozen times before. Sujatha had not realised that she had started paddling in the wrong direction until it was too late. She moaned, closing her eyes while her boyfriend with her did his thing, one hand wrapped around her ponytail. Everything was as usual until they heard a knock on the car door. Opening her eyes, Sujatha saw her father and knew life finally got to her by making her nightmare come true. Exiting the car dressed, Sujatha stole a look at Narayan. There might have been tears slipping down his cheek, or it might have been a trick of the headlights in the night frog. Sujatha started to say, “Dad…” “Don’t”, Narayan said. Without making any eye contact, Narayan entered the back door. “Dad, we need to talk about it,” insisted Sujatha. “Talk about what?” Sujatha shivered with fear and could not utter a word. Narayan made his way to the bedroom and shut the door behind him. A few weeks later, Sujatha walked in on Narayan in the kitchen. He looked up and then back at the coffee pot. This is how it had been for weeks, them avoiding each other, tiptoeing around the house, peeking around the corners to make sure the other wasn’t there. Sujatha went past him to get some milk and turned around once done. Narayan was still standing there holding a spoon while Sujatha sat down. He stayed with his National paper mug, eyes on the floor. He dumped out his coffee and rinsed the mug, placing it carefully on the hook near the sink. He walked out of the kitchen without uttering a word, back straight. “It comes down to the smallest things, Dad, really, that a person could do to say, it’s okay, I forgive you. The tiniest of declarations were built, one on top of the other, until there was something solid beneath your feet. And then…and then. Who knew?” Sujatha screamed from behind. “Do you really expect me to say it is okay, and I forgive you after the stunt you pulled the other night?” Narayan asked. “I mean, I am twenty-two years old and really like the guy. We are in a relationship, so it was nothing wrong. In fact, you invaded our private space and dragged me out of the car like I was an animal,” replied Sujatha. “Just because you were doing private things in a public place doesn’t make it your private space,” Narayan yelled. After a moment of silence, he continued, “And what did you just say? That you are in a relationship with that pervert?” “Well, he is no pervert,” defended Sujatha. “Do you prefer me referring to him as a Messiah, perhaps?” “Dad, I am in a serious relationship with him and would like to marry him only.” “And that is happening over my dead body,” replied Narayan instantly yet silently. Noticing her daughter shocked, he said, “You knew you were always going to marry the boy I chose.” “And that is happening over my dead body,” Sujatha retorted. Padma heard the screams and came out to check on what was happening. “That night,” Sujatha said, taking a deep breath, “I did something really stupid, and you should not have witnessed that, for which I really am sorry. But that doesn’t give you the right to snatch the choice of the boy I wed or treat me like my choices don’t matter.” Interrupting her, Padma asked, “What is happening here? And watch your tone Sujatha!” Staring at her father, Sujatha replied, “Maa, please stay out of this, and I know what I am doing.” “You have the audacity to defend what happened and think you can deny the person I wish you to marry?” “Yes, I do, maybe, because no one you bring is going to marry your impure daughter. If not for that pervert Kishore, no one!” Sujatha yelled. Confused & terrified, Padma asked, “What do you mean by that?” Looking into her daughter’s eyes, Padma remained silent while Narayan stood still for a moment before declaring, “The self-obsessed man of your choice who is just like you is not the one I would approve of. I would gladly let you die alone than offer my blessing to marry Kishore.” “After all we have given for each other, I will not marry anyone else!” declared Sujatha. Disappointed, Padma hesitantly asked, “Are you saying that yourself?” “Yes, we did. In love, respect, dignity and honour for each other, maa,” replied Sujatha. Before Narayan spoke another word, Padma slapped Sujatha across her face. Holding her cheek with one of her hands, Sujatha asked, “If what I did was a sin, then how come pushing your daughter into a stranger’s room hoping he would bed her isn’t?” Narayan burned with anger after listening to what Sujatha had just said. He had lost himself and pulled Sujatha by her arm and dragged her out of the house. . “That’s enough of you! I can't stand your sight anymore! Be gone, you witch!” yelled Narayan at the top of his