Category Archives: Short Story

Discovering Happiness

Life, Short Story, ,

Two friends grew up together. Both had different approaches to life .

Errol was the serious one and devoted himself to studies in school . Merrill was fun loving and enjoyed games but also studied .

This approach was noticeable when they went to university.

“ Errol will you take part in the the football team selection ?”

“ No , Merrill , I am preparing my notes for history .Are you prepared ?”

“ I have made some points and will elaborate on them as I prepare for the exams, “ replied Merrill. “ However , I’m taking part in the team selection.”

Merrill went ahead and was selected for the college team .

During those days there was also a social . They went for it .

“ Merrill , guess what , I met Daisy , and she showed a lot of interest in me . She is also very studious“

“ Oh, that’s good news “

“ I met many of our friends, but will not get into any serious relationship so early.” said Merrill .

“ I have a tournament very soon , and will be involved with practices. “

Exams began in a few months .

Errol did very well , whereas Merrill had average marks .

Merrill did well in football . He devoted time to studying, and balanced his time , with sports .

Errol’s relationship, took a toll on his studies.

In the following year, his performance in the exams was just average. Merrill too did okay .

“Hey, Errol , why don’t you take time off from all this serious stuff and get into recreational activity .”

So Errol decided to play badminton .

That was the turning point for him. His grades improved .

They both finished their education . Merrill secured a good job , and so did Errol with his all round approach .

They married and settled in their new homes .

Errol worked hard and long hours . He had less family time . This affected his relationship with his wife . Very soon troubles started .

Merrill was happily married . He continued to have an all round approach to life and work . He enjoyed family time . He worked hard and never brought work home .

One day they met and shared their highs and lows .

“Errol , I am doing well in my job. However my relationship with Daisy is poor. What shall I do ? “

“ I believe you should balance work , recreation and family time . I make it a point to take Rose and the kids for outings, and help at home of course . “

“Do you pray , Errol ?”

“ I have no time for that .” replied Errol .

“ Try, doing what I just told you.”

In a few months, Errol experienced joy in his life . His relationship at home improved .

He also did well in his job . He made it a point to keep his off day to rest. recreate and help at home.. He kept time daily to pray .

“Thanks Errol for your help . I’m now much better . Happiness has returned to me .”

I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord ; I repeat, what I want is your happiness. Let your tolerance be evident to everyone: the Lord is very near . There is no need to worry ; but if there is anything you need, pray for it , asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus. ( Philippians 4: 4-7)

An Empty Crib

Short Story, ,

Christmas was fast approaching in the home of the Smiths. Decorations and lights were being set up at home .

Little Daniel was trying to help his parents specially with the Christmas Tree and the Nativity Crib .

“ Mummy , why is the star at top of the tree?”

“Oh dear , we keep bobbles and little toys and other decorations on the sides, but the star is special!” replied Sarah.

“ Years ago, at the time of Baby Jesus’ birth, the shining star led the shepherds and the wise men to the stable, where he lay in a manger.”

Daniel ‘s face was downcast ,” Did he not have a proper room at his birth?”

“There was no room anywhere , so a kind man gave his parents the stable nearby.”

Daniel walked away quite disappointed.

Christmas Day dawned finally . Many visitors came wishing . They admired the beautifully decorated home of Daniel .

But something was amiss .

Where is the Babe in the crib ?

Sarah enquired from all at home . Much later Daniel told his mother “ I wanted to give Baby Jesus a better crib , so I kept him with me, to sleep in my bed.”

In a more serious vein, if the Babe is missing from the crib , where will one find him ?

Can we celebrate Christmas without Christ at the heart of it?

Can there be a crib without the babe ?

Squirrels ahoy ! ( Fluffy and Duffy )

#Nature, Life, Short Story, , ,

“Hey Duffy , let’s visit the garden below .”

“What’s the hurry Fluffy ? “ responds Duffy .

“Do you realise winter is approaching? We need to stock up our food reserves .” says Fluffy.

“ I think we can manage for the week Fluffy .”

“ Just think. will that last for the long winter months ?” asks Fluffy

“You have a point there , but where will we store our reserves ? “ enquires Duffy .

“Simple ! ! We hide them at different locations in the garden and the bark of trees.” answers Fluffy .

“Another concern is the scarcity of our food type ; buds , fruit and nuts will not be easily seen in the winter days .” worries Duffy .

“Oh Duffy , do you see the bird feeder this human family keeps replenishing ? Let’s try getting some of that . “

“ Listen Fluffy, that feeder can be difficult to reach . It’s meant for birds only .”

“ That’s no problem .I’ll show you the way. You remain on the ground below the feeder .”

