Discordant

(Image Source: Nicolas Bruno)

we were all ears

not needing a voice

to be understood

and yet, you see

how discordant we grew

the moment the cords

were cut through

would you still

listen to me, dear

or at least, try to

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Udaipur

"You do like Rajasthani history, right?" she asked.

He smiled.

A boat ride on Lake Pichola seemed a perfect start to their post engagement vacation.

"I am glad our parents agreed," she sighed, relieved.

He came closer, and hugged her. The pristine lake reflected their bond in glittering hues.

Suddenly, the reflection changed. Image of a Maharana of Udaipur, and his Rani, who looked exactly like them, appeared on the lake.

He recognized the Maharana. He had read how much he loved his wife, but their marriage failed.

Was history showing him the future?

The dilemma enveloped their silhouette.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter U

Quilon

They reached Quilon by noon.

"Welcome aboard," the Captain greeted.

Backwaters! She felt at home.

The houseboat waded along Astamudi Lake. Suddenly, a thunderstorm erupted out of nowhere. With no time to anchor, the boat overturned.

The crew hung on to their life jackets. Her husband was caught unaware, and struggled to stay afloat.

She swam faster, and brought him on shore. Her husband was unconscious, but he would be fine.

She was, however, worried he would know her secret. The mermaid had to dry herself before he regained consciousness, so that her tail would again turn into legs.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter Q

Ooty

I have counted mists like pearls on seabed, careless, beautiful. A slight drizzle, and my counting broke.

I woke up with a jolt. Nathan was sleeping peacefully beside me. It was just yesterday that we reached Ooty, but it seemed a lifetime now.

I walked towards the mirror. Outside it rained. Inside, parched. I touched the glass, and the surface reverberated. As the ripples died, Nathan was smiling at the other side.

I stepped into the mirror, our souls met. Behind, two bodies rested on bed. Lifeless.

We should have held on, trusted ourselves. In death, however, we united.


#99wordsfiction

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter O

Hyderabad

"Can you cook?"

"Yes."

Their families had contacted each other through matrimonial sites.

"That's great, because I'm a total foodie."

"Me too, and I have a surprise for you."

"Where?"

"Come with me."

While the elders were talking inside, they ran to the roof.

It was a full moon night. Right at the center was a small table for two.

"This is what I've made for you, ma'am," he pulled the chair and handed her a plate.

"Wow. I love it. How did you know it's my favourite?"

He knew. It was easy.

No one can dislike Hyderabadi Biryani.


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• AtoZChallenge:Letter H

Fatehpur Sikri

"They say you get whatever you wish for in the sacred Tomb of Salim Chisti. I just want our family to be complete. I even tied the thread of faith on the holy screen," she rested on his shoulder, tired but ecstatic, after their trip to Fatehpur Sikri.

He felt his left pocket. He had untied the thread. He didn't want her wish to be heard by the saints.

A sudden guilt enveloped him, but did he have an option? He liked her, but he had to convince her for divorce.

His secretary, Maya, was his new love now.


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• AtoZChallenge:Letter F

Agra

It's beautiful. It has always been my dream to visit the Taj," she said, a radiant smile emanating from her lips, as he sat beside her, satisfied.

The Agra sun was breathing down heavily, but that didn't deter the couple from their expedition.

"All the seven wonders, we would see, one by one," he said, pressing her hands.

"Yes," her voice excited, "We would see, one by one."

Gradually, she stood up, holding his hand, and her walking stick. In her world of darkness, this was the light.

She didn't need eyes to admire the beauty of the Taj.

#99wordsfiction

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• AtoZ Challenge: Letter A

Once In A Blood Moon

I witnessed the Blue Blood Moon today, a celestial phenomenon which I might not be able to experience again in this lifeline.

And then, the poet in me raced to form a few lines.

While the original poem came in my mind in Hindi, I tried to translate it to form a piece in English as well.

Hope you like them!

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