Tag Archives: Short Stories

Short Story: The Pink Spectacles

Posted on by
2
Source

Shivani was a curious and imaginative 6-year-old girl who lived in a small village near Ratnagiri, nestled in the lush green hills of the Konkan region. She loved to explore the winding paths and swaying coconut trees near her family’s modest home, often getting lost in her little world.

But lately, Shivani has been having trouble seeing things. When she tried to read the blackboard at school, the letters would become a blurry mess. And during playtime, she sometimes missed the ball when her friends tossed it to her, much to their amusement.

“Arre, Shivani, kai jhala? What happened to you? Can’t you see?” Her older brother Akshay would tease. Shivani would huff in frustration, wishing she could see as well as her brother. She didn’t understand why her eyesight had suddenly become so bad.

“Aai, I think there’s something wrong with my eyes,” Shivani would tell her mother, Meena, after school each day. “I can’t see things like I used to.” Meena would frown with concern, gently examining Shivani’s eyes. “Hmm, they do seem a bit strained. Maybe you need to rest them more, bala. No more reading in the dark, okay?”

But even after taking breaks, Shivani’s vision didn’t improve but seemed worse. She started bumping into furniture and tripping over rocks on the ground that she couldn’t quite make out. “Arre, look at our little Shivani, she’s turning into a chamgadar! Shivani the bat,” Akshay would laugh, flapping his arms around. “Flapping around, crashing into everything!”. Shivani would feel her face flush with embarrassment. She didn’t want to be a clumsy bat – she wanted to be able to see clearly and run and play like the other children.

One day, Shivani’s teacher at the village school announced that a team of eye doctors would be coming to the school for a special eye camp. Any student having trouble with their vision could get checked and receive free spectacles if needed. Shivani’s parents, Meena and Rajesh, decided to take her to the eye camp. They were relieved that Shivani’s eyes could be properly examined at the camp in their village.

When the day of the eye camp arrived, Shivani was both excited and nervous. She had never seen a real doctor, let alone an eye doctor with all their strange-looking equipment. The ophthalmologist, a kind older man with a warm smile, greeted Shivani and her parents. “Kaishi ahes,” he said, crouching down to Shivani’s level. “How are you? Let’s look into your eyes, shall we?”. Shivani sat patiently as the doctor shone a bright light into each of her eyes and had her read letters off a chart on the wall. After a thorough examination, the doctor turned to Meena and Rajesh.

“Well, it’s clear that your daughter has a case of myopia or nearsightedness,” the doctor explained. “Her eyes are having trouble focusing on distant objects. But the good news is that spectacles can easily correct this.” Shivani’s eyes widened with excitement. “Chashma? Really?” she exclaimed. The doctor chuckled and nodded, then led them to a table filled with different frames.

“Now, let’s find the perfect pair for you,” he said, gesturing to the selection. Shivani’s gaze immediately landed on a pair of frames with a sparkly pink design. “I want those!” she declared, pointing eagerly. The doctor carefully placed the spectacles on Shivani’s face, and when she looked around, everything came into sharp focus.

“Wow, I can see everything so clearly!” Shivani marvelled, her face lighting up with a huge smile. “The trees, the people, the blackboard – everything is so clear.”. Meena and Rajesh exchanged relieved glances, thrilled to see their daughter so excited and happy. “You look beautiful, beta,” Meena said, giving Shivani a warm hug. Shivani couldn’t stop grinning as she admired her new pink spectacles. She could hardly wait to show them off to her friends and family.

When Shivani returned to school the next day, wearing her new pink glasses, her classmates were instantly fascinated. “Wow, Shivani, your chashma is so chamak, so shiny!” exclaimed her best friend Priya. “Can I try them on?”

Shivani carefully handed the spectacles to Priya, who immediately started giggling. “Everything looks so big and close up! It’s like I’m a giant!” Soon, all of Shivani’s friends were lining up to take turns trying on the pink glasses, running around the schoolyard and marvelling at how the world looked through Shivani’s eyes. “Be careful, you’ll break them!” Shivani fretted, but she couldn’t help laughing at her friends’ antics. She had never felt so popular and special before.

Even Akshay, who usually teases Shivani, seemed impressed by her new look. “Hey choti, you look like a movie star with those glasses!” he said with a grin. “Now you can see all the mischief I get into!” Shivani rolled her eyes at her brother, but she secretly felt proud. She loved her new spectacles and how they made her stand out from the crowd. No more bumping into things for her!

With her pink, shiny chashma on, Shivani began to see the world in a whole new way. She noticed so many details she had never paid attention to before – the intricate patterns on the saris of the women in the village, the tiny insects crawling on the leaves, the wispy clouds drifting across the sky. “Aai, look at that bird up there!” Shivani would exclaim, pointing to the sky. “I can see its feathers so clearly!” Meena would smile and nod, happy to see her daughter so fascinated by the world around her. She was glad they had taken Shivani to the eye camp and that she was adjusting well to her new spectacles.