So Fluffy went to the top of the wooden frame and accessed the feeder by descending downwards . He began feeding on the bird food . Duffy waited below for any feed dropping on the floor.

“Listen Fluffy. I have an idea. Chew onto the string holding the feeder and let the feeder fall . Then we can have a feast .”

Fluffy chewed the string and down came the feeder. They both enjoyed the feed .

Now what happened next is interesting .

The family took time to restore the feeder to its original position and thus ended the squirrels adventure.

Fluffy and Duffy resumed their search for food in berries , flower buds , and nuts.

They both realised that it’s always good to

‘Save for the times when there may be scarcity .’ ( the saying commonly used – save for a rainy day or the wintry days ! )

The bird feeder provided food for that day , and depended on the compassion of the human family to restore and replenish it.

Try a little kindness

Life, Short Story, ,

What does a young man do at times when the pandemic is prevalent.

Sam looked out of his window facing the road at Bandra. He is tall , very observant and a computer wizard . At heart he is compassionate.

He saw a very dejected looking man plodding past his home, at the end of the day . He seemed tired. Eyes were intense and lips red from chewing Paan . He was a bit grey, heavy set, with a drooping moustache.

Sam guessed the man needed help.

He hurried out to meet this man

“Where are you going ? Can I help you?

asked Sam

“Oh , I don’t know where ; I’ve lost hope “replied the man

“What is your name? Why are you not wearing your mask,” ( for protection during the Covid pandemic)

He quickly pulled out his mask and then replied :

“ My name is Mohan. I worked as a manual labourer at a godown, in Sion. Now there is no work , what can I do.”

Sam asked him a few questions about his work in the current pandemic . This triggered a flood of responses .

“Due to the restrictions most constructions have stopped. So how will there be any work? “

“Will you return to your village? “ enquired Sam

“I am worried as there are limited trains and many people like me ( migrant workers) are returning to their homes in the villages . “ said Mohan

“Do you have a place to stay? “

“Only for one week more , as I don’t have money to pay rent for the next month.”

“How about your food?”

“I cook just Dal /Rotis and veg , what is available, just one meal a day

It then struck Sam to direct Mohan to food counters set up outside the church nearby.

“Mohan, please go to St. Peter’s Church and you will meet some people who will help you.”

“Also Mohan , I will help you in booking a ticket to go home at your village. But please take care and wear your mask ok?”

Mohan’s entire demeanour changed . Hope returned , with a simple gesture of compassion from Sam .

Conclusion :

How can I help others during these times of trial ?

If you see your brother standing by the road

With a heavy load …..

Try a little kindness ( song by Glen Campbell)

Yes at St Peter’s Church , like many others , volunteers are doing yeoman service in providing food packets to many who are in need .

( Paan : is chewed after a meal or even at anytime . It is made of betel nut , chuna : slaked lime and red katha paste : from acacia tree and wrapped in betel leaf )

Tale of two tails ( the two pigeons)

#Nature, Life, Short Story, , ,

“Say Saffy  , why don’t  we play a game.”  Suggests Daffy as he  and Saffy perch on the nearby parapet.

“Are you ok ? To think of playing games when all these humans are so stressed about some virus.”  

“Any way tell me what do you have in mind” Saffy looks with enquiring eyes.

“ Well have you ever thought of  how tḥe wind blows?”

“Daffy , I don’t understand what game this is? Please be  simple and clear.”

“ See, Saffy , when we fly, which is easier ; with the wind or against it ? “

“Obviously with the wind is easier.”

“Ok then , lets fly around the world , and see whether we reach this place agaiṇ.”

“ We can both go together , with the wind. “

Thus started ān adventure by these two pigeons . What is in Daffy’s mind ?

They both realized that as they flew, there was a lot to observe. The entire environment had changed. The skies were clear. Forests  reappeared.  The rivers flowed with pure water.

“Have you any idea whether there is still a hole in the sky?” asked Saffy.

“ I don’t understand such things , Saffy, but I do know that flyiṇg in the sky is less stressful and a real pleasure.”

The two friends continued ,their journey. They saw new developments …. not  the Crane and  Construction  work. No in the various  trees, nest building began with great fervour.

“Daffy , when do you plan to settle down ? “

 “Hey Saffy , please don’t speak about settling down. Just see what the smart humans have done with their ‘settling’ and ‘developing’ “

“ I’m surprised that  these people can stay in one place and quieten down. Why could they not do this earlier? Their incessant desire to be on the move, certainly caused changes, harmful to us. “

Thus Daffy and Saffy flew along , chatting all the time.

