A-Z April Challenge 2015: THEME REVEAL

Photoart: Fifi Ananda 

My THEME for A-Z April Challenge 2015 is Short Stories based on MYTHOLOGY.

It was last year that I discovered that there is something called A-Z April Challenge. I got pretty excited and began blogging alternate healing therapies from A-Z. Sadly, my mother fell ill and I took off to my hometown. Her passing away on April 14, 2014 brought my Blogging Challenge to a full stop.

This year, with my parents’ blessings (I know Amma-Appa that you are watching me from up there), I am planning to take up the A-Z April Challenge 2015. I am confident that I will complete it as I have already begun planning it a month ago.

A-Z April Challenge 2015

India is rich in culture, tradition and mythology. Folk lore prevails in abundance. I would say that India is the land of Vedas; Puranas; Itihasas; Gandharvas; Yakshas;  and no less than 33 crore Gods & Goddesses. I am hoping to tap all that rich heritage and come up with mythological short stories based on them. If I run short of characters from Indian mythology, I plan to borrow from other countries as well as from Grimm’s Fairy Tales. 

And I plan to visit a minimum of 10 blogs participating in the challenge this year. Hope to meet a lot of bloggers and make new friends around the globe! 

A-Z April Challenge 2015: Thank you! See you in April 2016

Google Images

When I joined the A-Z April Challenge this year, though I was confident of completing it, I never expected to enjoy it so much. As I had mentioned in my “theme reveal”, I had tried the challenge last year but unfortunately, couldn’t complete it.

I love to write and hence my blogs. I enjoy writing fiction and have a few published novels and a collection of short stories to my name along with a few short stories on my website. I have an opinion about anything and everything and my blog is the best place that I can air them.

I have never been fond of contests. I find them too negative for my liking. I feel that competition eats into one’s creativity. I always steer clear of them. But the April Challenge is exactly what it says it is. A Challenge - one where you pit against yourself.

You decide on a theme - only if you want to. You can write about anything under the sun; in any form - prose, poetry or even pictures. Your posts are preferred to follow the alphabet - it could be names, adjectives, nouns, just about any damn thing.

This year, I decided to write stories from Indian mythology. Just in case I couldn’t find the names or topics to suit the alphabet, I gave myself the freedom of borrowing from Grimm’s Fairy tales and European mythology – wrote two for ‘C’ & ‘X’. I was sure I would never find anyone in Indian mythology for Z and had planned to write about Zeus. But the response I got for my typically Indian stories was so overwhelming that I challenged myself to write a post from Indian mythology for the last letter of the alphabet. And that’s how Zealous Little Squirrel from the Ramayana was born.

I must say I loved every bit of the challenge while I made a number of new friends as we interacted with one another via our blogs. Better yet, I was amazed at the ideas my fellow bloggers came up with while presenting their posts. Simply incredible! It’s been a wonderful journey and for that I have to thank the team of “Blogging from A to Z Challenge” for organising such a wonderful blogging exercise - one without too many rules - the only kind that I love.

Thank you so much Arlee Bird, Alex J. Cavanaugh, Jeremy Hawkins, Stephen Tremp, Tim Brannan, Rob Z Tobor, J Lenni Dorner, Jenny Pearson, Jeffrey Bushman and a host of others who have made this humongous effort possible.

Catch you all next year during A-Z April Challenge 2016!

Theme Reveal: Blogging from A-Z, April Challenge 2019

I managed to complete the A-Z Challenge 2015 consisting of stories from the Indian Mythology and felt quite thrilled with myself. It was truly a challenge not just coming up with a theme but ensuring that there were stories suitable for each alphabet. The best part of the A-ZChallenge is the lack of competition. Participating in this is to pit my wits against myself and none else. That’s what I feel most exciting about this journey along with a huge number of bloggers from around the globe.

The past few years, I have got so busy with writing and publishing my books as an indie author that I haven’t had the time or the bandwidth to take part in this. But this year, even before 2019 dawned, I had made a promise to myself: TO PARTICIPATE in A-Z April Challenge 2019.

And here I am, with my theme reveal, though a bit later than the March 18 dateline. I am planning to talk about my books and my characters, a little bit about how I do my research and the hurdles I faced while penning a particular story or creating a persona during April 2019.

Looking forward to meeting new bloggers and reading a lot of interesting stuff from around the world.

See you all on April 1, 2019!

