FF: Autumn Years

Hello! Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers a story in 100 words inspired by the photo provided this week by Ted Strutz. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Ted Strutz

Autumn Years

Words 100

All those road trips, the singing, the food and best of all, the laughter. Where had it all gone?

Even the leaves had fallen and life looked bleak and barren. Nothing to do but wait for death. Wasn’t it?

Perhaps for you, a branch swayed in the breeze, I am waiting for spring. What has gone will come back. There will be new leaves, sprouts, flowers, fragrance, birds and bees…

But what about me, the old abandoned car wailed.

Well for starters, you can stop crying. And wait for spring too. You can offer solace and be home to many.

***

Thank you for reading. Have a great week. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for the now completed short story:- Some Sugar & Spice. Or if you prefer poems, have a peek here

#tanka 12

Happy Ganesha Chaturthi. 🙏🏼May you and your family be blessed with a happy, healthy and prosperous life 🙂 Isn’t the mosaic beautiful! This was made and kindly shared by my friend, Hansa. Thanks a lot, Ferdi.

Today, i have one tanka for you. Do let me know if it resonates with you.

a red hibiscus 
droops over
an unopened bud….
do you also agonize
over your little one

Mohua Maulik,
haikuKATHA issue 41 March 2025

Thank you for visiting. If you would like to read more in this genre, please click here. Have a great week ahead.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: Crossroads

Hello! Happy to be able to participate, even if a late for Rochelle’s weekly party – Friday Fictioneers, a story in 100 words based on a photo prompt kindly provided by Lisa Fox this fox. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt and join the fun, click here.

Photo Prompt © Lisa Fox

Crossroads

Words 100

“Rohan?” Sohini stopped short. He was working as a driver?

“Hi.” His embarrassment was evident.

“Bye.” Turning, she hesitated. “I still hate you. Especially the way you dumped me. I was barely 18, you could have been kinder.” She gave him a faint smile. “That said, I know it was the best thing that could have happened to me. It woke me up and made me stronger. I am in a happy place now.”

“Good for you.”

“You need to come out of your self-absorbed misery and introspect how this could be the best thing that happened to you. Goodbye.”

***

Thanks for visiting, looking forward to reading your stories. Have a great weekend.

For those who are reading, Some Sugar & Spice — Chapter 35 is up.

#haiku 3 & #tanka 11

Hello and welcome to my mid-week haikai and tanka posts. Very pleased to have published these in the Cold Moon Journal. I was even more pleased (actually quite stunned) find that the haiku made it to the journal’s long list for Touchstone nominations 2024.

spring cleaning
we discover mom’s
insecurities

Mohua Maulik
Cold Moon Journal 10th November 2024

planting
peace lilies in beds
overrun
with the same old  
unresolved grudges

Mohua Maulik
Cold Moon Journal 1st February 2025

Thank you for visiting. If you would like to read more in this genre, please click here. Have a great week ahead.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: Of Endings

Hello! Hope you are having a lovely weekend. I believe it’s unexpectedly hot these days at several places. In Delhi, though it’s not raining as much but pretty overcast and terribly humid. But i guess that’s to be expected for the next two months or so. Sigh.

Moving on, it’s time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt kindly provided this week by J Hardy Carroll. If you wish to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here. Off we go!

Photo Prompt © J Hardy Carroll

Of Endings

Words 100

After the cremation, the men returned home. The son, with his head shorn wore white unstitched garments. Several rituals still remained. A stream of visitors dropped in to pay their respects.

“I suppose your mother will shift to Delhi now?” A family friend asked.

“We don’t know yet. She is quite independent and attached to this house.”

“But surely she cannot stay alone?”

The son shrugged. “I don’t know. There hasn’t been a chance to discuss any of the practicalities.”

“Yes of course. Of course. But, in case you, decide to sell this house, I would like to purchase it.”

***

Thank you for visiting, have a great week ahead.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

#tanka 9 & 10

Hello, hope you are having a grand week. This week in my usual mid-week posting, i present to you, two of my published tanka.

white flowers
of the Rangoon creeper
turn red
how was i so blind
to the warning signs

Mohua Maulik
haikuKATHA issue 38 December 2024

this winter
only dusty leaves remain
on the amaltas
where have all the flowers
and laughter gone

Mohua Maulik
haikuKATHA issue 38 December 2024

Thank you for visiting. Do let me know which one resonated with you, if at all. Have a wonderful day ahead. And if you would like to browse the other poems in this genre, click here.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: Hunger Games

Hello hope you all are having a lovely weekend. Happy Rakshabandhan to everybody. In Delhi, it’s been raining almost non-stop for the past 12 hours so. Finally the deluge has let up a bit. Hope it stays that way to allow the brothers and sisters to meet without any stress.

It’s past Friday and time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt kindly provided this week by Jen Pendergast. If you wish to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here. Off we go!