As they flew together ,they encountered   many other birds. The various calls and flurry of feathers, seemed  to be a celebration of life. Clouds floated serenely against blue skies .

“  Hey Daffy, just look below. Is this the new earth? “

“ What do you mean ‘new’ earth; it was always meant to be like this, until all the new ideas of man changed everything for the  worse. “

“ And Daffy,these same  humans , want to spread their ‘wings’ to the moon and beyond.”

“ You better not talk too much , Saffy, nowadays , we are being watched closely.”

The two pigeons soon realized that their dream of flying around the world , would not materialize.

The direction of winds changed and  they thought it best to return to old nesting places.

There is a saying that birds of a feather flock together. Dear reader, when you see the two pigeons of  differing  color and breed, does it surprise you ?

They have  one  tale to share, inspite of differing tails. . Where are we with our differences. Do exteriors matter?

Do the hearts that beat in man , differ ? Can the same heart love and hate at the same time?

Tell me what gives life?  The choice remains….can I love or hate? 

Will my choice determine peace or strife?

Sully in solitary splendour

#Nature, Life, Short Story, ,
Sully

Sully the pristine parrot liked to view his flock of friends from a distance.

Among them, Tom , Dick and Harry chased after daily necessities..food at the top of their list of needs

Tom asked Sully “ Don’t you feel hungry ?”

“ Why ? Being apart gives me time to think and observe.” replied Sully.

Dick asked “what do you observe?”

“Oh , the scramble for food and a lack of concern for the other”

Harry interjected “ So , you think we are selfish!”

“Oh no , I mean , there are ways of seeking food , without outdoing the others and competing with the crows and pigeons.”

“Besides ? I may find tasty morsels from my perch , with an eagles eye.” said Sully.

Suddenly an eagle swooped down and carried away a tiny sparrow .

“Did you see that ? And there are some delicious live insects and worms , much better than the feeder with boring grain.”

Leader Tom now quite irritated shrieked “ You think you know it all.”

Sully looked on “ Does it disturb you that I am on my perch , enjoying the cool breeze and observing your crazy scramble ?”

“ Will food run out ?”

So this was the reason for the scramble :

Will I take what I require for today, or grab and horde , for tomorrow?

Do I care for the needs of others .

I saw the coppersmith barbet carrying morsels of food for its young in the nest holed out in the bark of the May flower tree.

Coppersmith Barbet

Do not worry

‘Your Heavenly Father feeds them all.’ (Matthew 6:26b)

The Trees Passer

Short Story, Uncategorized, ,

 

The little fellow Tim the sparrow flitted about searching for tasty morsels from the plants ; alongside was  Tiny his partner also foraging.  Most of  the gang of crows led by Doug unofficially claim the area of the huge Mayflower tree as their own.

Then far above we have a visitor McMoran. He is of medium size and has a tinge of green on his wings and head. He has an awkward squark and darts from one branch to another. Do I know his breed? He looks good and is very rarely seen in the vicinity.

What can you expect then? Lets count Doug and his gang. ..about a dozen, and getting into a frenzy.

“ Is that how you guys welcome me , a tourist ? “ questions McMoran

“ Says who? Are  you are a  tourist? “ caws Doug. “ You look like a trespasser.”

An upset McMoran squawks back “ And who decides who am I”

“ The May flower tree  has existed since the past 60 years; my great-grandparents nested here.” Replied Doug.

A nonchalant McMoran continued moving among the topmost branches . Who can stop him?

The chorus of caws increases, and strangely….subsides . The gang of crows realized that , numbers do not matter.    Courageous McMoran did not get blown away  by the aggressive crows.

What about Tim and Tiny. They finished their search for tasty  morsels and have enjoyed their time in the sun. Did they get overawed by the number of crows and their size?

Each is gifted differently. The ability to  use their gifts will decide their  future.  Every weakness is compensated by a strength.  What about the crow?  Does his appearance deceive you?

The crow is one of the most intelligent and sturdy birds. No wonder , beauty in this case does not matter. They care for their young and mourn for those who die.

Sparrows though small, send their young out early and they begin to fend for themselves.

Who was the visitor ? Dear reader, you need to help me as I can only describe this quiet tourist.

Lets hope he comes again with more of his kind. And may he be welcomed by all the natives of the good ole May Flower tree.

A matter of Time

Life, Short Story

Thelma had  only a day left for a whole lot of things to do before leaving for a long drive to Mumbai.

She and Timothy her husband were on a short holiday in Goa.

So on Friday, she spoke to Sebastian their man Friday, who willingly agreed to bring his car early morning , precisely at 8am to help her.