A-Z April Challenge 2015: A for ARJUNA’S FOCUS

A for Arjuna (with Drona)
Google Images

Drona was out early in the morning with all his students. Excitement was rife as they were set to enter an archery contest that their teacher had planned for them. Duryodhana was clear that this was one opportunity that he did not plan to miss to outwit the third Pandava. He was quite sick of the way their teacher played favouritism with Arjuna. He waited along with his brothers and cousins, impatient for the contest to begin.

Yudhisthira came forward to take up the challenge. Drona pointed to a wooden bird that he had placed on the highest branch of a tree and asked the eldest Pandava Prince what he was able to see. “I can see the sun’s rays falling on the bird Acharya. The bird is partly hidden amidst the branches.” Saying this, Yudhisthira let go of his arrow that went and pierced the branch next to where sat the bird, quite unharmed.

The Kauravas laughed even as the four Pandavas commiserated with their eldest brother. Next, it was Duryodhana’s turn. He was prancing about in nervous excitement, overconfident of winning. Even before Drona could explain what was required, he said, “You want me to hit the bird, right? Just watch me do just that.” His arrow pierced the main trunk that was about two feet away from the wooden bird. He walked away in a temper, refusing to look at his smirking cousins in the eye.

After a couple of more tries by Bheema and Dushashana, it was Arjuna’s turn – the teacher’s favourite. Arjuna walked forward to stand next to Drona. “What do you see, my son?” asked Drona. 

“A black eye,” replied Arjuna. He did not hear the Kauravas’ laughter. Duryodhana and his brothers spoke among themselves, wondering what kind of a fool was the third Pandava. Couldn’t he see the bird? They were sure he was going to fail the test. 

A proud Drona gestured for Arjuna to release his arrow. Standing there majestically with his feet apart, the right one a few inches ahead, Arjuna’s head was raised to the skies, his eyes focussed completely on the wooden bird’s eye. His hands were steady as he strung his bow and held it at the ready, the tip of his arrow shining in the morning light. Uttering a short mantra, Arjuna released his arrow that landed exactly in the spot suggested by his teacher – in the bird’s eye. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Jayantiblogsphere

The Multicolored Diary by Zalka Csenge Virág

Author Stephen Tremp

A-Z April Challenge 2015: C for CINDERELLA’S LITTLE GLASS SLIPPER

C for Cinderella
Google Images

Cinderella stepped into the coach drawn by six white horses, feeling beautiful. She was a princess for the night, all thanks to the Fairy Godmother. She lifted the hand mirror that was on the cushion beside her and checked her face once more. She couldn’t help but be fascinated by how lovely she appeared. There wasn’t a streak of coal on her rosy cheeks. Her lips appeared luscious while her eyes shone with excitement. Prince Charming will definitely notice her, wouldn’t he? 

She looked at her feet encased in dainty slippers made of glass. She was used to running around in threadbare socks. But the transformation was just incredible. Cinderella couldn’t take her eyes off her feet as she stepped out of her grand coach. A footman gave her his arm and escorted her into the palace’s ballroom. She walked in, confident, quite thrilled to be the cynosure of all eyes. Her red ball gown caught everyone’s eye in the light of the chandeliers; her slippers tap-tapping as she walked on the marble floor. 

Prince Charming came forward to greet the beautiful woman who had arrived late for the dance. He had never noticed her before. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as he lifted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and went to greet her. Taking the glass in his left hand, he lifted her small white hand to his lips in greeting, his eyes holding hers steadily. Cinderella’s left hand went to her fluttering heart, drawing his attention to her bare shoulders. Without a word, Charming pulled her into his arms as they began to dance. Champagne glass in hand, Cinderella danced with the Prince, completely unaware of the jealous glances from the other women – young and old. 

As he plied her with more champagne, Cinderella got rather tipsy and forgot all about her promise to get back home by midnight. When the clock began striking twelve, she came to her senses and started running towards the entrance or tried to. Her feet refused to co-operate while her glass slippers kept sliding off her feet. In a hurry, she bent down to remove them off her feet, to help her run better. The slipper on her right foot flew out of her hand and landed afar on a cushioned chair while the left slipper stayed with her. Did Cinderella wait to find out what happened? Of course not!

She rushed out of the door and reached the garden, only to be snarled at by a couple of footmen. Where did this ragged urchin spring from? The King would have their hides if he found out. Without making a noise, they lifted Cinderella bodily and dumped her outside the ornate gates. It took her all of four hours to walk back home. 