Photo Prompt © Jen Pendergast

Hunger Games

Words 100

“Not well?” Tilak asked.

“A bad headache.” Nita said.

“Take a paracetamol and lie down.”

“But dinner?”

“Relax. I can manage.”

 “Thanks. There’s leftover rice and dal in the fridge. If you could make okra and perhaps eggs…?”

“Sure.”

An hour later, Nita woke up to find her four year old daughter breathing into her face. “What’s the matter, darling? Had your dinner?”

She nodded. “Mamma, are you going to die?”

“No! Why do you ask.”

“I don’t like onions in my omelette.” She started bawling.

“And,” her six-year-old had joined them, “he put potatoes in okra. Who does that?!”

***

Were or are your children fussy about food? Do share your experiences in the comment section. Thank you for visiting, i too shall be blog hopping in a bit. See you soon.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

#haibun 5

Hello and welcome to my blog. It’s middle of the week and the time to blow my horn. Today i present a haibun for your reading pleasure.

Wrong Place Wrong Time

I went higher and higher up on the swing until I was horizontal with the bar. I must have been about 7 or 8 years old but I still remember that curl of excitement at the pit of my stomach, the rush of air, my exultant laugh and then — a sickening thud. 

dense fog…
playing on a loop
the what ifs

Mohua Maulik
haikuKATHA issue 39 January 2025

Thank you for visiting and do share your thoughts. Have a wonderful day and week ahead.

If you would like to visit the other posts in this genre, click here.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: Up in Flames

Hello! Hope you are having a restful weekend. Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words based on the photo prompt kindly provided by Marie Gail Stratford this week. If you wish to read the other stories inspired by this prompt or join the party, click here.

Photo Prompt © Marie Gail Stratford

Up in Flames

Words 100

Bunty stumbled and flopped down on the couch. “What’s for dinner? Never mind. Let’s go out.” He switched on the television.

Rani gave a resigned look. “Been drinking again?”

“Let’s go!” He grinned, fanning himself with a wad of cash.

“Where did you get that from?”

“Call the boys.”

“They aren’t home yet.”

“Why not?”

“The school has taken them for an educational trip.”

“Where?”

“To the science fair.”

“What!?” He sat up.

“Why? What happened?”

The TV blared in the background.

Breaking News: A bomb blast occurred a few minutes ago at the city’s ongoing science fair. Details awaited.

***

Thank you for reading and leaving me a note. I will be along in a bit. Have a super weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice the next chapter is up.

#tanka 8

A mid-week tanka for your reading pleasure (hopefully!).

a red rose
behind the shrubs
unseen
she belittles her own
existence

haikuKATHA Issue 30 April 2024

Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts. In case you are interested in this genre of poetry, click here

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice the next chapter is up.

FF: Of Endings

Hello! I loved the photo shared by Dale for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers and couldnt resist posting another story. Hope you like! Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

Of Endings

Words 100

“Nani!” Shiuli came running, “You are missing all the excitement.” She dragged her granny to the balcony. A crowd had gathered below.

“Oh! Where’s the pipal?”

“Remember that sound during the storm? It was the pipal toppling over.”

Granny gave a sigh. “I will miss that tree.”

“Look at the damage Nani! Lata Auntie’s balcony is smashed. Three cars crushed and the tree is hanging on the electric cables. The pole too is nearly uprooted. Now, there will be no electricity or internet.” Shiuli moaned.

Granny gave another sigh. “When it’s my time, I hope I can slip away quietly.

***

Thank you for reading my second submission to this prompt. Have a great weekend. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for Some Sugar & Spice. For those already reading, the next chapter is up but no promises on stress relief! 😀

FF: Reflections

Hello! Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers a story in 100 words inspired by the lovely photo provided this week by Dale. Click here to read the other stories inspired by the photo.

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

Reflections

Words 100

“Wh…at?”

“Let’s end this.” Sahas’ voice was flat.

“Why? You were so happy on our 25th anniversary…”

“After Tara’s marriage, I felt it was my last obligation.”

“Did I do something wrong? I will be better. I swear.”

He shook his head. “I want out.”

“Is there someone else?”

“Does it matter?”

“What will everyone say?” Sheeta pleaded.

“Tara’s fine.”

“What about the others!” She screamed.

He shrugged.

Two decades later, Sheeta sent a text to Sahas.

Dinner? My treat.

What’s the occasion? Another promotion?

A thank you for releasing me from a prison I didn’t know I was in.

***

Thank you for reading. Have a great weekend. And if you have time (and the inclination) why don’t you drop in here for Some Sugar & Spice. For those already reading, the next chapter is up. 🙂

#senryu 2 and 3

Hello! Hope you are having a grand week. For my mid-week posting, i am pleased to present two of my published senryu, which though similar to haiku differs in that a seasonal reference or kigo is not there and deals more with human relationships etc. Here we go:

college reunion—
peals of laughter
i had forgotten

Mohua Maulik, haikuKATHA Issue 36 October 2024

carpet of leaves…
how the mighty go back
to their roots

Mohua Maulik, haikuKATHA Issue 38 December 2024

Thank you for visiting. Do share your thoughts. Have a great week ahead.

