fiction

12A

Rank badges, small bags, books, diaries, notebooks, files… That’s when it caught Razeen’s eye: a weathered, dusty old envelope bearing a faint, unrecognisable logo.

Fiction / Accursed

This is an excerpt from Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's short story "Abhishapta", translated by Dipty Rahman

Bulb of a Wonton Shop

It is enough— Enough to be here, Beneath the bulb of a wonton shop.

Out of Body

I know of my feeble frame of its graying at the edges.

Migratory Animals

migratory animal Are you looking for a home?

FICTION / The plebeians in the twilight

It was the shade of the ashwath that vanquished all one’s weariness from the fiery heat of Choitro. Or else it was not possible for fatigue to be eliminated so quickly.

FICTION / The vanishing Ramanujan

The night after the story got published, Jamal stormed to my home at around 11 PM, drenched in the rain. That was the first and only time Jamal raised his voice against me

Reader Submission / States

"That’s why I have jars of jealousy, anger, sadness, monotony, but this – it’s important."

Love poem for the reflection in the mirror

I will not even begin with the skies

November 15, 2024
November 15, 2024

An interview with Shakchunni

Behind the bangles that jingle ominously in the dark, there is a voice—a voice that has long been silenced

November 9, 2024
November 9, 2024

Leave of absence

“Residents usually get 30 days of observation period,” said the man at the reception, “but since it’s a leap year, you get an extra day.

November 6, 2024
November 6, 2024

The hawk and the mice

Bolstered, the six little mice lead their army up–up–up the trunk of the poor, ravaged oak they were so desperate to save. 

November 2, 2024
November 2, 2024

Ira in my town

After many years, Ira has returned to my town. She hops four towns to get here. We are supposed to meet today. I’ve been ready since morning. We will meet by the lakeside.

October 7, 2024
October 7, 2024

The Box

She frantically whisper-screamed at him, “Stop yelling! And this is serious Fayaz, we need to find that box.

October 5, 2024
October 5, 2024

Storm child

This is the third and final part of “Storm Child”, serialised here on Star Literature

October 5, 2024
October 5, 2024

Exiles and memories

Markan didn't have an answer. The word "Arakan" felt distant, like something from a dream he couldn't quite remember

September 26, 2024
September 26, 2024

My love is lost, and I don’t want it anymore

Every time I enter it, this building carves out a tiny piece of my heart, leaving behind the sharp tang of hospital bleach and lemon-scented air freshener in its place.

September 25, 2024
September 25, 2024

Alone beneath the mountains

His final sentiments were etched into the table before he succumbed to his final rest: "I found solace in the mountains. They demanded nothing and remained steadfast by my side."

September 21, 2024
September 21, 2024

A night in Kalimpong

As I turn back, my eyes catch sight of what appears to be hands, but of a tan, furry kind, feeling its way inside the sliding doors