Mind and body bruised, Cinderella wept over her loss. Why did she have to go to the palace that night? It only made her crave for the life of a princess that could never be hers. She recalled the pretty picture they had made – Prince Charming in his princely attire and herself in the red ball gown, holding a glass of champagne, dancing to live music. Sigh! She looked down at the glass slipper that she had carried back with her. 

Alas, it had turned back into a ragged sock! 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: K for KAIKEYI AND KING DASARATHA

K for Kaikeyi
Google Images

Queen Kaikeyi’s joy knew no bounds. Her favourite Prince Ram was going to be crowned Heir to the throne of Ayodhya. She sang as she went about her duties, organising the function. She would not allow Prince Ram’s mother Kausalya to lift a finger. Kausalya and Sumitra watched in amusement as Kaikeyi went about the palace, ordering a number of maids and man-servants to do her bidding. 

The palace appeared like Devaloka when King Dasaratha rode on his chariot through the ornate gates, flanked by his four sons who were riding on horses. A smile broke out on the old king’s face. He knew that it was Kaikeyi who was in charge. She was the one who enjoyed the flamboyance of royal life more than anyone else.

Getting out of the chariot, the king’s eyes fell on Manthara, Kaikeyi’s faithful servant. Her half-bent figure was distinct in the twilight. His instincts told him that something was afoot. He went directly to Kaikeyi’s chambers to meet his favourite queen. 

Kaikeyi greeted the king with a wide smile. She held out her hands to him, “Where have you been the whole day? Have you forgotten it’s our dear Ram’s coronation tomorrow? There are so many arrangements to be made.”

Dasaratha smiled at her enthusiasm. Was the king expected to do the work of organising the coronation? He did not utter the words as he did not want to curb her enthusiasm.

Manthara stopped outside the chambers, hiding behind a pillar, when she saw that Kaikeyi was not alone. She bided her time, waiting for the king to leave, before poisoning Kaikeyi’s mind.

It was sad that all of Kaikeyi’s enthusiasm for her favourite Prince went to naught by an old maid-servant’s words. In barely a few hours, King Dasaratha found that his world had tilted on its axis. 

Glossary:
Devaloka – Abode of the Devas (Heaven)

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: N for NAKULA, THE 4th PANDAVA

N for Nakula with Panchali
Google Images

Panchali’s hands trembled in excitement as she arranged the royal blue vastra over her lush breasts. She looked into the mirror and smiled into her own eyes that shone brilliantly, like black grapes freshly plucked off the vine. She bit her lips to make them redder than they already were, as she tilted her head to look out of the window. A full moon was rising up in the sky just as the sun had slid down the horizon at the other end. Her heart pumped harder as she awaited her lover for the night.

Panchali didn’t know if she was lucky or not, for she did have five men to love her. But then, she found the eldest Yudhishthira quite staid. He went about making love just the same as he would go about running his kingdom – out of a sense of duty. That was not the best way to keep a woman happy.

Bheema was... Panchali searched her mind for the right word... his appetite for food outshone all his other appetites. She couldn’t stop grinning to herself as she passed this judgement over the second Pandava. Well, there was no other way to describe it.

Prince Arjuna! Well, he was handsome, he was a warrior through and through. And it was he who had won Panchali at the swayamvara. But did that make him the best lover? Panchali saw her head shaking in the mirror. Arjuna was too much of himself. He counted himself first and foremost. Everything else followed after that. His wife was probably way down in his list, she was sure.

Now Nakula... Panchali blushed a fiery red, her cheeks turning hot to the touch. He was the handsomest of the five. In spite of that, and despite the fact that he shared Panchali with his four brothers, Nakula had never thought of getting married again. All the other four had many wives. But not Nakula!

Panchali felt cherished by the 4th Pandava prince. He knew how to make a woman happy – both mentally and physically. Was it any wonder that Panchali eagerly awaited her turn with him? She quietly juggled the schedules of the other princes so that she got to spend more time with Nakula. It wasn’t too difficult as they did have other wives to keep happy.

Wasn’t Panchali lucky that she had got Prince Nakula in the package deal when Arjuna won her at the swayamvara?

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: G for GANDHARI... WHAT IF?

G for Gandhari
Google Images

WHAT IF...

