Stories

It's the day they have all been waiting for — the Doting Dad, the Multitasking Mom, the hyperactive Jhilik and her unruffled sister Riya. It's the day the Earth spins ultra-fast and pandemonium reigns supreme. It is Zorro's birthday! Yellow Strawberries is a candid and sweet anthology of short stories about doting parents and their two little daughters in today's tech-driven age.

The doting Dad takes his daughters to an office meeting. An honest and candid exchange of opinions and ideas follows with his eldest daughter after the meeting. They both leave the premises feeling evolved and reformed. Yellow Strawberries is a candid and sweet anthology of short stories about doting parents and their two little daughters in today's tech-driven age.

The Doting Dad recounts another episode in the lives of his daughters. This time, the action takes place outdoors — in a mall, on a picnic, during a long drive. Yellow Strawberries is a candid and sweet anthology of short stories about doting parents and their two little daughters in today's tech-driven age.

The rollercoaster ride with the kids continues. Along with an open window to their topsy-turvy world, the kids also provide a peek into the life and choices of their doting Dad. Continued from Part -1 of the Short Story by Prosenjit Purkait

Four guests. Seven children. An aggressive pet. And two preoccupied parents. All present inside a Delhi apartment. A doting dad’s rollicking account of the antics of his two daughters on a given day. Yellow Strawberries is a candid and sweet anthology of short stories about doting parents and their two little daughters in today's tech-driven age.

A 15-year-old schoolgirl in a new city, finds herself without money to return home. Find out what happens next...

"Yamini was looking out her window at the mailman. He stopped at her residence to drop off mail before continuing on his way. There were no other people to deliver mail to. Yamini began to feel as if she was living in a haunted neighbourhood..." A short story by Venkat Aekka about an Indian American couple in the US and how they find a new purpose in their life.

Siphoning of funds and money laundering are common in the dark, murky world of financial irregularities. However, once in a while, a silent whistleblower rises who blows the cover off the fraud, risking his/her own career and life to bring the predators to book, save public money and above all, have a clear conscience. Rajan NS pens a short fiction about one such whistleblower.

The limitless cyberworld has its own challenges of security and safety for the users. Ramendra Kumar's short story outlines some of the essential safety precautions we must follow to enjoy the benefits of the internet.

A humble mobile teashop may not be a great business in money terms. But if it makes its customers and owners feel happy about it, it has achieved its objective. A touching story by Nipun Varma.

A beautiful garden, a shelter to numerous plants, birds, animals, fishes and insects has only one friend - little Montu. Will he be able to save it from being demolished to make way for a new apartment block? 'Let the Flowers Bloom' is a translation of 'Phool Photao', a short story in Bangla, written by Rina Chakrabarti. Souryadeep has translated it into English.

One eventful day, Aman ventures on a trek in a dense forest, overlooking the gloomy forecast of heavy downpour and thunderstorms. He gets stranded in the woods by evening because of heavy rain. But he was not prepared for the series of unpleasant events which the forest tosses on him one after another. As the night progresses, he finds himself in the middle of a complex mystery which seems impossible to solve. Without Sahil, he finds himself severely handicapped and helpless, a lame spectator to the crimes which are committed right under his nose. Will he able to catch the culprits alone? Read on to know more about his adventures in the fifth story of the Aman and Sahil series. Illustrations drawn by Varun.

Aman and Sahil are back on their adventure ride with a trip to Karnala Bird Sanctuary near Matheran. What started off as a leisurely morning trek turns out to be a very insightful trip about the different kinds of birds in the sanctuary. They befriend a forest officer who gives them a detailed account of the migratory birds which visit the sanctuary every year. But excitement and thrill never cease to follow Aman and Sahil wherever they go. Read on to know more about their adventure as they trek to the Karnala fort along with their new friend. With beautiful illustrations by little Varun!

My tribute to the protagonists Ashoke Ganguly and his wife Asheema Ganguly of Jhumpa Lahiri’s brilliant novel ‘The Namesake’, which was adapted into a film by Meera Nair in 2007, starring Irrfan Khan, Tabu and Kal Penn. Written during the first day of PANDORATHON: an online writing festival happening in The Significant League, a literary group in Facebook in the month of May. This is in response to a prompt initiated by Dr. Santosh Bakaya, author, poet, academician.