voice. Falling on the floor, Sujatha looked around to see all her neighbours who rushed out of their homes. Broken, she turned to her mother to ask, “Is this your decision too, maa?” Padma wept silently and stood still without uttering a word. Standing up and dusting herself, Sujatha walked away empty-handed. Though she kept telling herself not to shed tears, they slipped from her eyes, and the home she grew up in was no longer a place she adored. IV: Control Ever since Sujatha had left home to marry the love of her life, Narayan had not been himself. He missed her, but he didn’t want to admit it. His ego would not let him do so. He was no longer the same, and somehow he felt his wife Padma was not as affected as he was. He, however, thought maybe she was suffering from inside like him, but exteriorly she seemed fine. She didn’t suffer from sleepless nights as he did, and his dark circles got even worse. He looked thinner and mostly weak. He had not been eating well, and the only relief was that Padma was not as shattered as he thought she would be. He felt maybe she was stronger than him when it came to coping with emotions. Little did he know about the secret meetings between Padma & Sujatha. However, Narayan had made up his mind that he would get his younger daughter Nandini married as soon as she finished her graduation. He didn’t want to make the same mistake as he did in Sujatha by delaying the prospect.

వీచే గాలి స్పర్శతో మన ముచ్చట్లు ఓకే చెట్టు కొమ్మకు ఉంటూ చేరువ కాలేని సహవాసం

అవి... కొన్ని కొనుక్కు తెచ్చుకున్న క్షణాలు విరబూసే నవ్వుతో కలలు తలపోస్తూ వెదజల్లిన పరిమళాన్ని స్వాసిస్తూ పోయింది.

I: Akori’s Dilemma Out of the infinite fireballs in the universe, Creator Irma, with Mother Nature’s help, could only curate five suns to be habitable. With his power, Irma controlled the heat with an energy shield and built land on the surface of each sun that was otherwise nothing but fire. Of the five suns, Orelia was the only one left with the direct descendants of Creator Irma, while the Kurlandan family took over the other suns. When the burning sky still glowed at dusk, however, a little dim than at dawn, and the cold winds pleasured the sorens [1], most rested, considering it to be night. Illustrated by Ajay Bogati One evening, resting in his royal garden while relishing the scent of flowers, Emperor Akori awaited to meet his daughter contemplating the future of his subjects. Apart from hunting and training, Emperor Akori took pleasure in watching the eventide sky that emitted all shades of red. That evening, Emperor Akori thought to himself, “Isn’t it true that everything in this universe has something to teach us?” The Emperor, who united the whole of Orelia under his rule through his principles & foresight, now wondered, “Would the Kurlandans take over Orelia too? Is this the end of the rule for Irma’s children?” Though the Kurlandans admired and bowed to Akori, they wouldn’t miss any opportunity to capture Orelia if presented with one. Emperor Akori knew that his son would be the weak link to provide them with such a chance. Akori’s son Athor was well-educated and mature but was nothing like his father. The Emperor was troubled that he lacked command but was, to some extent, pleased that he was loved by the councillors for his judgement and views. Though the Emperor had doubts about whether Athor would be a worthy successor, he caved in as he was his only son, but his recent actions disappointed him. Akori’s little confidence in his son’s capabilities was shattered when he learned a heartbreaking truth about him. With the events unfolding, Akori could foresee the inevitable end of his family line and the ruin of his world after being occupied by the Kurlandans. Nevertheless, God Irma and Goddess Irmiti had also blessed Akori with a daughter named Aronica. The girl had many of her mother’s characteristics and was the only one who could provide any respite from the pain Akori felt after losing his wife to an unknown sickness. She was the woman he had loved all his life; it was never the same again without her. The two siblings were quite different in their nature. Athor, who was aptly named after a wise saint, was invested in acquiring knowledge and was one of the few who feared ignorance. He spent most of his time reading and often expressed his hatred for warfare. Most of his admirers often quoted his famous words, “Only weak minds fight with swords while the mighty fight with minds.” On the other hand, Aronica was one of the best archers in Orelia. She excelled in warfare and wasn’t fascinated with acquiring as much knowledge as possible. For a few days, the Emperor feared his family’s future