Prafulla Vyas

“The Stranger in the Library” by Prafulla Vyas

Submitted to Contest #91

Miss Brown stared at the computer, her mind far away, dreaming of the blue ocean, relaxing and sipping margaritas on the sunny beaches of the Mexican Gulf. The cursor on the old Mac blinked impatiently, emitting short beeps, hungry for the next word. She sighed deeply, her heart heavy with grief and disillusion. Her date last night was a huge disappointment. She could not envision a happy, married life with the timid, yo...

13 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“Under the Banyan Tree” by Prafulla Vyas

Submitted to Contest #90

Most nights I slept under the banyan tree, on a straw bed, beside the smooth, black stone-representing Lord Shiva. Perhaps it was the gentle rustle of the spiritual energy that hovered around- I could not be sure, it lulled me into a dreamless state, into a cocoon, from which I was reluctant to emerge. But the sweet melody of the bulbul cracked it open and I crawled out. I rubbed my eyes and looked up into thick canopy a...

8 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“The Road Less Travelled ” by Prafulla Vyas

Submitted to Contest #89

How would mother react, if she left without saying goodby? Would she even miss her? Daksha wrestled with these harrowing thoughts as she packed her small suitcase with essential items like clothes, makeup, toothbrush and books. She planned to sneak out in the evening and catch the 9:15 to Delhi. Nobody would miss her, not even her pesky, little brother who tagged along and never lost sight of her. The little monkey was p...

5 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“Be the Change” by Prafulla Vyas

Submitted to Contest #88

Avatar sat like a mute, amongst the elders of the village, gathered under the banyan tree. It’s shade extended beyond the entrance of the old haveli, where they were guests of honour. They were seated cross-legged, his father, his uncle and the girl‘s father, sipping tea while discussing his engagement ceremony. Avatar could never understand why his father preferred to sip hot tea in a stainless steel tumbler, on a swelt...

12 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“A New Beginning ” by Prafulla Vyas

Submitted to Contest #86

The sweet scent of lilacs drifted towards the mother and daughter, as they made their way around the nursing home gardens. Mrs. D’ Souza in a wheelchair, swaddled in a blanket, and Angela behind her, pushing in the direction of the river. The garden was littered with forget-me-not and bright daffodils peeked from thick shrubs like mini rays of sunshine. Birds chirped and rustled the branches in the trees ...

10 likes 2 comments 2

Read story

“Stranger in my suite” by Prafulla Vyas

Submitted to Contest #83

Cecilia could hardly curb her excitement as she waited outside her house, with her bright red carry-on, for her cab to arrive. She hoped that old Mrs.Higgins was not spying on her. She disapproved of single, middle aged women travelling on their own, to God forsaken places. The cold, bitter wind slapped her face and she shivered slightly. The soft, silky t-shirt under her parka was hardly any protection against the Canad...

5 likes 0 comments 0

Read story

“The Blind Date” by Prafulla Vyas

On Valentine’s Day, Stella did not take her usual forty minute nap, but instead devoted more than usual time to get ready for her evening date. She stared into the mirror, scrutinizing her face for fine lines that persisted in spite of the expensive creams that she lathered on every night. The frown on her forehead was etched forever, like a writing on a stone. It was the only living sign of struggles and sorrows ...

1 like 0 comments 0

Read story