Bimal Chadha looks back at a 45 year old friendship to recount a hilarious 'escapade' of Kaku high in the tough terrain of the Pir Panjal Mountains.

Two souls travel, on two avenues, meet by chance for a little while and what happens then? Adaptation of an excerpt from Amrita Pritam's Yeh Kahani Nahin

Two children, Charu and Raghu, dodge a dozing dad to skip out of the house on bright sunny afternoon and explore the world of animals all by themselves.

Innumerable unsung freedom fighters and martyrs had given up everything to win independence for our country. The need of today is to invoke the Gandhi within. A special story by Ramendra Kumar on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

A deeply touching story about the inexplicable bond between a father and a daughter. A Daughter's Day special story by Ramendra Kumar, this is excerpted from the anthology of 5 stories, titled Different Shades of Eve.

A chance meeting of a young boy and girl at a bus stand seems to be brimming with the lethal(?) ammunition of upsetting the apple cart, in a big way. Read the love story 'I am Your Man' by Santosh Bakaya, from Bring Out the Tall Tales, a collection of short stories by Santosh Bakaya and Avijit Sarkar.

In the backdrop of the spirited Ganpati Celebrations of Pune, Aman and Sahil find themselves in the middle of a whirlwind of adventures. One Modak box goes missing every day in one of the popular pandals of Pune. Racing against time, with credibility at stake, Aman and Sahil find themselves in a nail-biting chase to find the Modak Thief. The sketches are courtesy 10 year old Varun Narayanan.

An Independence Day Special Children's story by Ramendra Kumar that explores the richness of diversity, culture, traditions and values India stands for.

Simple by choice is a story that espouses the virtues of simplicity. It highlights how resources can be best utilised for everyone's needs and consider simplicity as a mission to be protected and spread all around. It shows how two committed professionals can make a positive difference by being simple by choice.

Every one of us carried a typical “Shaukat Ali stamp” on our heads (as per army regulations). Shaukat Ali cast his impressions deeply not only on our heads but also our minds as school children.

Aman had met Sahil by chance in Matheran about six months ago and solved the mystery of a stabbed horse. Fate brings them together again as they embark on a pilgrimage to Tirupati and this time the mystery of the lost boy makes them go on a hunt. The sketches are courtesy 10 year old Varun Narayanan.

A beautiful, touching story about how a chance auto ride together became a memorable love at first sight but will he find her again?

Felicity is a celebration of existence. To us, they’re Radha & Krishna, but as nebulous entities, they’re wind and music and many more unseen by mortal eyes.

What happens when a horse is knifed and a gold bracelet stolen? Out on a holiday at Matheran, Aman finds himself in the middle of a chase to solve a theft. A suspense filled short story by Anantha. The sketches are courtesy 10 year old Varun.

Author Ramendra Kumar steps back into memories and recounts his own love story that bridged two states in a "special, special story for Valentine's Day".

We always live the life we wish for… maybe not in this world but in an alternate one. Enjoy the first little story by Ronin in a new series of wistful tiny tales.

What happens when two aliens run out of fuel and land on earth? Chu and Chi find a solution with their human friend in this sweet short story by Sutapa Basu.

On the occasion of World Environment Day which this year has the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution', Learning and Creativity presents a touching short story by Ramendra Kumar on what an individual can do to make a difference towards the only home we have - the Earth.

A heart touching story of an indomitable mother who suffers the biggest losses and courageously stands up again to find her life force in children.

A brief personal story about a young writer's school memories of Bengal's illustrious poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Accompanied by a sketch of Tagore drawn by the writer himself.

Author Ramendra Kumar had conducted a workshop on creative writing for students of Indian Institute of Mass Communications (IIMC) Dhenkanal. Learning and Creativity presents the best story submitted by a group of participants at the workshop. Group F - Rituparna Ghosh Rishabh Sharma Shruti Debendra Kundu Sonalika Samal Anusaya Sahu Sunita Pradhan

A touching story by Ramendra Kumar about a disabled boy's struggle to become the champion in his chosen sport. A Christmas Special story from Learning and Creativity.