If you would like to read more haikai posts, click here

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: Be the Light

Hello and welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s weekly challenge of Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words. This week the photo is kindly provided by Sandra Crook. If you would like to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here. Off we go!

Photo Prompt © Sandra Crook

Be the Light

Words 100

Be the Light

Words 100

She woke with a feeling of being trapped.

A heart attack?

Whom could she call at this hour of the night?

An ambulance?

But somebody would be needed for the paperwork.

How had she been reduced to this?

Once surrounded by a full family, today, there was no one.

“Dear God, is there not a single person who is mine? Am I that bad?”

A blinding light enfolded her even as a voice boomed.

Even in this life you didn’t learn what I sent you here for – no one belongs to you. You belong to none. You belong to Light.

***

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Looking forward to visiting your blog. Have a lovely weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next two chapters are up.

#haibun 4

Posting a haibun published in Failed Haiku Issue 109 2025. Do share your thoughts and many thanks for visiting.

Prarabdha*

First day of college. A packed classroom of whispers and rustles. The door opens and two scrawny boys shuffle in.

Forty years later, one of them is a renowned surgeon while the other boy has long succumbed to a brain tumor.

white lotus
planting the seeds
of a new prayer

Mohua Maulik

*Note: Prarabdha is that part of the past karma which is responsible for the present body. It cannot be avoided or changed.  

If you would like to read more poems in this genre, please click here

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

Have a super week ahead.

FF: Fireworks

Another weekend and time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words based on a photo prompt, kindly provided this week by Roger Bultot. If you too would like to join the challenge or read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here.

Photo Prompt © Roger Bultot

Fireworks

Words 100

Nita breathed in the sea air. “A long drive to show off your new car!”

“It’s been weeks since we met. Even the car’s a month old. Do you even care?” Rohit huffed.

“Sorry, this month was crazy.”

“Mine’s next month.” He tucked a strand behind her ear. “Should we…do you think…will you marry me?” he was on his knees, holding out a ring. “I know it’s not much of a proposal. I thought of fireworks but they cause pollution…”

“That clinches it!” she held out her hand. “As a child, I was forced to work in a firecracker factory.”

***

Thank you for visiting. Hope you have a great weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

#tanka 7

Hello everyone, hope you are having a great week. Today after days of sweltering heat, the clouds decided cut us some slack – phew! Below is a tanka of mine for your kind perusal. Do share your thoughts and comments.

If you would like to read more in this genre, please click here

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: A World of her Own

Hello everyone! We meet again for another edition of Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words hosted by Rochelle. The photo this week is kindly provided by David Stewart. If you would like to read the other stories inspired by this photo, click here

Photo Prompt © David Stewart

A World of her Own

Words 100

They banged the door, rang the bell but to no avail. She stayed locked in her tower.

How did she manage?

Food and other necessities were just a phone call away. When they came, she would drop the basket down. Once in a while, she would tiptoe out at night to take care of the garbage.

What about money?

She paid for them with her stories and articles. Internet data was affordable enough for her drama fix.

But why?

She didn’t want anything to do with people.

People who threw acid on her or the others who averted their eyes.

***

Thank you for visiting and i will be along in a bit. Have a super weekend.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

#senryu 1 & #tanka 6

This is my first time posting a senryu. According to the Haiku Society of America, haiku is the “essence of a movement keenly perceived in which nature is linked to human nature”. Senryu, by contrast, is “primarily concerned with human nature; often humorous or satiric”. Although, sometimes the line is blurred, at least for me. So apologies in advance for misnaming either.

Published in Cold Moon Journal

Thanks for visiting. If you would like to read more in this genre, please click here. Have a great week ahead.

For those who are reading Some Sugar & Spice, the next chapter is up.

FF: The Party

Hello, hope you are having a grand weekend. It’s time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers and as usual i am running late. But better late than never. So here i am with another story in 100 words, inspired by Rochelle’s photo. If you want to read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here.

Photo prompt © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The Party

Words 100

“The party isn’t until 7 pm.” My husband looked at his watch, “how come you’re ready?”

 “Aunty requested me to come early and help her get dressed.”

My husband gave a snort. “You always rave about the way she wears her sari and make up. Why would she need you?”

I hesitated. “Perhaps she’s feeling her age.”

My husband grunted and thankfully let it go.

I had kept my promise. All Aunty wanted was moral support. She needed someone to hold her hand and soothe her jangling nerves.

Her husband of 60 years had raised his hand at her, again.

***

Thank you for reading, i will be along to read the other stories inspired by this photo in a bit.