and the fate of his Orelia because his son had violated their law and committed a sin that shall not go unpunished. For his son’s crime, Akori has no other choice but to crown his daughter. He knew he would not only violate the law but also displease a lot of his subjects. What baffled Akori was that his well-learnt son, who knew their law well and even passed an uncountable number of judgements, broke his moral code and committed a heinous crime. This action of Athor convinced the Emperor that his son was just a boy seeking his own benefit than looking up to his subjects. The Emperor knew that by crowning the boy, he could make his subjects hate him because his son would force a foreign race to become a part of their family, disgracing the royal line once and for all. But Akori couldn’t just crown his daughter too. There were a lot of councillors who would go against it, considering the history of the Sorens. The Queens of the past killed so many in their rule that no one would let another sit on the throne. Not without force. Even Akori’s loyal councillors would prefer having a foreign race amongst them than crown a woman. Knowing how these foreign races could act, Akori didn’t want to take the chance. His daughter, in his opinion, continued to be the pride of their family and was mature enough to take up the responsibility. He heeded the advice he received from the voices of the three beasts’ at Creator Irma’s feet. The voices requested the Emperor to help Creator Irma and Irmiti, which meant Akori could no longer continue living in his mortal form and should now pass on his crown. He knew he didn’t have a lot of time left. These voices were the forces that helped Akori on his quest to conquer Orelia, and they guided him all his life. Without them, Akori might not have learnt about his son’s secret. The voices also validated his decision, “A wise choice is to crown your daughter Empress.” Determined to protect his legacy, he summoned his daughter to inform her about the impending decree that affected the future of Orelia. Footnotes Sorens: Creations that lived on the sun are called sorens. They are blessed with long lives & cosmic auras to protect them and are often loyal & determined. II: Irma’s Command While Akori pondered how he should express his point to his daughter, his guards opened the chamber doors, and Aronica walked in. She was sleek with white skin, an oval face, red lips and braided black silky hair that ran up to her waist. Approaching her father, Aronica removed the red aura around her. Every Soren, since their creation by Creator Irma, has been gifted each of them one of the three auras visible to the naked eye. They were red, blue & green and were created of ruby, sapphire, and emerald, respectively. The red aura was presented to those whose nature represented fury, the sapphire aura represented pleasantness, and the emerald aura represented wisdom. In Akori’s family, the Emperor had the sapphire aura, Aronica the ruby aura, and Athor the emerald aura. Settling down in the chair beside her father, Aronica could notice her father ageing more quickly than ever before. She observed his beauty fading with every passing moment, and he looked exhausted, unable to do anything he desired. Aronica could see how after years of conquering and adoring a crown turned her father into nothing more than an old broken man almost prepared to fall prey to the desire for a long sleep. He was becoming thin and couldn’t walk long distances. There were days when he couldn’t attend his court sessions and passed on his responsibilities to Athor. Glancing at her for a moment, Akori filled an empty cup with hot milk and mixed it with honey before passing it on. After enjoying the cool breeze filled with the fragrance of different flowers, listening to the songs of the chirping birds and staring at the red sky, Aronica sipped the sweet milk. Akori loved that Aronica never refused milk, even when she grew old, unlike Athor. He waited until she sipped and started, “I have summoned you to reveal my decision about my descendent, my dear.” Aronica placed her cup on the table before them and asked, “Decision about your descendant? Isn’t Athor already destined for that title?” Noticing her father’s silence, Aronica continued, “Father! He is more knowledgeable than half of your council combined, and no one can be a better descendant.” With a smile, Akori replied, “He will become a stain on my legacy, child.” Confused, Aronica remarked, “I’m confident that he would be a wise emperor, and your legacy would be unparalleled. For ages, your name would be hailed for being a remarkable emperor and then passing on your legacy