On the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Gurudeb Rabindranath Tagore, the bard of my soul, the illustrious Nobel laureate of Bengal, my humble tribute, a short excerpt from my recently released book, ‘The Broken Home and Other Stories’ (Authorspress, 2017), a collection where I have translated in English two of his novellas and six short stories of his magnum opus work of fiction, ‘Galpaguchchho.’ One of the stories of this collection, ‘Subha’ is a heart-rending tale of a mute girl, steeped in deep pathos and also a level of mysticism which was the trademark of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's poetry and prose. I sincerely pray I have been able to do a wee bit of justice to him through my humble translation. This short excerpt, I hope, will give the readers the impetus to read the full story along with the other stories and novellas of the collection.

What makes you more powerful - winning wars or ensuring peace? In a heartwarming story of two kings, Ramendra Kumar explores the eternal conflict. A Republic Day Special from Learning and Creativity.

The much awaited Results of the Weave a Ghost Story Contest are out! Congratulations to the winners and contributors for their participation!

"Profits make you happy but while doing business if you can serve your country or help making the place a better place, that will give you a real joy. A true businessman should not distinguish between his customers." Arunabh's short story delves into the inseparable bonds of pride and patriotism that make us go the extra mile to preserve our heritage.

"I knew the concoction that I was trying to cook, was far from yummy, as I was just trying to make do with an apologetic array of vegetables available in the swanky kitchen. Half an onion, three–fourths of a capsicum, and a couple of potatoes." Santosh Bakaya muses over the challenges mothers face to serve up something yummy, something different for their demanding kids.

"The sound of the bursting crackers, the smell of the mouth watering sweets, screaming, shouting and merrymaking of the children, the brilliance of the millions of tiny lamps reflecting the light of love, of knowledge, of happiness.....You want me to miss all this? Diwali is the festival of festivals." Ramendra Kumar's touching story about the spirit of Diwali celebrates the indomitable spirit of human beings to fight odds and enjoy life in the Now.

"The absurdity of the whole process made me feel selfish...." Priyanka Chauhan's short story delves into the fads of the social media.

Health brings sheer excellence in every sphere of life. And the foundation of a healthy child lies in inculcating healthy habits early on. Life is a way to celebrate with your baby, not to find reasons for not doing things.

A young married woman, a mother faced with a cruel reality of her life, as her family crumbles down.

A touching, heart-wrenching saga of love, sacrifices and loss, centered on the relationship between a father-in-law and a daughter-in-law.

A short, simple, yet touching tale about the meaning and essence of true love.

A short, but powerful fictional piece with a strong social message.

A touching short story of a humble Christian family and the unconditional gift of love they received from their daughter on Christmas eve.

On the festive occasion of Christmas eve, Ramendra Kumar presents a touching short story on the real spirit of Merry Christmas and how owning up to one's mistakes is the first courageous step towards self improvement.

What are Pujas all about? Are they only about merry making, singing, dancing, and eating? - A touching short story about the real spirit of the Durga Puja.

A nostalgic love story written with the phenomenal Coffee House of College Street, Kolkata as the backdrop.

Jamai Shashti is a touching story about broken dreams and the courage to break free.

A wistful romantic story of a couple in love, with a difference.

An uncanny and absorbing fictional piece, inspired by Charles Dickens' phenomenal work 'The Christmas Carol' and presented as a homage to the novelist.

"We tried opening the mat further and creating more room for ourselves, it was herculean, but we finally managed to make a little tent for ourselves, pulling down the ends with our hands and feet to prevent the carpet from flying away. ..." A chance encounter that becomes memorable. A short story.

A reflection of the human mind, its various foibles and epiphanies unfolded through the omnipresent voice of a mirror. An eye-opening fictional narrative.

This Father's Day Special Story by Ramendra Kumar unfolds the triumphs and glories of a father-and-son relationship in the most endearing and memorable way.

An endearing and hopeful fictional narrative about a girl's aspirations about her life and how she settles into an arranged marriage, albeit a happy one.

A beautiful story on the explorations and travails of the fireflies to get their own twinkle so that they can see where they are going in the dark.

"He always did that; ignored me, after he had a drunken night and some incidents of hitting. I think he felt ashamed of his behaviour, that’s why he kept silent." Rhiti Bose's poignant short story chronicles an honest, seething account of a housewife's harrowing journey through domestic violence.

Greetings to all our friends on Republic Day! We present a touching story on patriotism and faith on the occasion of Republic Day by Ramendra Kumar.

