fiction

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

FICTION / At the birth of death

One sits silently. Her eyes blink sometimes. Sometimes her lips tremble a little, or they don’t tremble at all.

FICTION / An interview with Shakchunni

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

FICTION / 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.

FICTION / 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. 

FICTION / 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.

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

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

September 14, 2024
September 14, 2024

Residence

I plead but I know there is nothing I can do. Akbar, in a rare fit of courage, tries to intervene. But the old man does not budge. Maybe he knows about Mina and me.

September 13, 2024
September 13, 2024

City of bougainvillea

“The roads are too clean. The sun is too bright,” she thought.

September 11, 2024
September 11, 2024

Shadhin

Sumedha replied with annoyance, "I will make him say the words. It's so simple, 'Apni kemon achhen, bhalo?' Why can't he say it?"

September 8, 2024
September 8, 2024

Riding the early years of motherhood through ‘Soldier Sailor’

While reading it, one might feel that they are reading a mother’s confessions while she takes care of her son.

August 31, 2024
August 31, 2024

Dual faces of an unseen predator

In a world spun from the threads of chaos, we are born into a tapestry of shadows. We are shimmering maidens in the night, nurturing within us a fire both subtle and strong. Yet, the air around us is heavy with whispers–danger and desire intertwined.

August 31, 2024
August 31, 2024

The floodlights

Chaos. More chaos.