to such a noble son.” Holding his daughter’s hand, Akori smiled, feeling immensely glad that Aronica trusted and admired her elder brother so much, even when she knew his shortcomings as a commander and leader. As much as Emperor Akori accepted that Athor was beyond question-wise and an excellent warrior, he sadly admitted, “A force I trust in has informed me something unprecedented, and I have to act on it.” Realising his father was about to reveal his secret, Aronica waited as Akori continued, “The three beasts of Creator Irma, as you well know, have always been my best well-wishers. They were a prime reason I won every battle I fought.” Aronica disagreed, “You give them more credit than they deserve. You kept winning, and they were just a guiding force like many of your councillors.” Disagreeing, Akori replied, “They are more than you think they are, my child. They are the reason why I’m an Emperor; without them, I might not have lived such a long time.” Staring at his daughter, waiting for him to reveal his secret, Akori continued, “Maybe if they had let me die, it would have been more merciful than instructing me to give up my son and crown my daughter instead.” And Aronica snapped. III: Aronica’s Summoning She bluntly declared, “You cannot!” Before Akori said anything else, Aronica leapt a little in surprise. She knew that Sorens would never accept an empress again, and even if they did, she always presumed that her father would never crown her and was never preparing to ascend, even in her wildest dreams. Tired, Akori replied, “It wasn’t a suggestion Aronica. It was a command!” Aronica knew her father would never disobey any command from Creator Irma’s beasts. He would respect their command irrespective of the consequences, even giving up his principles if needed. Thinking twice about every word she intended to say, Aronica asked, “Crown me? Considering your knowledge and position, I would like you to give me one good reason why this is even an idea to be considered?” She knew the voices of Creator Irma’s beasts had never dictated to her father in the past, and this was the first time they did. Often they would suggest, but it was up to the Emperor to trust in them or not. She also knew that the voices never offered the reasons for their suggestions. So even if she asked the question, she knew there wouldn’t be a fruitful outcome. With a smile, Akori replied, “You know your brother is holding meetings with all of my councillors to vote for my successor?” With her eyes widened, Aronica instantly exclaimed, “Meeting to vote for him? Isn’t he the successor anyway? Why should he request their help?” Noticing her father’s silence for a moment, Aronica continued, “Father, what have you done?” Picking up his cup, Akori whispered, “I named you my heir and the councillors are torn. They cannot crown you, neither can they crown your brother anymore.” Noticing no regret in her father, Aronica realised something was wrong. She knew she wouldn’t be commanded if not needed. Thinking about it for a moment, she honestly admitted, “I cannot, father.” Even if the voices insisted she was to be chosen, she couldn’t agree to it at any cost. So defying outright, she declared again, “I apologise, but I don’t trust these voices as much as you do, father. There is no way I would betray my brother, the rightful heir only to crown myself.” Speaking to his daughter, Akori nodded in disagreement as Aronica continued, “With this decision, our family will lose all of its respect, and your legacy will be ridiculed for this choice eternally.” Every word Aronica spoke was anticipated by the Emperor. Waiting until she finished, Akori pleaded, “I’ve no time left, child. So please promise me that my wish will be fulfilled. Consider it my last one.” Though Aronica wanted to shout, “Are you even listening? Do you even care as to what I think?” She held her words when she heard her father mention it was his last wish. Thinking about the coronation, Emperor Akori continued, “I know your personal decision isn’t being valued, but I’m out of options, child. My faith in these voices made me what I’m today. I believe in them so much that I’m challenging my own people by giving them an Empress instead of the Emperor. I’m restoring a title that once destroyed our race entirely only because I trust you.” The young princess couldn’t utter a word. She realised his father was bidding her farewell and she didn’t have the strength to fulfil her father’s wish. She stammered, “Why are you leaving, father? You are needed now more than ever to sort these things out.” Holding his daughter’s face in his hands, the old Emperor confessed, “Our creators