For anyone interested, Chapter 17 of Some Sugar & Spice is up. Or if you prefer poems in the haikai genre, click here

#haibun 3

This week, i am sharing a haibun of mine for your kind perusal and comments.

Published in Failed Haiku Volume 10 Issue 109 2025

Thank you for visiting. If you would like to read my other poems in this genre, please click here

For anyone interested, Chapter 16 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: The Wedding

Hello! Happy to be on time this time, or at least not late for Rochelle’s weekly party – Friday Fictioneers, a story in 100 words based on a photo prompt kindly provided by Ted Strutz. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt and join the fun, click here.

Photo Prompt © Ted Strutz

The Wedding

Words 100

“Say cheese!” Rupam clicked the newly-wedded couple’s picture. “You both are looking great. You can frame this photo.” He turned to his kids. “Come and touch your mother’s feet and say goodbye.”

“Isn’t Mother going to live us anymore?” Sukhi, their five-year-old asked. “And who is that man next to her?”

Rupam hustled his children. “Let’s go. Your mother has a new husband and she’s going to live with him from now on.”

“But seriously Rupam,” his friend frowned, “how you can get your own wife married off to another beats me.”

“Much better than having them bump me off.”

***

Inspired by a true incident:

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/up-murder-man-gets-wife-married-bablu-vikas-radhika-katar-jot-scared-after-cement-murder-up-man-gets-wife-married-to-lover-then-a-plot-twist-8061918

Thanks for visiting.

For anyone interested, Chapter 15 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: Strawberry Moon

Hello and welcome to yet another edition of Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle. And once again i am late to the party but better late than ever. So off we go to my submission this week on a photo full of possibilities provided by Dale. To read the other stories inspired by this photo or join the challenge click here.

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

Strawberry Moon

Words 100

Darkness fell on a dark day.

Free from work, she sought distraction in doom scrolling. But instead of feeling better, she felt worse. Everything seemed to taunt her, mock her failings, her inadequacies, of how she just wasn’t enough.

Restless, she wandered to the balcony.

She gasped at the intense blast of heat that hit her. Not a soul, not even a bird or dog stirred.

Yet, there was someone else who was sleepless.

Consistently showing up, apparently unaware of their imperfections. No…flaunting them with elan and grace.

Feeling her spirits lift, she raised a toast to the gleaming moon.

***

Thank you for visiting, do share your thoughts, comments and suggestions.

For anyone interested, Chapter 14 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

#tanka 4 & 5

Hello everyone, i am back with a couple of my tanka published in haikuKATHA Issue 34 2024.

Thank you for visiting. Do share your thoughts and if you would like to read more of these kind of poems, click here

For anyone interested, Chapter 13 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: Travel Tales

Hello everyone! Welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s party of Friday Fictioneers. Sorry to have missed last week’s challenge as I was traveling. The travel bug seems to have really caught me – i can’t even think of stories that aren’t travel bound 😀

This week’s story is a true incident revived by the photo kindly provided by David Stewart. Thank you Rochelle, thank you David. If you want to join the fun click here

Photo Prompt © David Stewart

Travel Tales

Words 100

Yes!

Triumphant, I sank into my seat, easy-peasy. My first solo train travel from Delhi to Mumbai.

As our train chugged out, I broke into a sweat.

What if I had boarded the train going to Kolkata instead of Mumbai?

I couldn’t very well stick out my head to check the train number.

Should I ask my fellow passenger?

How embarrassing!

The pantry guy arrived to ask my dinner preference. With studied nonchalance I asked, “What is the next station?”

“Kota.”

Was that on the Mumbai or Kolkata side?

“Ratlam.”

If only I had studied geography.

“Vadodra, Surat, Mumbai Central.”

***

Thank you for visiting, hope you have a great weekend.

For anyone interested, Chapter 12 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: Traveler’s Couch

Another week coming to an end and it’s time for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words. This week the photo is provided by Roger Bultot. If you want to read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here

Photo Prompt © Roger Bultot

Traveler’s Couch

Words 100

“Hey Bud, look at this picture. Isn’t this where we had dinner while on a trip to…what was the name of the place?” Jo scratched her head.

Bud rolled his eyes. “Not again.”

“Seriously. Check it out.” She thrust the photo under his nose.

Grumbling, he adjusted his glasses and frowned. “I can’t remember…”

“How can you not remember their biryani?” Jo gave a dreamy sigh, “we were having dinner at this restaurant overlooking the lake, there were fireworks and this lovely couple was showing us around the place…”

“That was a travel vlogger on a trip to Sri Lanka.”

***

Thank you for visiting and leaving me a note. I will be along soon.

For anyone interested, Chapter 11 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

#haibun 2

Haibun is my personal favorite form of writing which i aspire to but struggle to even draft. Here is one which was kindly accepted for publication in November 2024.