Next morning Thelma had a quick breakfast and was ready for Sebastian…Timothy was all set to have a late breakfast , and then do some house chores before departure next day.

Its 8am….8.10…8.15 am    Thelma calls Sebastian,” Have you left?” He replied “ I am just leaving; I had a request order to prepare a curry for Victor.”

Its now 8.20am….8.25 am….Thelma cannot wait any longer… the sausage woman gave a time of 8.45am for the purchase of sausages…then 9-9.30 am was the time for the refill of gas cylinder.

“ Ok Timothy, I am going; I will give you a call in case I need any help.” And so Thelma quite irritated, went in a rickshaw to the market place.

Timothy prepared a sumptuous breakfast with eggs and fresh roties….He just about started when he got a call from Thelma, “ You better come and pick me up; I will be at the corner of the village road at Taligao.”.”  Timothy sighed “Yes, dear I will come. “  There’s no sign of Sebastian.

Timothy gobbled his breakfast and in quick time , got  ready and drove to the Taligao corner.

As he reached , so did Sebastian… and Thelma in the hot sun , with her bags, was walking towards them.

Here started the fire works….not aloud, as you will imagine… but the ‘look’ and the scowl was enough. That was the end of Sebastian… Very apologetically he said “ I can take you now.” But Thelma just walked to Timothy’s car and said “ Next time, you please tell me , when you have  work in hand, and that you cannot come “

“ You know, the Sausage woman could wait.’ said Sebastian

Thelma interjected “ Yes, but do you know that there were so many customers waiting to buy those sausages for even a higher price. So why would she wait for me?”

Besides the gas cylinder had to be picked up before the truck left for distribution in other parts of Panjim before 9.30am, and we are leaving for Mumbai tomorrow.”

Sebastian very meekly, kept silent.

Timothy drove off to the Gas Distributor along with Thelma.

However Sebastian followed Timothy’s car , and made up with a good deed of showing them the way to the gas distributor’s office.

Thelma and Timothy completed their round of things to be done thereafter, and returned home.

There was no sign of Sebastian.

“Was he upset? He is so helpful and must be quite embarrassed” conjectures Timothy.

“He had to go to Dona Paula for some work , which will keep him occupied for the full day” said Thelma.

As night approached,  there was still  no sign of Sebastian. The couple then packed their bags, and loaded their car.

Next morning they left on a long journey to Mumbai.

Wait a minute. Do you think that Sebastian will ignore them or keep this grudge for all the mess which happened.

At about 8am , Thelma’s mobile phone rang “ How are you all?  Where have you reached? Is everything ok?” enquired Sebastian…… a few hours later……. he enquired again…until Timothy and Thelma reach Mumbai safely.

Thought: 1) How can Sebastian balance his  work and also please  people dear to him with his good deeds?

2) What is so significant at the end of the story?

To Emulate a Hero

Athletics, Short Story

t-run

We have heard a lot of heroes till date. Some in the sports field and some as leaders in critical times.

Here we have a collegian Harry who has always looked up to the great athletes of the past Olympics.

Harry was of medium height. He had well toned upper arms and chest, short cropped hair and sturdy limbs, well equipped to do middle distance running. He trained regularly and dreamed of making it to the Olympics.  He also read a lot specially about the renowned athletes of our times and even of the past.

He trained sincerely and tried to learn new techniques to do better.

Harry heard about Michael Johnson and then recently Usain Bolt. He dreamed of becoming like one of these athletes.

Now  the college athletics were a few months away. He trained even more. Every morning he woke up , whether in rainy weather or not. He left early mornings with a few fellow athletes, to train at the University Grounds. Joe was a good friend but also a good competitor. Friendship never came in the way of their races.

They both trained for the 400 , 800 and 1500 metres . Their timings were quite closely matched. Harry was the stronger. Joe was lanky and tall, and had elegant strides. It was a contrast of styles.

Harry very determined and focused, whereas Joe was casual and aware of his natural talent.

Harry dreamed of whipping all the others in the his events. He quadrupuled his training efforts. He sacrificed all his time and energy only in this direction.

Joe once teased him: “ So, are you trying for a clean sweep of the 400, 800 and 1500? Oh yes, you have your heroes in mind: but it requires a lot more. Lets see how you do it ?  Don’t forget , I am also in the running.”

Harry quite nonchalantly replied “ I will do my best”

“Oh! I really mean to win”,  retorted Joe.

Ten days before the  University Athletics,  Harry caught the flu. He was down with high fever and had to take prescribed treatment from his doctor. Dr Bratt, believed in heavy dosage of medicines, with the prime purpose of reviving Harry back to health and the upcoming Athletics.