are in grave trouble, and I’m needed to help them.” For a moment, Aronica felt disgusted that her father, who served the Creators’ purpose all his life by fighting their battles, should now continue to fight for them even after letting go of his mortal form. Rather than peacefully join their ancestors and live in the eternal world, he is still commissioned to fight more battles. The broken soul didn’t have a peaceful time during his existence and wouldn’t have any peace in the future. Knowing that her protests would be futile, Aronica asked, “Why isn’t Athor here if you are leaving father?” With a smile, Akori replied, “Your brother is securing his family’s future child. Well, I wouldn’t blame him. Without the crown, they would be slaughtered. My councillors might be wise, but my generals aren’t.” Aronica was surprised that her brother had a family. Presuming this choice of his was what changed her father’s decision, and she decided to solve the problem once and for all easily. She knew her father’s last wish might not be fulfilled, but her brother would certainly prove his worth, and her choice to give up the title would be appreciated in due time. Observing her lost in her thoughts, Akori asked, “It’s time, child. Would you like to accompany me to the temple of Irma?” Holding hands, they stood up as one of the voices of the beasts whispered, “Your daughter wouldn’t respect your wish Akori. Perhaps you should try to convince her until she agrees.” Walking with her, Akori just smiled. He knew his task was completed, and now fate would decide what would happen. IV: Athor’s Absence Holding hands, the Emperor and Aronica exited the royal gardens. Before them lay a gigantic gate and the path beyond it that led to Irma’s temple. In the path were a lot of royals as their families were alone permitted to stay in Orelia’s capital; with them, the city had at most ten hundred-thousand non-royal Sorens serving as guards. Alongside these guards called the Emperor’s personal guards, no force was permitted to enter the city. At the gate, addressing their commander, Akori commanded, “I wish to visit Irma’s Temple.” The next moment, one set of bodyguards aligned as a big square around him and Aronica before forming a colossal ruby aura to stop any attack. These soldiers, called Flares, were handpicked veterans only selected if they had the ruby aura.

It’s about 4:35 p.m. now. Caleb walked towards the bloody main room and turned the radio off. His sobriety was unaffected by the unsightly blood. He completely lost his temper when he stabbed a knife into his wife’s neck. There has been no study that explains how a drunk person behaves. No study has explained why ruthless beasts like him act this way over trivial things. It all started yesterday night with drinking and falling asleep on the couch. After getting up, he asked Dorothy for a coffee to sober up. A helpless soul like her has to admit the harsh reality of having a hung-over husband who abuses her, and yet she serves him, respects him, and “loves” him. The mysterious and unpalatable ‘LOVE’ made her serve him a cup of hot coffee with extra sugar. The bitter flavour of alcohol didn’t leave his mouth, however, so he couldn’t taste the sweetness of the coffee. Being half-hearted, he started an argument. Like most who are hung over, he was easily infuriated, and it was his fault. Although she didn’t raise her voice, he raised his hand at her, assuming she didn’t obey, respect, or treat him well. It wasn’t mundane.

Available in an eBook! There was something, Something in my eyes that did not die. Closed in avalanches, but did not cry. ​ I wrote prose, In the heart of the beast. Hoping it adheres to the wisdom of a priest.

Available in an eBook! You were like a teeny tiny sprout. On a vast, barren field. A bright little ray of sun In the midst of dark nimbus clouds.

It has been a busy day in the office. Abhi is feeling so exhausted. He said weakly, “I should go to bed early tonight!” Soon, he fell asleep. At 3 o’clock in the morning, there was someone knocking on the door continuously. Abhi woke up hesitantly, and he rushed to the door. As soon as he opened the door, he was startled for a second. Abhi shouted, “Vikram, what are you doing here?” Vikram rushed into Abhi’s living room while shouting, “Don’t leave them! Don’t leave them, Abhi!” Abhi was shocked and did not know what to do. Vikram is Abhi’s best friend. They studied together. Abhi got the campus placement, and Vikram took over his family’s business after his father’s demise. Abhi and Vikram met each other whenever they were free. However, due to their busy schedule, they hardly met in the past year.

