“Radhey, love is a strong emotion. It binds souls together, beyond life. It transcends all distances that separate us, it is capable of expressing itself without words and it consumes us, together or apart. The power of love is beyond anything else that exists in this world. It will always keep us together, tied with memories. Though we won’t meet for years, we would always be together. I promise.” said Krishna.
Read moreKAIKEYI- A PROMISE THAT CHANGED HISTORY
“Dashrath, you remember the time I saved your life?” whispered Kaikeyi, lowering her eyes to hide the tears from flowing.
“I remember every moment I spent with you. A warrior princess, I live because of you,” replied Dashrath, moving closer to Kaikeyi and feeling her breath.
“You promised me two boons,” she said, stepping back, her eyes lowered. He nodded.
“I wish that our son, Bharat be crowned as the king,” she said confidently, gaining back her warrior spirit. Dashrath stepped back, his mind froze.
DRAUPADI’S SWAYAMVAR
His muscular body hid his tender heart, calling out to Panchali with love and respect. “I cannot do this to him.” she thought to herself. Raising from her throne, her heart called out to her, whispering words that said ‘this man would protect you. He would love and respect you. Look into his eyes. You know it.’
“But I must” she thought to herself.
“I will not marry a sutputra (son of a chariot driver)” she announced loud and clear in the assembly. Her eyes were fixed on Karna who bent low and walked away. She knew that she had hurt him. She wanted to tell him how much she respected him. That deep within she wanted to be with him. To read his eyes and to spend her life with him but was tied in the chains of society. “I am sorry Karna” she whispered.
DURYODHAN- VICTIM OR VILLAIN?
Maybe I was just another victim. A soul chosen to establish dharma by engraving its name as the villain. A part of me still believes I fought for what belonged to me, I fought for Dharma. But my heart is pounding. My soul isn’t silent.
I lost everything and everyone. I lost all of it only to be remembered as a villain. I fought the war all my life only to die alone. I dared to preserve the throne only to lose it to the Pandavas.
Today I know, the war was never about the throne of Hastinapur. It wasn’t about brothers fighting and it wasn’t about fighting for what belonged or what was promised. The war was to establish Dharma. To carve out a story that would inspire ages.
DRAUPADI- THE FIRE BORN QUEEN
“You were always there for me Madhav,” whispered Draupadi under a heavy breath. “Where are you”
“Always with you Sakhi.” whispered back Krishna.
She breathed deeply, counting her last moments on each breath. Her heart was pounding for air and her vision was soft and obscure. She knew the time has come. Her mind was now at peace. No deep breaths to steal another moment in life.
The fire born took another deep breath and released her soul. She felt calmness and love as she held Krishna’s hand. The world around her was spinning but her heart felt serene. The peace she has never known before. She was rising from her mortal body into another realm. A realm that felt beautiful and tranquil.
How was the Mahabharata written?
Dive deep into the captivating narrative of how the greatest epic- Mahabharata was intricately written and the fascinating story behind it.
Read moreThe Story of Eklavya
The story of Eklavya, a self-taught archer who sacrificed his thumb for guru Dronacharya. An inspiring tale of dedication.
Read moreThe Story of Ahalya
Ahalya’s story, intertwined with the Ramayana, portrays her curse and redemption, as Lord Rama’s touch liberated her from her stone prison.
Read moreThe Story of Shantanu and Satyavati
The Story of Hastinapura’s King Shantanu and Satyavati and a legendary sacrifice by Bhishma Pitahmah. A tale of Love and Sacrifice.
Read moreThe Legend of Bharat
Uncover the legendary story of Bharat, born of love, whose greatness led to the naming of India as “Bharatavarsha.”
Read moreThe Epic Tale of Jatayu
Explore Jatayu’s courageous battle against Ravana in the epic Ramayana—a timeless tale of loyalty, bravery, and unwavering devotion
Read moreTHE STORY
and after days and weeks of brainstorming, this is what I have come up with.
The story mesh is simply about a writer who writes about the ancient world. It’s about her life, a writer’s life and everything she writes about.
I also decided that I would not lock myself with deadlines and too many commitments, rather I would let it be a creative process and as creativity is- it must be unbound.
