Courage

She had one last look at the house before leaving and the memories from the past 25 years came back to her like an avalanche.

She remembered the bruises, the manipulation, the jealousy, the drunken outbursts and the helplessness. But now she was not alone.

She had her best friend with her, her daughter.

Destiny

“You should stay at your Husband’s place. That is your Destiny” her mother had remarked.

She remembered those words and thought I can write my own destiny mother.

In the background she could hear her name being called out for the signing of her book “The Destiny’s Child”.

Linking this to the Fiction Challenge ‘From 15 to 50′

Breaking free

 She picked a book from the bestselling category and saw her name in print.

Suddenly she started hearing the suppressed voices in her head again “There’s no money in writing” “Why don’t you take up a real job? “ “You will regret leaving this company”

Her eyes welled up with tears of happiness and pride.

The Portrait

“Is it true?” asked little Mala. “Yes. If you stare at the portrait really long, she will smile at you” her brother said smiling mischievously.

Mala swore she will never look at the portrait.

The next day her brother was found sitting on the chair facing the portrait with wide eyes and a lifeless body.

Surprise

The silence was unbearable. Everyone held their breath and waited. Just then there was a click and the door opened. The person came in; fumbled for the light switch and turned it on. 

Suddenly the hidden shadows sprang out and shouted “Surprise!!”  

Sumit fainted out of shock and later celebrated his birthday at the hospital.

Lost and found

He was too late. The train started moving. He ran towards it and started searching for her through the windows, but in vain.

 He sat on his knees and cried for his lost love. 

Just then he heard the click of the heels approaching him and he recognized the anklet on her feet and smiled. 

A new beginning

He looked at her menacingly, with blood shot eyes and a whip in his hand. She sat quivering in a corner, her body covered in bruises. He smiled wickedly and lashed the whip, which made her heart skip a beat and she recoiled, waiting for the pain.

Priya woke up with a start, sweating profusely. The same nightmare again. I don’t know for how many nights I will have to endure this she thought.  She looked at her 5 year old son Adi sleeping beside her. She leaned over him and gently kissed his forehead. He squirmed a little and went back to sleep again. She sat looking at his peaceful face and felt proud of her decision to leave her husband 5 years back. She held her son close to her and slept with a sweet anticipation of a new day.