Cover Photo by Vani Buddhavarapu

Giving in to a flawed framework not only makes the individual’s life harder, but it even enforces the faulty system to continue being enforced onto future generations. 

“The Outlier” by R. S. Chintalapati shows how any such framework should be defied even if the price to pay is being outcasted.

Apologies could be framed by indifference, motive, intention, repentance, regret or simply empathy. Nevertheless, they could always be gauged by effectiveness. But can an apology truly be considered effective once the damage is already done?

Cover Photo by Vaidurya Pratap Sahi

In a world with patriarchy running through its’ veins, two women decide to stand for themselves, choosing their freedom and peace of mind over pettiness and riches. 

“The Pocket Watch” by Rajiv R Nair talks about the ingrained patriarchy, casteist behaviour and subtle ways to take action against society.

Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada

After a group of militants killed innocent civilians, a young, well-trained soldier is recruited to fight alongside veterans to capture the militants.

Through the perspective of this young soldier, “His Last Recording” by Harsha Modukuri discusses the concept of retaliation and shows how retribution sparks more conflicts than providing any resolutions.

Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada

When you snatch something that wasn’t yours, would you enjoy it, or would you be anxious the whole time in fear that someone else might snatch it from you?

“Dear Diary” by Nikhila Kotni explores this idea through the story of Naina trying to work her marriage while being haunted by her past and insecurities.

Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada

Could you imagine being stuck in a monotonous routine to the degree that your existence or contributions won’t make any difference? Could you imagine a living where life and the afterlife seem the same?

“Mr P” by Prakhyat Chatla tells the story of a boy living a monotonous life. However, one day, something changed in the boy’s existence, but neither he nor the others realised the change revealing the actual value of the boy’s presence in this world.

Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada

Judging a person by their appearance and attire to presume they are sexually interested is ignorance. Offenders as such do not learn their lesson until they become victims, or one of their own does.

“She is Asking for it, Isn’t She?” by Preety Singh tells the story of one such offender who forces himself on a girl believing she wants him. However, he soon realises his heinous crime when his family is affected.

Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada

A middle-aged man meets a twelve-year-old boy, all set to celebrate his third birthday. Since it was only his third birthday, the excited kid tells the man about his plans for this special day.

“An Extra Special Day” by P. C. Ravuri deals with the idea of life putting people in unexpected situations. Through the boy, the writer shows how things do not always go as planned, and at times, even circumstances cannot be blamed.

Cover Photo by Prabhath Narapareddy

For some, the past is unforgettable, and for a few, it is unforgivable. To an extremely few, it is both. So much so that the haunting past sometimes dictates their present and future.

“The Confession Killer” by Rajiv R Nair deals with one such damaged lad trying to repent and hunt at the same time while revealing his true motivations and past to his victims.

The loss of an offspring is unbearable. No matter the reason, it isn’t the fate any mortal should wish, even on their nemesis. Such losses change individuals forever, and many would leave no stone unturned to see them again.

“The Dark Path” by Rajiv R Nair tells the story of a father who has lost his daughter. It shows how badly the father wants to reconnect with her and to what extent he would go even to make it happen.

Cover Photo by R. S. Chintalapati

Everything in life boils down to two things: Choices & Time. An individual might be skilled, passionate, and talented, but growth, worth, and value are attributed only to cautiously ambitious ones. 

“An Anticipated Consequence” by R. S. Chintalapati narrates the story of a reckless youngster and his calculated partner who are on the verge of parting ways if the youngster’s worth is not proven quickly.

Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada

Things are never as they seem, mainly when observed superficially rather than being given the time to understand them in a nuanced way. However, it is commonplace for most of us to judge irrespective of our understanding.

“Motherhood” by Preety Singh tells the story of a dysfunctional family of three. It describes why the child hates the mother for not being there but loves his father to be caring and supportive when the reality is quite different. Get to know what the truth is and pass your judgement.

Cover Photo by Prabhath Narapareddy

Suppose you loved someone unforgettably and built a beautiful bond for years until they left without even a note. How would it make you feel?

“Lovelock” by Priyanka Udatha tells the story of Eshan and Eshita right from the moment they met to the moment Eshita left. Get to know what happens to Eshan, and did they ever meet again?

Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada

We are all ready to do anything for our first love, but no matter how much you are prepared to do anything for your loved ones. When their time comes, there is nothing we can do but treasure their memories and move on in life.

“Anything for Him” by Nikhila Kotni deals with Naina reminiscing her memories of her first love, the memories of a person for whom she was ready to do anything. 

Illustrated by Sravani Dhulipala

In reaching our goals, is it enough that we trust in God and leave everything up to him? Or is it acceptable if we leave it with our companions? Or should we reach our goal by any evil means possible? 

“The Tale of Three Sisters” by R. S. Chintalapati tells the tale of three sisters who each take one of the above paths to reach their goal and concludes with their fates narrated.