The Princesses of Kashi
Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Kashi, lived three princesses. Adorned with beauty and blessed by the goddess of knowledge, the princesses were desired by all the kings for their sons. Amba, the eldest sister was a ferocious warrior, a rebel, a woman who knew what she deserved and to fight for it. The younger two, Ambika and Ambalika, were known in the ancient Bharatvarsh as the flawless and virtuous women, looked up to by all the young girls.
When the princesses came of age, the king of Kashi, Kashya hosted the grandest Swayamvar for his daughters.
THE BIRTH OF A CURSED HERO
A legendary rishi and his boon. A Yadav princess and her impetuous curiosity to invoke the celestials. A mistake that ignited the greatest war of all times. The story of an abandoned son who became one of the greatest warriors of history.
Read moreTHE EMERALD OF QYURIS- PART 2
“We pray to an emerald. The gods of the past prayed to it. It is this bright red color emerald, hidden at a mythical place called Qyuris. The abode of the gods. “
Read moreThe emerald of Qyuris
(BTW, this is my 50th story!!!) “It’s just a dream. It’s just a dream,” she whispered with hope under a heavy breath. Her feet were sinking in the hot desert sand, her hair caressing her brown skin. She raised her arm and placed her hand on her forehead as she narrowed her eyes, searching for…
Read moreASHWATHAMMA- THE IMMORTAL WARRIOR
I have lost count of the days. It’s been decades now. Maybe centuries. How terribly I regret my anger and the fire of revenge that burned me, left me to die in this hell, only I can’t die. It’s a curse to be immortal. To roam the earth with no purpose, to wake up every day and exist. To wait for death which seems centuries apart. Until the last avatar appears, until the end of Kaliyug.
Read moreThe night
A school invaded. A boy who secretly hears things he shouldn’t have. A group of men terrorizing the students and the teachers. A girl they have been looking for for ages. A night.
Read moreA FIGHT AGAINST FATE
Though he knew that this little girl of his would die being a legend, he would do everything to protect her. To protect her from suffering, and pain. To protect her from death.
“I’ll protect you” he promised under his heavy breath and embraced sleep, tightly clutching the ancient locket that he found with the letter.
Read moreTHE RISE OF THE FIRE PRINCESS
But there is news of a young girl falling unconscious after the loud voice was heard. I believe it is her.” Rayan replied, his eyes lowered.
“Ahh! The prophecy is true then. Rise of the fire princess. The chosen one.
Read moreHANUMAN- THE MESSENGER OF RAM
The gem shone brightly in the full moon night. It reminded me of our marriage and the love we shared. The moment when we were tied together. How far we had been pulled away from each other. How the world was conspiring against our bond. It will all be over soon. We will be together again. A few weeks. The ring instilled hope and strength within me.
“I’ll wait. Wait for the moment when Rama will kill the demon. I’ll wait for the moment to embrace him, and forget the world in his arms. The end of Adharma is near. I’ll wait Hanuman” I said.
Read moreTHE LOST PRINCESS- PART 2
He heard a prophecy that evening, a prophecy that is buried deep within him. He entered the room, held my hand, and whispered “I love you” that’s what he last said to me. He kissed the boy, raised you in his arms, and never returned. He never returned. The kingdom has been waiting for you since then Maya.
Read moreA BOOK OF MYSTERIES
You turn the pages of the book and your breath freezes.
“He is danger. He will kill you. He loves you but he will be your end. Beware.” you read these lines on the last page of the book, written with fresh ink. You remember it wasn’t there until now. The book vibrates again and the words disappear.
AN ANCIENT SEAL
“Mysterious, isn’t it? An 800-year-old story bringing all of us together. “
Read moreThe Titanic
“A miracle has occurred on the west coast of England this afternoon. Titanic, the unsinkable ship has suddenly reappeared with the passengers alive on board and none of them have aged even a day.”
Read moreTHE GOLDEN STONE
With a deep breath, she raised her shirt and was petrified to find a small golden stone embedded around her belly. The stone had sharp edges and shone brightly. Tears rolled down her eyes as everything terrified her. Something was happening and she was chosen. She now could read the words she scribbled last night in her diary. As her hands shivered, she grabbed her diary and her breath froze as she read out the mysterious symbols-
“It is the end. We are back. Beware.”
Read moreTHE INEVITABLE WAR
“I do not accept peace” stated Duryodhan, rising from his throne.
” Either you abandon your pride, or the world would witness the greatest war. And this would be the end of the Kuru Vansh, Duryodhan,” replied Vasudev.