Gandhari is left with no choice when her father, the King of Gandhar makes a pact with Bheeshma to wed her to Prince Dritharashtra. Worse it yet to come, as she’s unaware that the prince who she’s going to wed has been blind since birth. 

Her brother Prince Shakuni is greatly upset with his father when he gets to know the truth. “Gandhari, there is no need for you to marry a man who’s blind since birth. Allow me to send a messenger across to Bheeshma, cancelling the alliance,” pleaded Shakuni to his only sister. “I’m ready to face the consequences, even if we have to go to war with Hastinapura.”

Gandhari shook her head to say, “It’s on the part of a daughter to fulfil the wishes of her father. I will not go against the promise that our father has made to the ruler of Hastinapura. Let the wedding take place as planned.”

Gandhari decided to accept her fate. She planned to help the blind prince, heir to the throne of Hastinapura, rule his kingdom to the best of his ability. He could definitely do it. She had a strong enough vision, both literally and figuratively, to take care of his kingdom.

That’s how Gandhari married Dritharashtra and became his eyes. Impressed by her cleverness and wisdom, Bheeshma decided to crown Dritharashtra the king of Hastinapura. The king and queen of Hastinapura lived long and ruled wisely.

And they all lived happily ever after! 

...THE KURUKSHETRA WAR WOULD NEVER HAVE COME ABOUT

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: U for URMILA, THE FORGOTTEN HEROINE

Urmila, The Forgotten Heroine 

U for Urmila
Google Images

She woke up with a start from the vivid dream, her arms aching as she held the silken pillow close to her breasts. Oh how she missed him! She, who had decided not to cry over her husband’s absence, was startled to find her pillow damp with tears. She got up and wiped her face with a small towel that she dampened with the rose water kept in a bowl near her cot. Not long now! He should be back in another six months. 

Excited, she got ready for the day, not bothering to take help from the number of hovering maids who were at her beck and call. Being a princess had both its advantages and disadvantages. She preferred the silence in her loneliness and the maids’ chatter drove her crazy at times.

The past thirteen years she had devoted herself to the service of her in-laws. But as the time got closer to his return, she wanted to take time for herself – brush up on her music and dance lessons. Oh she planned to keep him glued to her side for a long time once he got back. 

And the day arrived!

He walked into the celebrating capital city along with his brother and his wife. While all the citizens’ eyes were on his brother, he knew that one pair would definitely be on the lookout for him. His dark brown eyes roved the palace balconies where the womenfolk waved out from. A gentle sigh escaped his heaving chest as he caught sight of her. And yes, she was eyeing him from the second floor where their chamber was situated, just as he had known. Was it his imagination or had she grown more beautiful than when he had met her last?

He was here! Finally! Fourteen years was such a long time and she couldn’t wait to be back in his arms where she belonged. So what if he was the Prince of the country? He belonged to her first and foremost. He appeared taller and broader than before. They had heard snippets of news about the royal trio that had been away for so long. But it wasn’t the same as knowing everything firsthand.

“You did what?” she asked, her head on her loving husband’s lap, her face glowing with a satiated smile. He had made thorough love to her, not once, not twice, but thrice in the course of the evening. She still refused to sleep as she was keen to catch up on the past fourteen years. While there had been nothing exciting that had happened in the palace, it was obvious he had a lot to say. “Don’t tell me you weren’t tempted when she threw herself at you?” she pouted, drinking in his handsome features that glowed in the light from the oil lamps. 

“Don’t be silly my love. I chopped of her nose,” he laughed as her jaw dropped. He could never cease to wonder her, her darling husband. He was a passionate man, notorious for his temper. Was she glad that she was the sole recipient of his love! Urmila sighed as she settled in more comfortably to listen to Lakshman as he narrated the Ramayana firsthand. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: P for PURU BECOMES YOUNG AGAIN

Puru Becomes Young Again

P for PURU
Google Images

The Prince admired himself in the full length mirror, adjusting his angavastram on the left shoulder, his thick moustache oiled and brushed back, underlining his masculinity. His lips tilting in a half smile, he was content with his life. After completing a hard day at sword training, he was on his way to meet the love of his life, Tilottama. 

With his foot on the threshold to his chambers, the prince noticed a servant walking towards him. The servant stood in front of the prince and said, “Greetings O Prince Puru! His Highness Emperor Yayati sends his greetings to the prince and awaits him in the throne room.” He stood with his spear held in his left hand, his right hand at his mouth and his body almost bent double out of respect.

