AnuKathaa

Dear readers, A good friend of mine, Saiswaroopa Iyer, is releasing her 3rd novel "Mauri" on the 9th of June, 2018. Sai's stories explore the lesser known stories of the timeless epics of India, from the perspectives of strong female protagonists.  Here's a sneak preview into what to expect from this book.  About Mauri She wanted to kill the man who others called a God. Love is but an obstacle in her path With her father’s death shattering her world, Mauri is torn away from everything she had once loved. Anger replacing every emotion within her, she seeks only one thing. To kill her father’s killer. Even if the man is none less than Krishna Vaasudeva, the man who people worshipped as a God! Someone stands in the way, reining in her bitterness when she is the least prepared for it. The Rakshasa Prince Ghatotkacha! But by the time love sprouts within her, Mauri has gone too far in her thirst for vengeance. Can Mauri save herself and Ghatotkacha before t...

My last story, written from the 2nd person point of view, evoked quite strong reactions. At the time, I did intend re-working that piece in my usual style so that readers could enjoy the story, without any stress 😀 However, I got so busy with other things, that before I realized, a month had passed, and it was time for my next story submission. Yesterday, in the middle of writing an academic paper for a national-level seminar, I managed to churn out this story because I didn't want to miss the deadline. As usual, I'm waiting to hear what you think of it !                                 xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx Prompt:Distinctive markings l Word Count:1200 words exactly Varun paced the floor outside the restaurant. Too nervous to go in. Tormented by memories of previous encounters that had bruised his confidence. They had agreed on 11 am, and he hated being late. ...

The way I've written this story is different from my usual style. So, it calls for an explanation so that you, the reader, are not left confused.  I've experimented - for the first time in my fiction writing - with using what is called the Second Person Narrative or the Second Person Point of View. This is a style of writing that uses the words 'you' to put the reader into the shoes of the narrator. If done right, this technique is supposed to give a richer sensory experience to the reader.  I'd love to know what kind of an effect it had on you; so, feel free to share your feedback!            Prompt: Buy or Sell      Word Count: 750 words exactly We are doomed. No one says it loud, but you know. Heaviness in the air. Your father’s long-drawn sigh. A vacant look in your mother’s eye that tells you she’s done with shedding tears. You hate this hopeless waiting. “Do something,” you cry. But, only in your mind. For, the qu...

Last month, a few students came to me, asking for permission to visit a festival in their village in Kerala. As I talked to them and got to know more about the event, I was struck by the idea of using this as background for my next story - a thriller for the first time from my pen - on the theme of "A Celebration." 7.30 am Constable Santhosh stood at the window of the Edakkad Police Station, watching the sunrise. A bird chirped somewhere, and a few moments later, another chimed in. A gentle breeze blew across the room. Santhosh was ready for yet another hectic day. An official car glided to a stop outside the Police Station. Santhosh wondered who this early visitor was. He turned from the window just in time to see a tall man rushing into the room, hands moving into the inside of his jacket. Santhosh’s hands rushed to his own weapon. A moment later, he relaxed. The guy had brought out an ID and was saying “Sharma. Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch Investigation Depart...

This is a story I had written in November 2017. Being busy with the blogathon on other topics on Anu's Words , I hadn't put it up as a blog post. Later, this story made its way into the ebook I published on Amazon, called Song of Life and Other Stories . Recently, I remembered this story again. Considering that many of my readers may not have read the ebook, I'm putting it up here for your reading pleasure. Prompt: Calculated Risk A gloved hand reached into the bin labeled Batch 101 and picked up a few rubber stoppers. Sampling was underway in the Packing Material Store of Nor Pharmaceuticals. As a leading manufacturer of injectable products, the company took its quality control very seriously and its processes were all designed to leave nothing to chance. As Nor’s Managing Director often pointed out to anyone willing to listen, success in the pharma industry was all about working your way through calculated risk. The stoppers now traveled to the lab where they were...

Word count: 1000 words exactly l Prompt: Desperate Times Bimala trudged to the pile of firewood outside the house. She took her time choosing a few sturdy pieces for the kitchen fire. It was time to get dinner going. As she turned away, a rough hand came out of nowhere and clamped down on her mouth and a voice whispered in her ear, “Don’t scream. All I want is a little help and then I’ll be gone.” Too stunned to do anything, Bimala struggled to retain her footing as a man sagged against her. Was this the outlaw who was rumoured to be in these parts since the last few weeks? There had been reports of encounters between the police and a group of Naxalites who were all too common in this forest area. Bimala’s husband was an ageing constable and although not in the thick of action, he got to know all the inside information. “I just need a place to stay the night,” the voice begged. Bimala watched as the man slumped to the ground and lay there in a stupor. She debated the wisdom of...

Over the past year, as I got more regular with my writing, I've been having this thought of segregating my writings based on the genre. So, this new blog called AnuKathaa.....which is a pun of sorts because these are SMALL stories written by ANU..... So, without further ado, let's get on with it. Here's the first short story I wrote in 2018......as usual, I'm waiting eagerly to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the 'Comments' section  .... Mukti Kuteer Prompt: The Bridge | Word count: 1200 words exactly | Genre: Mystery Finally, we are here. So, this is the place. What a tiny name board for a place that makes such tall claims. “Mukti Kuteer” looks like nothing more than an ordinary guesthouse in Kashi. But the name reveals its special purpose. This is where people – like my master Babuji – go, to die. Yes, that’s right….I was shocked too, when I first heard of it. I mean, how can someone promise death escort services in a holy land? Isn’t that a sin? But no...