“I am no coward to fear death. I do not fear the Pandavas. I will fight for what belongs to me. Vasudev, the war is inevitable.”
Read moreA FEW MOMENTS
“Every time I look at him, I am scared to lose him. I feel betrayed.”
“And you will lose the few moments you have with him?” asked the old man with a soft smile.
“It is difficult. Scary to accept the truth. To be with him, knowing that he would be gone too soon.”
Read more“I PROMISE TO PROTECT HER”
Do you believe him? Do you believe that my father would return?” I froze as the little girl put away the glass. She stood up, her eyes filled with tears and turned to leave the room. I had no answer to her innocence. She knew the truth. She turned for one last time and said
” I know he won’t. He said goodbye. He never says a goodbye. I hope he returns. I can only hope” she erupted crying and rushed upstairs. My breath froze. Petrified I sat there, tears rushing down my eyes.
THE SAVIOR
The room was dark. Nysa’s hands and legs were tied with chains to the poles around.
“We must not tell her yet” she heard a deep commanding voice. She tried to speak and scream, but couldn’t.
“Should we then prison her until the lady comes? Starve our savior?” said another man.
“That are the orders. We will wait until morning. Until she comes” replied the man.
Nysa frowned. She had been here since the last evening, locked up alone in the room.
Read moreTOMORROW?
Maybe we do not always have a tomorrow.
Read moreTHE GOODBYE LETTER
I cannot live a life without you. But the only way to kill the curse is to find the royal sword that killed me 800 years ago. Either of us will have to die. It is the only way to stay together. To be together forever. I will miss you. I love you Aditya, and I promise to kill the curse that has the power to separate us! We’ll be together .Soon. Until then, Goodbye.”
Read moreVIDURA-A LIFE DEVOTED TO DHARMA
The evening sun was casting its magical rays on the waves of the holy river. Vidura bent low and touched the warm brown sand. He turned around and ordered the 2 men waiting upon him with their hands resting on their swords to leave him alone for a while. He felt serene, but the pain was erupting from his heart.
Yesterday was haunting him. He took a deep breath, stretched his legs, and dissolved his mind into the past.
“The fate of the Kauravas is doomed. Hastinapur is submerging into its destruction as the mind of Duryodhan is casting a spell upon our land. The war is inevitable. Today or tomorrow this hatred among brothers would consume them and the world.”
The Hidden Words
Something awaits you. Danger and love. But remember, your soul would drag you towards it, your mind would tend to forget this warning but you must remember. Remember to resist it.
You are reading this not for the first time. Maya, do not let love conquer over.
BARBARIK- THREE ARROWS OF DESTRUCTION
I sacrificed myself for the war.The screams of the warriors and the rage of the swords and arrows are piercing my soul.
Though the Pandavas are fighting ferociously, their eyes reflect the sorrow their heart holds. Though they fight for Dharma, their soul shivers every time an arrow is fired at the Kauravas. My grandfather, Bheem is roaring as he valiantly strikes his enemies with his Gada(mace). Bhishma Pitahmah and Guru Drona are consuming hundreds of soldiers as they fire the golden arrows and pave their ways to steal the victory that they know deep within lies with the Pandavas.
ONE STORY AT A TIME
My writing journey!
Read moreSHADOW OF THE LOST GIRL
“How does it feel?” asked Aadhya.
“To be lost?” replied the stranger with a soft smile on her face.
“It must be haunting.”
“No. It feels haunting when we believe we belong, but we don’t. It is haunting when we exist. When we are alive but we just exist. But do you know what haunts every soul?”
Aadhya shook her head, raising her gaze to the dark sky.
“Regrets,” said the stranger in a low voice with a heavy sigh.
Aadhya’s eyes were restraining her tears from erupting. Just one step ahead and she would die. Release her soul trapped in this miserable life.
THE CURSED SWORD
A journey you were destined to take on. You are not ordinary, Kiara. Something lies deep within you. Hear the voice of your soul.
You are destined to wield the cursed sword. The legend reveals that the chosen heir must take upon a journey unknown, to the deep secrets that lie beneath. Only the chosen one would live, while all that hold her love must die. Sacrifice.
Remember, you were chosen for you had the power within you. Remember, that you were chosen for you have the strength within to live this life. Love, I trust you. Believe in yourself. I and your mom are always there with you.
THE LOST PRINCESS
“The kingdom seeks revenge! It seeks justice father!”