Puru’s expression never changed as he mentally postponed his rendezvous with Tilottama and walked towards the throne room to meet his father, the emperor. 

Seeing his aged father seated on the throne, Puru bowed before him offering his “pranam”. “My dear father, you wished to speak to me?” he asked respectfully.

The emperor glanced at the ministers around him. Understanding his silent command, they all left the throne room along with the attendants, leaving Yayati and Puru alone. 

“My dear son, I have a request. I know I shouldn’t ask this of you....?”

Puru rushed forward to place a hand on his father’s lips. “Never say so my father! Command me! I am always at your service.”

Yayati asked the youngest prince for something that none of his other sons were ready to grant him – his youth in exchange for the emperor’s old age, a curse he had acquired from Sage Shukracharya. Prince Puru didn’t think twice before agreeing to his father’s request. A rejoiced Yayati sprang up energetically from the throne while Puru’s form shrunk, his skin wrinkling even as his body bowed down with old age. 

Taking leave of his father, Puru went to keep his delayed appointment with Tilottama. Unable to recognise the old man with shrunken shoulders, Tilottama was extremely upset to find out that Puru had sacrificed his youth and good looks for his father’s sake. Unable to face a future with the ancient man in front of her, the lovely princess walked away, breaking the brave Prince’s heart. 

Puru ruled the kingdom for thousands of years while his father Yayati explored different avenues to enjoy his youth.

A few thousand years later.....

Yayati returned to the palace and gave back his loving son Puru, his lost youth, and retired to the forest.

A newly rejuvenated Puru with blessings from his father, set out in search of Tilottama. He arrived at her kingdom after five days of travel on horseback. Reaching the palace, he requested a meeting with Princess Tilottama. While he waited in the palace garden, he caught sight of the lovely princess as she sat near the lotus pond, lost in thought. “My Tilottama.......” called Puru softly. She turned around to see a stranger, obviously of royal lineage, looking at her with so much love that she blushed. 

The dowager queen looked from afar, tears rolling down her cheeks. Her prince had fallen in love with her great granddaughter who also happened to carry her name. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: S for SITA GOES BACK HOME

S for Sita
Google Images

Sita was heartbroken when Lakshman left her in the forest across River Ganges. Rama had decided to heed a washer-man’s words and send her away. Heavily pregnant and all alone, she takes refuge at Sage Valmiki’s Ashram. 

Giving birth to twins, Sita accepts her fate and brings them up in the forest. Lava and Kusha learn the Vedas and Warfare from Sage Valmiki and become valiant even at a young age. That’s how they end up catching the Ashwamedha Yagna horse that Rama had sent across the country. Unaware of the impact of their actions, the young boys fight the huge army of Rama and defeat them effortlessly. Shatrughan, Bharat and then Lakshman were all defeated by Lava and Kusha. 

Finally, Rama arrives on the scene. It is not long before Sage Valmiki arrives amidst them and introduces the twins to their father Rama. Rama is truly happy to meet his sons and turns to the Rishi to tell him that he’s more than willing to take his queen back home to the palace. 

But what of Queen Sita?

She stood in front of Rama, her stance straight, her eyes directly meeting his. She stared at her beloved’s face, wondering what she had ever done to be separated from Rama again and again. 

The first time, it had been Ravana, the lord of Lanka, who had kidnapped her. She had undergone the Agni Pariksha (walking through fire) to prove her chastity. 

Then, just because a washer-man had uttered the words, Rama decided to send her to the forest. He had not turned to look back over more than a decade. The king who took care of every single subject, who thought that even the words of a poor washer-man were important, had never bothered to find out if his own wife, the queen, had given birth to his child; if she had survived childbirth; if she was still alive after being abandoned in the forest where dwelt wild animals. 

And now he was ready to take her back home? Why? Did that mean that the washer-man was no more? What will happen if someone else – a palace servant maybe – said something to besmirch Sita’s name yet again in the future? Will he send her away so that Sita will part with her husband for a third time? 

Her heart was ready to burst! As a strong trembling took over Sita’s body, a roar resounded in the whole area as the earth split in two – with Rama, his sons and all the army on one side and Sita on the other. Bhumi Devi came out to embrace Sita bodily, going back into the earth within a few seconds. 

