Manan Suraiya

“Dare to Die?” by Manan Suraiya

“Come on, don’t be a wuss. You chose dare, remember?”“Yes, but—”“No ifs and buts about it, Cenn. You’re going inside that house this instant.”“It looks straight out of a horror movie. Marlo, can I have another challenge?”“Alright. Tomorrow, the whole school, especially Tiara, will know that you are a chicken. Sounds pleasant, right?”“Ugh..fine. What do I have to do?.”“Go up to the first floor and wave to us from that window. Only then will your dare end.”“Poor Cenn…”“Look at his walk, Julia! I wonder how he hasn’t soiled his pants yet.”“I do...

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“Lobby” by Manan Suraiya

Submitted to Contest #102

“Bollocks,” exclaimed Beldo, brushing his hand aside. Everyone in the Grand Hall stared daggers at him. The spectacled officer sitting opposite the glass desk frowned.“Mr. Beldo, you are advised to keep your volume down.”White light bathed the marble walls and floor of the room. The soft wisps of mist floating in the room appeared like halos in the glow. Though the room was bright, there was a notable lack of wind. Beldo pulled his tie loose and sighed.“Why can’t we have air-conditioning, Mr. Mace?”Mace peered at him curiously. “Are you seri...

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“Mask” by Manan Suraiya

Submitted to Contest #102

TW: child death, murder The mask of human nature is deadly. You never know what lies behind. BOOM! Sofia woke up with a start. A puddle of sweat had creeped around her on the bed sheet. Moonlight filtered through the window, sparkling on the tears that streamed down her face. With a quivering hand, she raised the glass beside her to her lips and took a sip of water. Her eyes fell on the picture lying next to her. The picture of a young boy, no older than six. Tenderly, she ran a hand across the photo, almost feeling the boy’s soft brown hair...

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“Screams” by Manan Suraiya

Submitted to Contest #64

The screams just won’t stop. ­Every night, I hear them, echoing through the dark hallways of our house. Shuddering, I huddle into a corner, hoping that someone would hear them and send help. But I think that is too much to ask. Nobody has come before as well. Our house is on a hill, overlooking a village. Tonight, the bright moon shines a shimmering blanket over us, but there is not a soul outside. Wait! Is that a door creaking open? I pull back into a corner of the bed, eyes fixed at the door as it slowly opens. A little girl in a white fr...

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“Pokémon Rules” by Manan Suraiya

Submitted to Contest #40

“And yeah, final words. There is a Pokémon gym just around the corner.”The crowd was in splits as Mihir sat down. From across the long table, Mandy grinned at him, nodding his head.Mandy’s mind flew back to the first year of college, when his eighteen year old self was being forced by one of his friends to attend a party.“Mandy, come on! Don’t be such a stick in the mud! Everyone will be there! Who knows, you might meet someone interesting!”Mandy, a short boy with dark black hair and equally dark eyes had groaned.“I don’t want to! I am not i...

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“Crimson Eye” by Manan Suraiya

Submitted to Contest #39

Carl woke up, his sleep plagued by a terrifying dream. He sat in his bed and shook his head. He looked out of the window. The sky was dark, save for a glowing red halo. His heart started pounding in his chest, as he ran out into the living room of his apartment, calling for his mother.She was sprawled on the sofa. Dead.Carl screamed, running out of his house to fetch help. He reached the door of his next door neighbour, and started ringing the bell urgently.No response.A cold chill crept up Carl’s body, and he stared at the door with wide, f...

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“Hunter” by Manan Suraiya

Submitted to Contest #36

9:30 p.m.Mom and Dad are away tonight. They have to go for some wedding. I was mercifully spared from accompanying them and babysitting my annoying cousins. They left after leaving some food on the table, with clear instructions to go to bed on time. I wish I could. But, sleep is something that has eluded me for as long as I can remember. In fact, I am called a night owl by my friends. Of course, I did not tell them why I couldn’t sleep.My parents locked the door from outside, to avoid waking me up when they return. It is also a safe mo...

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