I: The Tale of Bitter Truth Glaring at the drizzling grey clouds, Naina stood at the entrance of her home drenched in her wet school uniform. She was determined to confront her mother today with the question that had been burning her for months. Meanwhile, for the tenth time, she heard her grandfather plead with her to change her clothes & drink some hot milk, but she didn’t want to. She first wanted the answer. So she asked him again, “Where is papa?” & he remained as silent as he was throughout the way when he picked her up from school. The old one knew that his granddaughter was as stubborn as his daughter. Perhaps even a little more & he could not think of a way to calm her. He presumed that the children in the class might have asked about it because the teachers wouldn’t. They knew the truth & his daughter made sure of it. Rukmini was back home after work as he thought of ways to pacify his granddaughter. Approaching the entrance, she could see Naina waiting by the door. Noticing her, she knew that evening wouldn’t be so leisurely. Before she even stepped inside, Naina shouted, “Mama, where is papa!” Glancing at the old one, Rukmini took a deep breath. Before she spoke, her father warned, “She is too young.” All her life, Rukmini was also lied to by her parents in the hope that she was protected. But sooner rather than later, the truth about their debt flipped her life. Kneeling before her blood, Rukmini replied, “Your father...” The old one interrupted her to presage, “She cannot handle it.” Realising it was folly to protect a coward, Rukmini continued, “Your father left us, Naina.” Listening to her father’s smear, Rukmini shouted, “Let her know that her father isn’t...” She held her words for a second before continuing in a quieter tone, “That he isn’t a beacon of hope or an ideal of trust to look up to.” “Feed your child with such poison & she will become bitter & senseless.” noted the old one. Stepping inside, Rukmini replied, “Leagues better than live a lie until reality breaks her down.” Concluding the sentence, she realised it wasn’t time to fight her battles but instead help the little one. Looking at her with eyes filled with tears, Rukmini hugged her. Holding her mother tightly, Naina faintly whispered, “How could he leave us?” & Rukmini couldn’t help but relive the moment she hated the most. The moment her husband stepped out of their home, leaving her & their baby for the love of his life. II: The Tale of a Lamenting Artist Looking out the window, Naina could see the black clouds roaring and the winds invading their city but not a drop of rain. She stood before her Professor in his chamber as he skimmed through her submission. She knew her work would ensure reprimanding, but she couldn’t help herself from writing it. Ever since she lost her grandfather about a year ago, her life has not been the same. He was the only force protecting her by projecting confidence & with his loss, Naina failed in everything. Her moral support vanished, and her mother sought help than offered some. Putting her submission down, the Professor exclaimed, “Yet another monologue, Naina?” Cutting her eye contact, Naina remained silent & leaning back in his chair the Professor continued, “Readers are not in for your therapy, lady.” What could she say? That her mother has lost herself completely? Or that her loneliness was eating her creativity? Or that she loved to live in the past rather than face the present? What could she say? Adjusting his glasses, the Professor expressed, “We all write about ourselves, but the mastery of enclosing the truth with a false reality makes us professional, lady. I’m afraid you are..” Hoping to defend herself, Naina interrupted, “I’m going through a lot, sir.” “So are we all. You don’t see me doing mediocre work,” the Professor reacted with a smile. Waiting for a moment & witnessing her muteness, the Professor continued, “My kindness won’t spare the wolves out there from judging you, Naina. Men who never wailed a day in agony to jot a sentence will be ready to fling their criticism within seconds.” Standing up, he gave Naina her submission before concluding, “If you still want to be traditionally published, do not complain or convince. Just let them live in your world & they will appreciate your work.” With a small nod & a blank expression, Naina took her submission before leaving the room. As she walked back, she recalled how over the years, she was told that all her heroes do not have a parent figure & her protagonists often seek answers that make no difference. However, Naina convinced herself that only those characters motivated her