The earth closed up, without leaving a trace. Rama looked on, tears in his eyes, never to see his dear queen ever again. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: M for MOHINI, VISHNU AVATAR

M for MOHINI
Google Images

The sea of milk boiled over as both the Devas and Asuras worked hard to churn it. It was not just these two groups at work. Lord Vishnu had taken the form of a tortoise (Kurmavatar) and settled in the ocean bed. Over the huge tortoise was placed Mount Mandara, used as a churn. Vasuki, the serpent was used as rope. All working in tandem, churned the ocean.

Out came Mahalakshmi, then the Kalpataru and more. Still there was no sign of the Amrut that the Devas and Asuras were seeking. Just as everyone was getting tired, a golden Kalash rose from the depths of the ocean. The two contingents jumped with joy. Finally, the Amrut was there – the potion that would ensure that they became immortal.

Lord Vishnu watched from the depths of the sea. Unless he did something in a hurry, the three lokas would soon be populated with evil Asuras who would never die. Rising from the river bed and changing his form quickly from a tortoise to that of a beautiful apsara, Lord Vishnu transformed into the beautiful Mohini in a second.

Holding the golden Amrut Kalash on her hips, Mohini walked slowly, her hips swinging deliciously, towards the eager Asuras. Giving them an alluring smile, she turned to the Devas and distributed the Amrut amongst them. While her hands were busy serving the Amrut to the Devas, her eyes were turned invitingly to the Asuras who were too absorbed by her beauty to notice what was actually happening.

Finally, Mohini reached the end of the line of the Devas to check the Kalash. Her face held pretended surprise to find the golden pot empty. She threw the Kalash back into the ocean of milk and walked away with swinging hips.

The enraged Asuras turned on the Devas. Alas, the Devas were invincible as Lord Vishnu had accomplished what he had set out to do – making them all immortal.

Glossary:
Devas – Heavenly beings
Asuras – Demons
Amrut – Potion of immortality
Kalash – Pot
Lokas – worlds

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: X for X-MAS FATHER

X for X-mas Father
Google Images

Little Jamie was too excited to sleep. His mother had read him the story of Santa Claus at least twelve times that very day. He had helped his father hang three stockings near the fireplace – one for each of his parents and the biggest one for Jamie himself. Now all they had to do was to wait for Xmas Father to appear on his sleigh drawn by nine reindeer. Oh yes, Jamie could count up to twenty. His father had told him that Santa would bring him four gifts this year as Jamie was almost four years old.

His parents had gone to sleep an hour back. They were unaware that their little son was too eager to meet Santa to sleep that night. Jamie pretended to be asleep, his eyes tightly shut. What if Santa didn’t come, thinking he was awake?

At the stroke of midnight, he saw the glow of red light in the living room. Jamie got up with a jerk, his heart pounding in excitement. That surely must be Rudolph. He was the one who had a red nose that shone so brightly. He sat against the bed-head, watching the scene unfold in front of him. He saw the Christmas Father place a small basket in front of the hearth and couldn’t help squealing in delight. Jamie ran out of the bedroom as fast as his little legs could carry him. He rushed to Santa and put his arms around his legs and hugged him tightly. “You came, Santa. Thank you so much for bringing me a kitten,” said Jamie.

He raised his head to look up at the cheery old man with a red face. Santa was exactly how his mother had described him. Santa brushed back the little boy’s curls and smiled at him. “You wanted three more gifts my dear boy. What would they be?” he asked in a booming voice.

Jamie was busy opening the basket to remove the little black and white kitten. He held it close to his heart as he said, “I don’t need anything else, Santa. Can you please give the other three gifts to my friends living on the other side of the railroad track? They need a warm bed to sleep in and some toys to play with too.”

The Xmas Father left Jamie’s home with a brimming heart, aware that he had achieved what he had set out to do – instill the true spirit of Christmas in Little Jamie’s heart.

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: R for RAAS LILA

R for Raas Lila
Google Images

Just as the sun went down the horizon at one end, the full moon made its appearance from the opposite end, embellishing the Yamuna River with ripples of white gold. The water flowed calmly while the birds and animals began to settle down for the night. Suddenly, their ears cocked as they heard the divine music from Krishna’s flute. Deer, cows, horses along with crows, pigeons and peacocks came rushing to the bank of the river to find their favourite Gwala seated on a smooth rock, his fingers delicately caressing the flute as he blew such wonderful notes from it.

It was not long before Radha joined the scene at his feet, her eyes looking up at her lover’s face adoringly. A gentle sigh broke from her lips as she placed her head against his lap, giving herself up to the soft music.