Thank you for visiting, do share your thoughts and comments. Have a great day.

For anyone interested, Chapter 10 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: Winter Twilight

It’s Friday Fictioneer time and playing to Rochelle’s tunes here’s my offering for this week inspired by a photo kindly shared by Dale Rogerson. To read or join the fun, click here. Thank you Rochelle and Dale.

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

Winter Twilight

Words 100

She loved her rocking chair. Kept on the porch, it was her peace patch, her escape whenever she wanted a break from life. Or enjoy. Angled with her face in the shade, her feet in the sun, she would rock back and forth chatting with friends, sister or mother.

Or simply look at the sun, the clouds, sighing with the breeze, dozing off to the chirps of black and white birds that hopped here and there.

Today, her companion and solace was to be incinerated.

A tear slipped down her cheek as she struggled to sit up on the bed.

***

Thank you for visiting. I will be along shortly to visit your blog as well. Have a great weekend.

For anyone interested, Chapter 9 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: The Merry-go-round of Life

Hello and welcome to this week’s Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words hosted by Rochelle based on a photo prompt kindly provided by Lisa Fox. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt or join in click here. Many thanks to Rochelle and Lisa.

Photo Prompt © Lisa Fox

The Merry-go-round of Life

Words 100

Starry-eyed, she clung to his arm, looking this way and that.

“That one!” She pointed. “And that. And…”

Seeing her excitement, he couldn’t help but laugh. “Whatever. I am game. But be sure about your choices. Don’t do something you might regret later.”

But she shrugged off his words of caution. Everything was so new and tempting. She didn’t want to miss any of it.

Half-way through, dizziness set in and she wanted out. “Stop it.” She pleaded. “I want to get off.”

“But darling,” his voice was a soft whisper, “I thought you knew. This is a one-way ride.”

***

In my defense, at first glance, it looked like an amusement park. Anyway i am still not quite sure what it is. Thank you for visiting. Looking forward to visiting yours. Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend.

For anyone interested, Chapter 8 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

#tanka 3

Hello, hope you are doing fine. It’s been a while i think since i posted any of my published poems. So here i am with a tanka, which is my preferred form as the two extra lines allow a greater scope for storytelling. I would love to know what you think of it.

Well, don’t be shy, say something. Hope you have a grand day ahead.

For anyone interested, Chapter 7 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: Gobsmacked

Hello! I am a bit late to the party as I was traveling. Will be soon along to read your entries to this week’s Friday Fictioneers 100 word story challenge hosted by Rochelle based on the photo kindly provided by Ken Arnopole (friend of Ted Strutz). Thanks!

Photo Prompt © Ken Arnopole (friend of Ted Strutz)

Gobsmacked

Words 100

“Good food.” The eldest of their guests conceded. “Although being a diabetic, I don’t usually take potatoes. The fish was tasty but,” he gave a laugh, “our son prefers mutton.”

“Rajma, though needing some salt, is his favorite,” his wife rushed in, “I rarely make it as it doesn’t suit us.”

If only you had informed us of your arrival.

If only you had informed your meal preferences.

 If only you hadn’t come and robbed me of my Sunday.

Reena bit her tongue and smiled. “Thanks. Being hypertensives, I thought you might be on a salt and meat restricted diet.”

***

Thanks for visiting and look forward to reading your share of guest woes.

For anyone interested, Chapter 6 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

FF: The Collapse of a Merger

Hi there! Today I am again attempting to play a 100 words for Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers on a photo kindly provided by Roger Bultot. If you want to join in or read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here. Thank you Rochelle and Roger.

Photo Prompt © Roger Bultot

The Collapse of a Merger

Words 100

There were smiles and claps all around as they shook hands and embraced.

The envisaged final outcome promised to set an example to the world. The wide arched span, bolstered modern support systems and thoughtful inclusion of futuristic elements, instilled confidence and joy in all.

Money exchanged hands, deadlines were set and tasks assigned. In keeping with the design requirements, work began simultaneously from both ends.

Over time, differences arose, however, yielding to pressure from senior advisors, all activities were completed on time.

Barely into the first monsoon, the foundation collapsed and the entire structure toppled over

Another failed marriage.

***

Thank you for visiting. For anyone interested, Chapter 5 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

#haiku 2

Haiku is just three lines and yet i find it the most difficult form to attempt. And probably that’s why i have so few haiku published. Sharing one today, which is actually not a haiku (i did tell you i am still struggling with it) but a senryu, which in contrast to haiku deals with human elements rather than nature.

Thanks for visiting. Also wanted to let you know that Chapter 4 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

Have a great week.

FF: A Makeover

Hello and welcome to another edition of Friday Fictioneers with Rochelle leading the way, this time with a photo from Sandra Crook for a story in 100 words. If you want to join in, click here. Thank you Rochelle and Sandra.

PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

A Makeover

Words 100

In her heydays, there were long queues. They would come in one by one, voice their worries, and on occasion, go off into peals of laughter.

With time, the queues had dwindled until there were none.  Inside too, there was nothing but dusty corners. In a limbo, the days, months, weeks, rolled into one.

A thunderstorm.  With a crash, a glass shattered.

One spring morn, sprouting between the cracks — tiny purple blooms.  The egg that the pigeon had nurtured with such care, hatched.

The squab flapped its wings, flying over hills and vales, carrying the scent of her myriad tales.

***

Thank you for visiting. For anyone interested, Chapter 3 of Some Sugar & Spice is up.

#tanka 2

Shubho Noboborsho!

Wishing you all a very happy Bengali New Year! And my warm, albeit belated, greetings to all for Baisakhi, Vishu, Ugadi, Puthandu, Maha Vishubha Sankranti, Bohag Bihu and (my apologies for the) many more that I am sure to have missed. This New Year, may all our lives be filled with peace and joy.

Posting one of my published tanka for your kind perusal.

Thank you for visiting and leaving me a note.

And for those reading Some Sugar & Spice the second chapter is up. See you there!

PS: How does this image look? First time trying my hand on Canva. Do share your thoughts and tips. Thank you.

FF: Ostrich in the Sand

Hello and welcome to another edition of Friday Fictioneers with Rochelle leading the way, this time with a photo from Nancy Richy for a story in 100 words. If you want to join in, click here. Thank you Rochelle and Nancy.

Photo Prompt © Nancy Richy

FF: Ostrich in the Sand

Words 100

Quick, this was his chance!

Ron began to tiptoe

He froze.

The familiar shuffle of footsteps.

No time to lose, he dived behind the sofa.

“Yes darling,” Her voice floated across. “the coast is clear. Let’s party!”

A titter.

“Yes darling. Just you and me. Oh Ron? He ran off to play football. Time he learned to take responsibility for his actions. Do you want to go out for dinner?” She lowered her voice. “Or should we order in and…?”

“Mom!” Ron sprang up, “You have a boyfriend?!”

Mom’s eyes gleamed with mischief as she stood there hands on hips.

***

Thank you for reading and leaving me a note. And in case anyone is interested, a new story: Some Sugar & Spice is now live! Hope to see you there as well.

Have a wonderful week.

#haibun 1 & A New Story

Hello everyone. Hope everyone is having a good day. Today is special for me as it is my Father’s birthday. I am celebrating by posting my first published haibun and the new story.

Thank you for visiting and leaving me a note. Have a great day.

Ah and the promised story…

From today I begin to post the story Some Sugar & Spice. It is the story of various women and one man stuck in the middle of it all, though not in the way you are imagining! 😀

And don’t worry, this is a limited series and is likely to be about 38 chapters long. If you are ready for another ride, do hop on! See you there 🙂

Some Sugar & Spice

PS: Readers of Silver Streaks may like to visit their page which has now been renamed: 3S: A 2025 Update

#haiku 1

Hello! Hope you are having a great Sunday. Today i share my first published haiku.

Do share your comments and thoughts.

Have good day.

FF: You Can’t Beat Them

Hello, everyone, hope you are having a good week. I am back with another attempt to participate in Rochelle’s party of Friday Fictioneers. The story is inspired by the photo by Jennifer Pendergast. Thank you Rochelle and Jennifer! If you wish to participate or read the other stories based on this prompt, click here

PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast

When you can’t Beat Them…

Words 100

“Enough playing games. What about work?” I grumble at my offspring glued to the screen, fingers dancing over the keyboard.

He nods agreeably without budging. And he is in my room.

Sighing, I scroll through the apps on the iPad.

I sink into ‘Zen Word’ until I am lured by the ‘Royal Match.’ I start by renovating his castle, the garden, decorating his bed, the dog’s bed, setting up his library…

Rebelling, I switch to ‘Nut Sort’ where one has to sort nuts by color.

Having done this for years, in no time, I top the charts. Next ‘Hidden Objects.’

***

Thank you for reading and especially for leaving me a comment. Hope you have a great weekend too.

PS: For readers of Silver Streaks or anyone else interested in the long format of stories please visit 3S: A 2025 Update

Cheers.

PPS: After posting, i went back to my game and it struck me that the story was about something else. Hence, a minor tweak in the title and last line. And some re-framing to keep within 100 words. Apologies for any inconvenience.

#tanka 1

Hello everyone! Today i present two unpublished tanka for your comments and suggestions

Thank you for visiting and leaving me a note.

Have a great day.

FF: A Knotty Tale

A big hello to all of you and welcome to my first flash fiction in over a year. I am thrilled to be able to participate in Rochelle’s weekly challenge of a story in 100 words – Friday Fictioneers – based on an atmospheric photo prompt kindly provided by Dale. Thank you Rochelle, thank you Dale. Looking forward to reading all the other stories on this prompt.