Shivani’s favourite thing to do was to sit on the roof of her house and gaze out at the lush green hills and swaying coconut trees in the distance. She could see for miles, watching the farmers tending to their crops and the cows grazing in the meadows. It was like a whole new world had opened up to her. At night, Shivani would lie in bed and stare up at the twinkling stars with wonder. She could not get over how she could see them so clearly now. She felt like she was floating in a sea of glittering lights, just like the ones on her frames. “I’m so lucky to have these glasses,” Shivani would whisper to herself. “They make everything so beautiful.”

One evening, as Shivani was sitting on the roof gazing out at the pristine beaches and crashing waves of the Konkan coast, her grandmother came up to join her. “Ajji, tell me a story,” Shivani pleaded, snuggling up to the elderly woman. Her grandmother, Radha, chuckled and nodded. “Alright, my dear. Have you heard the legend of the boksi witch that haunts these hills?”

Shivani shook her head, her eyes widening with curiosity. “Well, they say that long ago, there was a beautiful young woman who lived in these very hills,” Dadi began. “She was known for her kindness and healing powers, and the villagers would come to her for help with all sorts of ailments.” Shivani listened intently, captivated by the story.

“But one day, a jealous woman in the village accused the young healer of being a boksi – a witch who practices black magic. The villagers, filled with fear and superstition, turned on her and burned her at the stake.” Shivani gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

“They say that the young woman’s spirit never found peace, and now her boksi form roams these hills at night, seeking revenge on those who wronged her,” Ajji continued, her voice lowering to a whisper. Shivani shivered, glancing nervously at the shadowy trees surrounding their home. “But don’t worry, my dear,” Radha said, patting Shivani’s hand reassuringly. “As long as you have your chashma, you’ll be able to see the boksi coming from miles away!” Shivani giggled, feeling a bit more at ease. She knew her ajji was just teasing her, but the legend of the boksi witch had certainly piqued her imagination.

As Shivani lay in bed that night, she couldn’t help but wonder if the boksi was real. She stared up at the twinkling stars, wishing she could see through the darkness with her chashma. But alas, they were no match for the inky blackness of the Konkan night.

The next day, Shivani was so busy daydreaming about the boksi witch that she wasn’t paying attention to where she was going. As she was walking home from school, she became entranced by the swaying coconut trees and the crashing waves in the distance.

Suddenly, Shivani felt herself collide with something solid. She looked up to see an elderly woman glaring down at her, her wrinkled face twisted in anger. “Arre, you foolish girl! Can’t you see where you’re going?” the woman scolded, her voice raspy and harsh. Shivani felt her face flush with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, kaki,” she stammered. “I didn’t mean to.” “Bah, you children these days, always with your heads in the clouds!” the woman interrupted, shaking her head in disgust. “You should be more careful, or you’ll end up like the poor boksi witch, doomed to wander these hills forever!” Shivani’s eyes widened in fear at the mention of the boksi. She quickly apologized again and hurried home, her heart pounding.

When Shivani told her parents what had happened, Meena and Rajesh were concerned. “Bala, you need to be more mindful when you’re wearing your spectacles,” Meena said gently. “They are a gift, but you have to use them responsibly.” Rajesh nodded in agreement. “Your ajji’s stories may be just legends, but there are real dangers out there. We don’t want you to get hurt, Shivani.” Shivani felt ashamed of her carelessness. She knew her parents were right—she had to be more careful, both for her safety and out of respect for the gift of her glasses.

From that day on, Shivani made a conscious effort to be more aware of her surroundings. She would take the time to carefully navigate the winding paths and crowded markets, always keeping her spectacles firmly in place. Shivani also started using her improved vision to help others. She would read signs and labels out loud to her illiterate grandmother, and assist her younger cousins with their homework by writing out the answers in big, clear letters. “You’re such a good girl, Shivani,” her grandmother would say, patting her on the head. “Your spectacles are a blessing, not just for you but for all of us.”

Shivani beamed with pride at her grandmother’s words. She felt like she had learned an important lesson – that her spectacles were not just about seeing the world more clearly, but about using her gift to make a difference in the lives of those around her. As Shivani sat on the roof, gazing out at the lush green hills and the shimmering Konkan coastline, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the spectacles that had opened up a whole new world to her. She knew that with her newfound vision, she could accomplish anything she set her mind to – even if it meant facing the legendary boksi witch that haunted these very hills.