Johny was around fifty years of age, tall, with thick grey hair and an athletic body. He was clad in a white shirt and formal blue trousers.

The true spirit of Christmas is in giving and sharing. It is in showing love and kindness. A beautiful short story on the festive occasion of Christmas.

"...it just slips out that you are a greater expert at puddle-jumping than I...” Read this lovely children's story by Ramendra Kumar about a boy who loved puddles, published on the occasion of Children's Day.

I had two friends Ami and Iam with whom I played and conversed on the vast canvas.

With a poof of breath, he got rid of the dust on it and set it on the floor for me to see. It was a typewriter alright. Only, it seemed haunted to me.

Like every other person on this Earth, she also started her journey on a day which she celebrates as her birthday every year.

On the occasion of India's Independence Day, Learning and Creativity presents a special short story by Ramendra Kumar on the true essence of patriotism.

Major Tiger tried his best to fight back the tears welling up in his eyes but he couldn't. The crumpled paper in his hand was wet as he read it again and again...

L&C's Short Stories Contest (Anthology) Results Declared. Winning entries to be published as ebook.

A dim light shone in her room. He heard sounds of sobs. The whole family had gathered around his daughter’s bed. He pushed everyone along the way.

Father's Day Special Stories: Parents are often unaware how their behaviour impacts their kids.

I first saw her when I was in Rome in front of that ‘fountain’; now they say if you make a wish and throw a coin in the fountain, it comes true.

Amit was a tall handsome guy, who was not only the heartthrob among his relatives but friends and college professors also. He had an attitude to win, and he was always a winner...

Like every other girl, I dreamt of my perfect man. The only difference was I didn't dream to live my life with him.

It was then that he remembered a Telugu saying 'Even a baby crow, to its mother, appears cute.' A touching story of a mother's love for Mother's Day by Ramendra Kumar.

They would never know that it was I who taught him to utter his first word ‘maa’. I encouraged him to say it “mmmmaa…” He looked carefully at me and repeated the word.

Short stories about love: Two Losses is a story by Jagjeet Kaur about love, its wins and its losses.

The very next day, at the stroke of seven, Daniel was out on the road for this dismal job of cocaine transfer.

Should she dress-up more smartly? Has she taken their relationship for granted? Should she confront him about his indifference?...

“Oh you mean, the elevator? It’s stuck. Must be a power cut,” Sandip said and asked again, “Are you ill?”

Every Calcuttan knew by now that come sunset the city’s teeming streets turned into battlegrounds and men were killed and abducted to score points in a bloody political game. It was called revolution!

A touching short story by Amitendu Palit about a young boy and his tryst with his newly bought T-shirt.

The diamond nose-pin had lost all its glamour. Pattu was ready to forego anything, if only she could save her husband.

Short story - Only for a few moments till she stepped outside. To become a part of the dark evening.

She stopped on seeing them. Her eyes filled with fear. `Oh, no, you won't take him away,' she screamed. She tried to drag me away from their presence.

Mere naina saavan bhaadon, phir bhi mera man pyaasa. This Kishore Kumar song was a favorite with Pralhad for the last many decades.

He was in his white T-shirt and blue jeans smiling at them with their luggage. She looked at him with all her love.

The distress phone call from Mrs Joshi in the middle of the night was nothing unusual. Could he come over to examine a little boy suffering from acute high fever?

A touching short story by Ramendra Kumar set in a circus about how animals respond to compassion and cruelty.

Only two of you staying in the house. Then why sleep in separate rooms? He asked straight away.

My vision cleared suddenly, and I could clearly see the deep furrows fording her forehead.

Her eyes searched every approaching form carefully until she was sure it wasn't him.

The house lay veiled in a thick cloud of secrecy. Despite their best efforts, Ashok and his friends never saw its inmates.

The passionate love at the time of marriage -- my friends foretold that this marriage would go to the rocks, that I was crazy to go for the wild Pragya -- soon petered off.

They remained close, almost indistinguishable, so similar were their interests and attitude, yet they fought, sometimes bitterly, like two rivals trying to score debating points.

Man had always been a lonely being. Now he could read every one, every one of his children like a book.

A humorous short story about two thieves who hit a jackpot.

Don’t we all crave for happiness? So, says my florist brain, why care about flowers, which are anyway going to end up into the waste bin?