“Harry , ensure that you take these medicines thrice a day and rest enough. I think in 4 days you will be okay”, assured Dr. Bratt..

Joe trained in his own quiet way, without any pretensions of winning as Harry dreamed.

In 4 days Harry recovered from the flu . He had lost weight and was a little weak. However he resumed training and was ready for the final day.

The usual tests for dope were conducted and Harry and Joe were given the green signal.

The three events  were held over two days , and both Harry and Joe reached the finals of all three events. Their timings in the heats were quite good, Joe’s  a little better than Harry.

In the 400 metres finals, Harry was not fast enough and placed a distant third. Joe came in 1st, smashing the meet record by 0.4 seconds.

In the 800 metres,  Joe again ran a tactical race and came in first, with Harry in second place.

It seemed that Harry’s dream of 3 in a row was going to be a complete washout, without a single win.

He got ready for the 1500 metres. This was his favorite  event. The race started at a good pace. Harry ran  to  keep up with the pack. At the end of the first lap , he was in third place. By the second lap he moved to second place and maintained this until the end of the third lap. Before the third lap ended  and the last lap began, he burst into his best speed, overtaking Joe and the rest . However 20 metres away from the finish, Harry tripped over and sprawled onto the track.

Joe  overtook him but then stopped to look back. He was overwhelmed with pity for Harry. But before Joe could do anything to help, Harry stood up and ran like a gazelle to finish in first place. Joe failed to catch up, to finish second.

Joe and Harry hugged each other, and could not believe at this sudden turn of events.

Harry tried to emulate the great Johnson and Bolt , but then struck his own mark by winning the 1500 metres in this fashion.

And Joe….. he was as casual as ever. Notwithstanding his loss in the 1500 in such a dramatic way. He was happy to win the two other events i.e. 400 and 800 metres.

Can I pretend to be someone who I am not?   Is it okay to strive to emulate my heroes ?

Think about it…..we are all gifted in different ways; each given in different measure, which highlights the  motto  “  strive to give off your best”. I think Joe and Harry both did that, each a hero in some way.

Does the Winner take it all

Short Story, Sport, ,

DSC_0189

Mikael was on par with the best golfers in the circuit…However he never seemed to win any trophies. He was quiet and dedicated and sought to improve at every stage. He kept fit and did his best to play well and improve.

During his time he had a few top golfers who kept winning in turns the various big tournaments.

Alfred was steady and focused and most often came away with the top spot.

Dean was more flamboyant and knew that he possessed the skills which could beat anyone on his good day.

But Mikael was the one to watch. He practiced 24×7 and wished to make a mark in life.

He had tremendous faith in God. He kept fit in simple ways and was disciplined in his time.

He gave the best part of his day to the Lord in the morning .

Alfred once asked him” Hey Mike, why do you come in late morning for your practice?”

And Mikael quietly replied” Well,  I give myself to the Lord first, as all I am and have is from Him”

The other guys listening were amazed , and Dean chipped in “ but how come you don’t win anything Mike.”  To which Mike’s simple answer was   “ in His time he makes all things beautiful”

The Indian Open was fast approaching. Preparations were on. The best golfers were expected.

They all were focused on their training and diets.

Mikael kept to his morning quiet time , and then turned to his practice and other preparations.

On the big day, he was calm and confident. Whereas Alfred and Dean were in their zones of anticipation. Alfred totally serious . Dean appearing nonchalant .

They started on their rounds. Halfway through one sees Alfred beginning to get fatigued. The tension increases. He swings and it comes on too firmly.. He whispers to Mikael “ I don’t understand , what is happening . My strokes are getting messed up.” Mikael calms him down “ Relax, you have the strokes to play better” and prays quietly for Alfred, ” Lord, help him to recover his poise. “ Next moment Alfred delivers the best stroke and goes on to get a very good average.

Next we see Dean taking his stance . Overconfident as usual he starts off well and within a few moments loses his composure when his caddy trips behind him.” Hey what’s wrong with you; you have just ruined my concentration” Thereafter Dean makes a mess of his rounds and is way behind in the final tally.

Mikael however goes about his rounds with great dedication. He is silent, confident, and at peace. He seems to enjoy his game.  His days of preparation and discipline show on the course. He gave his best. But still Alfred wins the Cup.  Mikael is runnersup

Did Mikael lose? Ask Alfred. He says” I owe my victory to Mikael . His quiet words of encouragement gave me so much confidence at the time I was playing poorly.”

Mikael smiled and said “ We are all winners when we play our best… Even though only one wins the cup. How we approach the game is important. After all its not life and death. May we all rise above winning and losing, and really enjoy the game.”

Does the winner take it all??