Gopika Karuna stood straight, entranced by the sounds coming from the river bank. She forgot that she was serving her husband his dinner and walked out of the house, following the notes.

Gopika Shivangi didn’t stop to find out if her baby was asleep in his crib before she stopped her lullaby in a hurry to reach the banks of the river.

Gopika Madhavi was spreading the bed on the floor to settle for the night. The pillows fell out of her hands as she left her task midway to follow the music flowing into her ears.

Gopika Ranjana was just shutting the cowshed when the cows pushed against the door and walked away. Surprised to see this unexpected behaviour of the cattle, she turned in the direction they were walking when she heard Krishna’s flute. She followed the cows, forgetting her home.

And so it was all around Gokul, every single woman from age 14-50, thronged the banks of Yamuna, listening to Lord Krishna’s divine flute. Their eyes studied Radha enviously. Wasn’t she lucky to have the Blue Lord belong to her!

Lo and Behold! Each Gopika was astounded to find a lovely Krishna beside her, looking at her with glowing dark eyes, as if she was the only other person on earth besides himself. And it began, the celestial dance of hundreds of Gopikas with as many Krishnas, with Radha-Krishna in the centre. The anklets of the Gopikas added rhythm to Krishna's flute as the Raas Lila lasted through the night.

Glossary:
Gwala – cowherd

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: D for DRITHARASHTRA’S HEARTBREAK

D for Dritharashtra
Google Images

Dritharashtra thrashed around like a mad bull elephant. The servants stayed away from the prince for their own safety. He appeared capable of crushing someone with his bare hands. But no strength or intelligence of his had been enough to garner Dritharashtra the throne of Hastinapura. And all because he had been born blind!

Dritharashtra pressed both his hands against his blind eyes, wishing to pull them out of their sockets. Oh why! Why had he not been born normal? Why had he learned all the scriptures and the many methods of warfare? To what avail? Why had Bheeshma had him trained in all the virtues of a king if he had never meant him to become one? They could have killed him as a child. It would have been so much better. Dritharashtra rued his fate.

And hatred gushed from him towards Bheeshma, mother Satyavathi and his brother Pandu. Pandu had no qualms about accepting the crown of Hastinapura. How dared he? Did that mean that his, Dritharashtra’s, descendants would never ascend the thrown?

The keening sound emanating from Dritharashtra’s chambers made the servants move further away. They did not want to bear the brunt of the Arya prince’s anger. But Gandhari could sense her husband’s pain, his heartbreaking disappointment. She shed tears of sorrow for his broken dreams, his aspirations to rule the mighty kingdom of Hastinapura. She walked into the chamber to commiserate with her husband. And that night, that very night, Gandhari was impregnated. 

All the disappointment, anger and jealousy in Dritharashtra got transferred to her womb – to be born as the hundred Kauravas. That night the seed of Kurukshetra was sown in Gandhari’s womb by Dritharashtra’s heartbreak. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: H for HARISCHANDRA

H for Harischandra greets Sage Vishwamitra
Google Images

IN A PARALLEL UNIVERSE...

King Harischandra walked out to the entrance of his palace to welcome Sage Vishwamitra. He bent down to wash the sage’s feet with rose water and greeted him with folded hands, inviting the revered Vishwamitra into his palace. 

A visibly pleased Vishwamitra walked ahead of the king and took his seat right next to the king’s throne, his feet placed on a small cushioned golden stool. 

The ministers and courtiers watched on as their king and the visitor discussed a number of things under the sun. King Harischandra listened more than spoke as he felt that he needed to learn a lot from Vishwamitra who had himself been a king many years ago. 

By and by, the sage arrived at the purpose of his visit. “Dear Harischandra, last night I had a strange dream. You came to me and promised to hand over your entire kingdom for the upkeep of my ashram. I have come to claim what is mine.” Sage Vishwamitra had a benign smile on his face, confident that the king will keep his promise, even if it had been made only in a dream.

The noble and truthful king, with folded hands and bowed head, replied to the sage, “I am so honoured you brought this matter to me Oh Great Sage Vishwamitra! I promise to handover my kingdom to you the very next time I visit you in my dream.” The king raised his head to look sharply at the sage, his eyes suggesting that the sage never visited the king in the latter's dream, ever. 

Was it surprising that Sage Vishwamitra was left speechless! 

Glossary:
Ashram - Hermitage

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath