Short Fiction 2023 Longlist, Sakshi Bhatnagar

 Not Every Angel Comes With Halo

Radhika's hands were moving swiftly. Her mind was running against her movements.

Arre , is my lunch ready? Can you please be a little quick or else I'll die of hunger! This was her mother-in-law and these jeers from her were an everyday ritual for Radhika.

Ma, I have finished everything. Now I will be going and will be back by late evening.

Adjusting her spectacles, her mother in law snarled, And where the hell are you going?

Ma, remember I told you na Saraswati is being awarded today for her exceptional performance in school and ceremony is at four in the evening.

So, you've decided to not listen. How many times have I told you to not give so much importance to these lower caste people. Her mother used to clean the washrooms here in our home. 

Thinking that no justification will be enough, Radhika left the place quietly leaving her mother-in-law cribbing. As she was moving in the cab, she went down the memory lane.....

Ten Years Ago

Radhika was newly wed, trying to adjust in her over conservative family. Her only solace was little Saraswati who was just eight at that time. Radhika was always astounded to see her keen interest in studying but unfortunately she had to leave her education as her family could barely survive with no or little money.

Sharda(Saraswati's Mom), from now on I will sponsor Saraswati's education. I am not going to waste such a talent. When Radhika said this, Sharda's happiness knew no bounds.

Ma'am, we have reached the destination. Radhika came out of her reverie when the cab stopped.

As she reached the auditorium, she was taken to the front seat. The ceremony began and as Radhika saw Saraswati holding the award, she was unable to contemplate her emotions.

Ms. Radhika, the audience would like to hear some motivational words from you.

Well, there are so many people to thank. Lots of people are part of my success. Holding this award of a meticulous student is something I had never envisaged.
But all thanks to my guiding angel whom I proudly call Badi Maa.

Seeing her I now truly believe in one thing, that not every angel comes with a Halo and magic wand. Some are in disguise of good humans who can turn anyone's life for good.

Badi Maa, I owe this award to you for investing your time and money in me, for facing everyone's judgements and for standing strong with me and my ma.

Here are some lines dedicated to you:

You are my angel
then, now and forever
who always blessed me
with utmost care.

You are my angel
through day and night
who's always been
my guiding light

You are my angel
whose debt
I can never repay
May you deserve the best
is all I can pray for.

Saraswati's every word made Radhika filled with pride and she thanked the almighty for choosing her to be Angel (or as Saraswati portrayed her) in someone's life.

Poetry 2023 Longlist, Sakshi Bhatnagar

Darkness, A Souvenir


The broad daylight as it descends

Paving way for the night to wend

Butterflies flutter and flowers bloom

As they start wrapping themselves in dusk’s cocoon

Thus inviting the stars in the ether

Adding sparkles to this moment like a glitter


O My Love! We’re miles apart

Separated by sky but close to hearts

Let this darkness be a souvenir

Of me being near

To tell you that I always cared

And knew that loneliness made you scared


I promise that soon we’d be together

Embracing each other like forever

Sitting by each other's side

Holding each other tight

Till then , let this darkness be a souvenir

Of me being near.

Sakshi Bhatnagar, Featured Writer, Prose 500 2021

The Coercived Abscondment

"Palaash and Irfaan, come, the breakfast is ready. Today, I have made poori bhaaji."

Palaash and Irfan were childhood buddies. While Palaash stayed with his mother, Irfaan was an orphan. That was the reason, Irfaan had always called Palaash’s mother as Ammi Jaan. As Palaash and Irfaan were relishing the breakfast, news of the riots in their beautiful Kashmir echoed in the room.

Irritably Palaash turned off the radio but his mother was worried.

Soon the rioting crowd reached them. Cracking window glasses, firelights, people’s screams filled the entire village. On the cold freezing night, people were dragged out of their homes. Palaash and his mother too weren’t spared.

The morning sun didn’t do any good either. There were deplorable bodies of people. Palaash, dragged himself to locate his mother only to find her recklessly succumbing to the injuries. Unable to bear the trauma of his mother’s sudden demise, he lost his consciousness.

Palaash found himself in posh hospital on regaining consciousness. By his side, he saw elderly couple sitting whose eyes were glowing on seeing him fine.

"How are you feeling beta?" The soft voice reminded him of his mother and he started crying.

"Don’t cry beta. All of us lost everything on that fateful night. We found you wounded and unconscious and brought you here. We both will take care of you."

Ten Years Later,

Palaash , now a successful police officer, was getting ready to go on a mission, to Kashmir. "Palaash, are you sure you are going there?" His mom sounded worried.

"Don’t worry Ma, I will take care of myself."

Not just a mission, he had his own reasons to go. This time Irfaan has to answer my questions, thought he.

He stopped near a posh hotel.

Excuse me, I wish to speak to your owner. Palaash ordered the receptionist showing his identity card. And within moments, both Irfaan and Palaash were face to face.

Irfaan was speechless. He almost didn’t recognise Palaash. His eyes lowered his gaze with shame.

"Palaash, please let me explain."

"Explain what!"

"About how you were sneaked behind the wall and let those criminals kill my mother whom you lovingly called Ammi Jaan."

Irfaan couldn’t take it anymore.

He started telling his side of story…

The moment the crowd approached the village, I came running to save you and Ammi Jaan. But as I reached there, the situation had already worsened. While I couldn’t save Ammi Jaan, my next thought was to save you. I requested a couple who had just lost their son, and his family to save you and they helped you all escape.

I haven’t slept peacefully since that night. Those nightmares still scare me. You only saw me sneaking before being unconscious, but I had sent those people to help you.

Please forgive me my friend, this world is already full of hatred. Let’s just try and spread love.

Finally the barrier of religion between the friends was lifted only with true and pure friendship to remain.