“and it won’t matter if a soul refuses to fight!”
“our lives are in danger! how do you expect me to step back and let our people die!”
“well, Maya, let’s calm down. You are precious to me. I have no one else to live for and if something happens to you….”
“Father, nothing will happen to me. I promise to return. I promise not to die”
Maya was breathing heavily, stealing moments from the life she knew was bound to end in a few moments. The promise she made to her father was haunting her. She wanted to live. She wanted to return to her father.
Read moreDURYODHAN- THE DEATH OF KARNA
“You left me too early Karna. Too early” sobbed Duryodhan beside the muscular body of Karna, pierced with an arrow, lying dead on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
“Meet me on the other side. I am counting my days until I meet you again”
RAJMATA SATYAVATI AND HER ABANDONED SON
” I would betray myself.” He lowered his gaze. Satyavati frowned and walked away.
“The only choice left now with me is to embrace my past and call upon the forgotten child.”
VIKARNA-THE KAURAVA WHO DARED TO OPPOSE
No one has the right to gamble a woman. Husband, father, or even gods cannot put a woman on the bet! Do I have to remind the Sabha of the shastras”
“Vikarna! You do not oppose me! Dare you speak another word brother and fate will have you killed!” replied a frustrated Duryodhan. He was annoyed as I, his younger brother dared to oppose him in the Sabha. “Panchali! Your husband gambled you away! And now that you are mine…”
YUDHISTHIRA- THE PATH OF DHARMA
Sometimes these choices, that seem to be insignificant, turn into the choices that define our lives. Choices that change history.” Yudhisthira was breathing heavily, as he was ascending onto the Himalayas. His brothers and Draupadi had already died on the path. And now it was him, alone, climbing the mountain accompanied by a dog.
” In the end, it is our choices that define us. And I, Dharmaraj Yudhisthira made some grave choices. Though devoted to the path of righteousness, I have performed sins that ignited the greatest war.”
The Kurukshetra war. Those 18 days were the days of killing. Knowing oneself or forgetting oneself. It were the days of grief, pain and sorrow in victory. It were the days when the greatest warriors suffered and lost hope. When the end seemed devastating. When the world seemed to be engulfed by darkness, rivers turned red and the sand enveloped by bodies of soldiers and warriors pierced with arrows and swords, lifeless.
BHISHMA- ON THE DEATHBED OF ARROWS
I have performed the greatest sins. I did not fight against the Adharma. Instead, all my life I made choices that led me to fight against Dharma in this battle of Kurukshetra. And today I lay here, all alone on the battlefield, on a deathbed of arrows.
Though I took the oath of protecting the Kuru Vansh, I am one of the reasons for its destruction. Dharma always wins and so would the Pandavas triumph, defeating the Kauravas. In pursuit of protecting the Kuru Vansh, the choices I made led to their destruction. For me, my duty was my Dharma. And duty lied in never giving up on the promise I made.
THE KILLER
“Why does she have to intrude in my business,” he asked coldly. Maya could now sense his breath on her skin, she looked straight into his eyes, the blue gleaming eyes. After a long stare she whispered with tears rolling down her eyes “she is your daughter, why won’t she”
“And you killed your daughter” she took a deep breath as the man’s hold loosened. He was petrified.
ABHIMANYU- THE LEGENDARY WARRIOR
Arrows and swords pierced the young warrior’s chest and blood flowed down his body. His screams horrified all the warriors who stood on the battlefield, gazing at the greatest warrior who fought all the Maharatis alone. Guru Dronacharya closed his eyes, as tears rolled down his cheeks and fired another arrow at Abhimanyu.
“I am the son of Arjun, do not expect me to give up. Whatever the end maybe, I would fight till my last breath. Fight each one of you.” echoed the ferocious voice of Abhimanyu in the Chakravyuh.
Read moreKUNTI- THE REMORSE OF A MOTHER
Each time you came in front of me, I wanted to break all chains of society and embrace you. Each time you touched my feet, my heart erupted with regret. Each time you were insulted, it was like a sword piercing my heart, son. I suffered every time you suffered. I am sorry son, you suffered because of me.” Kunti folded her hands in as she begged acceptance and love from her son. The grief, regret, and pain of separation that was held in her tender heart for years erupted all at once. Karna could not control his tears either. He moved and held his mother’s hand and cried.