If you like, you may click here to read and add your own story. See you there!

Photo Prompt © Dale Rogerson

A Knotty Tale

Words 100

Ms Ghari sat in one corner, her knobbly fingers going knit purl, knit purl.

She was scowling and mumbling. “Halloween!!! Such a ruckus with no consideration for a poor old woman. You think I am mad? I will show you.”

She caressed the red wool cap she had knitted. This was no ordinary wool, it was soaked in poison and dried. Whoever wore it was in for an unpleasant end.

The doorbell rang.

Aha, a child!

Gleefully, she wrenched open the door and slipped the cap over the boy who held out a bunch of flowers, “Only for you Ms…”

– xxxx –

Thank you for reading and dont forget to share your thoughts. Have a great day.

Scroll on for more….

Hello, hello and many more hellos for all the days, weeks, months, and year plus that i have been AWOL. And my apologies too.

The primary reason was that i had nothing to write about. It was a complete block. And it’s not that the dam has suddenly burst (Oh those were the days) and i will be flooding you with daily stories – long and short. Nothing of that sort. In fact i have been struggling for the past few weeks to make a re-appearance with a bang. But hitting a dead end, i dropped in to say hello and give an update.

Especially to readers of Silver Streaks, who are probably the only ones who have been waiting and sending mails. Again my apologies. For the most recent mails, i have already sent the password. For those who havent received the mail and are still interested, please send an email to mysilverstreaks@gmail.com. Also, sorry to disappoint all those who are/were waiting for an extension of Season 2, i am afraid i am not inspired enough to follow that path. But who knows if readers can ignite that spark with their comments, views, perspectives then i am more than game!

Moving on, in other news, i have now ventured into poetry! And published as well. Truth is stranger than fiction. So until the fiction lights are turned on, i plan to share my published poems and perhaps even unpublished poems – who else will read them, right?

On that note, i take my leave for today with my first publication:

Yup, that’s me. And that’s it from me today. Looking forward to your hellos and updates.

A rather belated Happy 2025 to everyone.

FOTD: Marigold

Here’s my entry to Cee’s Flower of the Day of the challenge

Marigolds from my mom’s garden 🙂 Marigold are believed to symbolize purity, divinity, and the connection between life and death. Marigold is the most commonly offered flower in several religious ceremonies. But did you know that it’s Lord Ganesha’s favorite flower? Well I didnt. Apparently this is an edible plant with medicinal properties. I remember once as a child I had cut myself and it was pouring blood (in my memory at least) and mom just crushed some marigold leaves and instantly it stopped bleeding.

That’s it from me, for now. Wishing everyone a Happy Dhanteras!

FF: Stuff of Dreams

Hello and welcome to another edition of Friday Fictioneers with Rochelle leading the way, this time with a photo from David Stewart for a story in 100 words. If you want to join in, click here. Thank you Rochelle and David.

FF: The Stuff of Dreams

Words 100

A cheer broke out from the crowd as Parul arrived. She had just won the gold in the 5000m after yesterday’s silver in steeplechase.

“Quite a journey from running in sugarcane fields, training with boys, overcoming societal pressures to the top of the victory stand. Congratulations!”

Still out of breath, Parul smiled. “Thank you.”

“What a thrilling finish!  Throughout you were trailing and whoosh – in the last 20 m you overtook the lead. How did that happen?”

 “It’s been my dream to join the police. It popped into my head that a DSP post is  guaranteed for gold medallists.”   

***

Inspired by a true story of Parul Chaudhary, the first Indian woman to win gold at the 5000m race, Asian Games 2023.  Click to watch her thrilling win!

FF: Child’s Play

Hello and welcome to another edition of Rochelle’s weekly challenge of a story in 100 words – Friday Fictioneers – based on the marvelous photo prompt kindly provided by Dale. I had so many threads running for this one that I just kept vacillating between them. Anyway ultimately settled on the first one. Hope you like 🙂 If you like you may click here to read and add your own story. See you there!

PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

FF: Child’s Play

Words 100

“Your pills darling.” Rekha hugged her new husband, “Thanks for fixing the lights and my favorite pink roses.”

“But,” Jim frowned, “I didn’t fix the lights or send roses. Don’t you prefer red?”

“Who could it be in this deserted place? Stalker? Ghost?”

“Don’t…”

The lights flickered and a disembodied voice spoke. “Shaina my love….”

“Wh…who…” Jim quavered gripping Rekha.

“Get away from my wife…”

“She’s my wife.”  

“She’s mine. Leave her or you’re dead…”

“Nooooo!” Jim screamed and collapsed at Rekha’s feet.

“Well that was easy.” Rohit emerged from the shadows.

“I told you he was terrified of ghosts.”

***

Thanks for visiting. Looking forward to hearing from you as well. Have a grand weekend.

CFFC: Fun with Sticks & Stones

Hello, hello ready for some fun with sticks and stones? The virtual kind are the best and thanks to Cee I never thought I would ever be fearlessly playing this game. This week the topic is either Sticks and Stones. As usual Cee gives wings to sticks and stones as well and we are allowed to be creative and have fun with this challenge. How could I resist eh? 😉

Off we go…

Some serious contemplation of sticks. Perhaps they too have a challenge that they need to participate in 😉

When sticks stick to the ground…

Sticks and stones – big ones. 😉

This one evokes envy – one can only dream of the peace and contentment in his life 😀

No pebbles here but it’s made of stone – a contemplative stone 😀

I used to love reading books in this pose, once upon a time – do you/did you?

Time for a break on a sticky stand 🙂 Love the bilingual message 😀 We all do deserve one break at least!

Here’s the break time complete with stick spoons 🙂 Yes it was delicious

One of my favorite notices that I found at a hotel in Goa and so apt for the times we live in. It was on a stick type frame, just in case you were wondering.

Thank you for dropping by and do leave me a note – they make my day! Cheers

Last on the Card – October 2023

Posting this for Bushboy’s photo challenge. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th October or whenever your last photo was taken. No explanations are needed just the photo will do. Despite good intentions I couldnt resist jabbering and attempted a haiku as well. Something to kickstart November. This is also for Cee’s FOTD challenge.

bee sips

from the orange hibiscus

does it sting?   

If you are here, do say a word or two – just a hello will do 🙂

PS: For those who may have visited my earlier post – CMMC: Photos with a P please note that this is a different hibiscus 🙂 She is blooming gorgeous blooms. Touch wood!!!!

Happy November!

MWWP: Once Upon a Time

Hello hope this week has been treating you well. It’s time for Eugi’s Moonwashed Weekly Prompt challenge. The prompt is Either Or. It can be any variation of the prompt or the image (below).

Once Upon a Time

A world of trees
Green, brown and orange
Reaching up to wave at blue
Skies smudged with white
Tall grasses twinkle
With drops of dew
Shielding centipedes, mites,
Leeches, frogs to name a few

Already dark and time for
The football match
Up on the roof
The rats and squirrels
Having a field day
While in the kitchen
Mom plays hockey
with a rat or is it a shrew?

Dad practiced duelling
snakes while Mom had
her dessert under the
Watchful eye of a King cobra
Bees and wasps swirled
bestowing the gift of a plump arm
or a misshapen face just like
rashes from insects and cacti

Exams denounced
Packed off to picnics
Streams swirled around our legs
All through the night
Those dratted parrots pecked at
mangoes and summer vacations
with afternoon shifts
to shoo parrots

Swinging high and higher
Climbing guava trees taking home
Red bites that turned yellow and black
Bleeding gashes wrapped in
Crushed marigold leaves
For a stye in the eye
Seven strokes of mango leaf stem
Did the trick

The nearest town of one shop
A couple of miles away
Never did we ever cross a street
Nor venture to shop or crave to eat
No TV, no phone no internet
All I missed were books
Other than those I had
Read a gazillion times

Would I go back?
Why when the path is ahead
Cocooned in the warm clasp of
Unfearful memories
Bouncing through
Life’s myriad adventures
Much like the fools that rush in
But that is another story…

The photo reminded me of my childhood home (except it wasnt that orange!) and couldn’t help penning a few lines – not quite sure if you can call it a poem. But if you managed to come this far thank you for sticking it out till the end of what is quite a faithful account of my idyllic childhood.

PS: I was unable to format the poem into paragraphs and hence I took the help of colors. Apologies if it is looking weird.

PPS: It was looking even more weird with the alternating colors so used this format (Pullquote). At least the paragraphs are clearly demarcated. Do let me know if you have any suggestions for formats to use. Thank you.

TankaTuesday#5

Hello I am back after a week of prayers, celebrations, socializing and gorging 😀 And it’s already time for Colleen’s #TankaTuesday challenge where the rules are to to write in any of the 24 syllabic forms of Japanese poetry using a kigo or season word as an inspiration. While there are 24 seasons in Japan, we are allowed to use season words as per our region.

She leaves

a quietude behind

Vijayadashami

praying for the guns

to fall silent

I have used ‘Vijayadashami’ (literally victory tenth day) as the kigo word here. Vijayadashami (which was on 24th October this year) is celebrated after Navratri and is the 10th day that marks the end of Durga Puja and the celebration of Her victory over Mahishasura (the buffalo demon) and the triumph of good over evil. After the celebrations, there is a hush and lull in the neighborhood.

Vijayadashami is also celebrated as Dussehra, the day when Lord Rama defeated the evil king Raavan, whose effigies are burnt to symbolize the burning of the evils within us as well as the triumph of good over evil.

Thank you for reading, would love to know your comments and suggestion. Have a great weekend.