to write more. When someone complained about recurring patterns in her stories, she defended them by telling herself, “There is nothing wrong with it.” When her mind questioned her actions, she quietened it by thinking, “What’s wrong with expressing characters through her own experiences?” Even after that, if her mind continued, she replied to herself, “I don’t care! I’ll write whatever I want. However, I want to. As long as I relish whatever I write, I don’t see any problem!” But for the first time, Naina wondered if her mind was right. Maybe her Professor meant to say that it wasn’t. Maybe all those years of arrogance & ego-boosting might not have been the best thing for her. She told herself that perhaps it would be wise to get help & live beyond the trauma of abandonment. III: The Tale of a Questionnaire Listening to the raindrops & smelling the sweet sand’s fragrance, Naina lay on her bed looking at the ceiling. Feeling the cold air through the window, she recalled Nihal’s question, “Did she honestly deserve it?” For a while, she could not understand how her supervisor only perceived her mother as a fictional character & nothing more. It was not the first work she showed to him & it was nothing but a little different from the rest of them in the past. She was curious as to why Nihal asked this question today. It has been six months since she finished college & if not for her Professor, she would have joined the master’s program. However, he advised, “Collaborate with a published author Naina & maybe your passions could be put to the right use.” Saying so, he suggested working with Nihal Nayan, the author of “Duality”, and Naina knew no bounds to her happiness when Mr Nihal even agreed to take her as an apprentice. Since her first day, the only rule Nihal had was that Naina must write a thousand words every day & if a day came when she missed, that would be her last day. For a long time, Naina ensured that her submissions did not reveal her personal life & she followed her Professor’s advice of fictionalising her submissions to their best. Nonetheless, Naina didn’t know what got into her one day. She finally wrote down the story of her father walking away from her mother. Maybe it’s her undying desire within that wanted to visualise the moment. Perhaps she wanted to live the moment that haunted her once. Today when she hesitantly gave in her submission, Nihal knew it would be fascinating. When he read it in the afternoon, he asked, “Could you tell me more about the woman who was left behind in this story, Naina?” Anticipating the response, Naina grinned. She thought to herself to not overpower her mother. So she replied, “A strong independent woman holding onto her beliefs no matter what life throws at her. What more can I say?” Taking off his reading glasses & placing them on the rectangular table that separated them, Nihal asked, “Do you believe in destiny or karma, Naina?” Since this was the first time someone asked her about it, Naina thought for a moment before saying, “I believe we reap what we sow.” Bending towards the table and resting his chin on his fists, Nihal’s gaze intensified as he asked, “Then do you really think this woman deserved it?” Staring into his dark black eyes that seemed like the night sky, Naina remained silent. A moment later, Nihal continued, “Writers are playing Gods when they define characters Naina. Though we fancy the twists & turns, we promote hope because it is worth it.” Though Naina nodded, her speechlessness was due to the worm that just crept into her mind about her mother’s tale. For the first time, she wondered, what if her father walked away because her mother might not have been as faithful or responsible as she claims to be? But now as she lay on her bed, it no longer seemed like a suspicion. IV: The Tale of a Truth-teller Looking out the glass, Naina could see the grey clouds pour heavily while the scent of the coffee lit up the evening. Though she wasn’t interested in meeting Shiva, everyone around them, including her mother, wholeheartedly wished they would become a couple. Facing her was a lean man with an oval face decked in a light blue shirt wearing rimless glasses, cutting through the fruit cake with his fork. Taking a bite, he said, “So, Naina, before you decide if I am worthy, I would like to confess that I was once in a relationship.” A smile appeared on Naina’s face for the first time in twenty minutes. Glancing her twinkling eyes, Shiva continued, “I want you to know that we have been together emotionally & physically but had to part ways because she could not present me at her home as an entrepreneur.”