“ And so am I bound in the chains of a promise. It is too late now.”
Read moreYUYUTSU- THE WAR WITHIN
“I would be known forever as a traitor. How can I kill my brothers? I won’t be able to shoot an arrow at them and pierce their hearts. Hearts that hold enormous love and respect for me. How can I betray them? But there is no way I can betray my values either.”
Read moreDHRITARASHTRA- ETERNAL DARKNESS
” Sufferings. Pain. Loss. Rejection. Yearning for acceptance from my own people. That’s all I have ever felt all my life. A kingdom is ruled with righteousness and justice. A ruler must be devoted to his people and to the society. He must fill in the cracks of the imperfect society. Challenge the inherited bizarre norms of the society and bring in changes to sustain the world that is evolving. A leader must pave the way for new inventions and ideas to emerge. Does it matter if the king is blind?
Read moreGANDHARI- LAMENT OF THE BLIND QUEEN
“I have always accepted your love. So I, Vasudev Krishna, would not deny your curse. ” echoed the voice of Krishna in her mind.
It was a gloomy evening, and the blindfolded Queen was in her chambers, cursing herself for the happenings of the past. Her heart cried that evening, blind in the love of her 100 sons that died in the greatest war of history and she knew that someway she ignited the war.
“I shouldn’t have said that. I hate myself and every cell of my body to curse Vasudev” sobbed Gandhari.
DHRISHTADUMNYA- THE SHADOW OF DEATH
” Even if it is time for me to die let me die with honor, take your revenge but let me die with a sword in my hand.” Ashwathamma closed his eyes, whispered ” Om Namah Shivaay” and pierced the sword in the neck of the warrior. The scream of the warrior echoed in the battleground as the body of the fire born lay on his bed, bleeding the blood of grief and horror. Only if he could die the death of a warrior.
Read moreSHAKUNI- THE FIRE OF REVENGE
The entire kuru vansh is the reason for our death and sufferings. Do not let your heart ever forget the cause for which you live. My son, you live only to destroy Hastinapur.”
“Father, I promise to destroy the Kuruvansh. I would be the cause of their end, I would let each moment I live be devoted to revenge.” sobbed Shakuni.
ASHWATHAMMA- THE CURSE OF IMMORTALITY
You do not fear death, so shall I devour you of your death. I curse you to be immortal. You would pray for death to come each moment you live. Ashwathamma, You have fallen to the dark age. The earth trembled with the screams of Ashwathamma as Vasudev ripped off the Mani from his forhead.
Read moreSUBHADRA- RAGE OF THE FIRE BORN
Jealousy was killing Draupadi from within. She was being replaced. She wasn’t enough for Arjun, she cried.
Subhadra entered the chambers and saw the fire queen wiping her tears, her eyes red with rage and jealousy. “know me as your maid” she said.” I respect you, and I am not here to replace you. Fire cannot be replaced or challenged, I bow at you”
” I won’t accept you” stated Draupadi coldly.
SHANTANU- SACRIFICE OF A SON
and if I deny him of this, I would cast a curse upon his life as well as mine. He deserves to be the heir, and as a father, I must forget about Satyavati. The duty as a father restrains me from accepting the conditions put forth by her father. I’ll miss her.
“Devratt sacrificed his throne.” I burst into tears.
How did Krishna get the Sudarshan Chakra?
O Madhava! Whenever you hurl it at an enemy in the course of battle, it will irresistibly kill and return again to your hand.”
Read moreAMBA- INTO THE FIRE
My life was a curse, and it was Bhishma who locked the curse upon me. The fire of hatred is running through my veins and now I cannot wait a day more to avenge the greatest warrior of our time. He must die. He who destructed my entire life must die.
The fire feels hot, within and without. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes gently and step into the fire pyre. Step into another life The end of Bhishma. The end of Amba’s curse. “For Bhishma’s destruction” I shout as my soul leaves my body.
KARNA- THE CURSED HERO
” It is about being conscious about the right and the wrong but still choosing the latter. It is about being aware of your strengths but using them for the unjust cause.”
I feel cursed for my life and this cruse is a forever one. A curse that would leave behind a false identity of me for ages to come. A curse that would mark me Adharmi but I would die being a tragic hero. A cursed hero.
Read moreA TIME TRAVELLER
it may sound a bit- Nah well a lot strange and weird but I am here to warn and protect you. The future is grave.”
Read more