Short Story: Celebrating Women – The Circle of Life

Posted on by
Reply

In a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and whispering forests, the rhythm of life flowed gently, like the melody of a timeless lullaby. Here, amid the cobblestone streets and rustic cottages, lived women whose stories wove together to create a tapestry of resilience, strength, and sisterhood.

In the heart of the village, beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient banyan tree, sat young Lila, her eyes alight with wonder as she listened to her grandmother’s tales. Sitamma, with her silver hair and twinkling eyes, spoke of a time long past, when women were the keepers of tradition and wisdom.

Lila hung on her grandmother’s every word, her imagination ignited by stories of brave heroines and fierce warriors who had defied the odds and changed the course of history. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the village, Sitamma whispered words of encouragement to her granddaughter.

“Remember, my dear,” she said, her voice a gentle breeze that stirred the air, “you carry within you the strength of generations past. Let your heart be your guide, and never forget the power of your voice.”

With those words echoing in her heart, Lila embarked on her journey, her spirit ablaze with the fire of possibility. She knew that she was but a bud, waiting to bloom into the fullness of her potential. And so, with each passing day, she embraced the challenges and triumphs that awaited her, knowing that her story was just beginning.

In a cottage nestled on the edge of the village, lived Kaveri, a mother whose love knew no bounds. With her gentle touch and nurturing spirit, she tended to the needs of her children, weaving a tapestry of love and warmth that enveloped their home like a cosy blanket.

Kaveri’s days were filled with laughter and chaos, the music of her children’s laughter a melody that danced through the halls. From dawn until dusk, she juggled the demands of motherhood with grace and poise, her heart overflowing with the joy of watching her children grow. But amidst the laughter, Sarah carried with her the weight of responsibility, the knowledge that she was the guiding light in her children’s lives. Through sleepless nights and tear-stained cheeks, she held their hands and whispered words of comfort, knowing that her love would carry them through even the darkest of days.

As she watched her children grow, Kaveri marvelled at the beauty of motherhood – the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, all woven together in a tapestry of love. She knew that her role was sacred, a privilege bestowed upon her by the universe, and she embraced it with open arms, knowing that she was fulfilling her purpose with every beat of her heart.

In the heart of the village square, beneath the shade of a blossoming cherry tree, sat Gowri Patti, an elderly woman whose wisdom was as deep as the ocean and as vast as the sky. With her weathered hands and kind eyes, she watched over the village like a guardian angel, her presence a source of comfort and guidance to all who sought her counsel.

Gowri Patti had lived a life rich with experience, her journey marked by triumphs and tribulations, victories and defeats. But through it all, she had remained steadfast in her belief in the power of sisterhood, the unbreakable bond that connected women of all ages and walks of life.

As the village gathered around her, eager to hear her tales of wisdom, Gowri Patti spoke of the importance of embracing one’s true self, of standing tall in the face of adversity, and of cherishing the bonds of friendship and sisterhood that bound them together. Her words were like poetry, weaving a tapestry of hope and inspiration that enveloped the village like a warm embrace. For in the wisdom of age, she found the courage to speak her truth, knowing that her voice held the power to ignite the flames of change and transformation.

And so, as the sun set on another day in the village, the women gathered beneath the banyan tree, their hearts intertwined like the branches above. They knew that their stories were but threads in the tapestry of sisterhood, each one unique and precious, yet connected by the unbreakable bonds of love and solidarity.

As the seasons turned and time marched onward, the women of the village continued to weave the threads of their lives together, creating a tapestry of strength, resilience, and sisterhood. From the blossoming innocence of youth to the quiet wisdom of age, each stage of life brought with it its joys and challenges, its triumphs and tribulations.

But through it all, the women remained united in their shared journey, their stories intertwined like the branches of the banyan tree, rooted deep in the soil of tradition and love. For in the heart of the village, amid the laughter and tears, the triumphs and defeats, there beat the timeless rhythm of sisterhood, a melody that echoed through the ages, celebrating the resilience and beauty of women everywhere.

Short Stories: The Red Rose – A Valentine’s Day Reunion

Posted on by
Reply
Source

Eliza sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers tracing the worn pages of her old school yearbook. It was Valentine’s Day, a day that held bittersweet memories of love lost and dreams deferred. As she flipped through the pages, a pressed red rose fluttered to the floor, its vibrant petals a stark contrast against the faded memories of her youth.

Her thoughts drifted back to James, her high school sweetheart, and the tumultuous relationship they shared. Their love had been passionate and intense, a whirlwind of emotions that swept them both off their feet. But with passion came turbulence, and their journey together had been punctuated by countless fights and tearful reconciliations.

Eliza sighed as she recalled the final days of their relationship. It had been a decision born out of necessity—a choice to break free from the cycle of heartache and uncertainty. As she graduated from high school, she made the difficult decision to part ways with James, hoping that time and distance would heal the wounds of their fractured love.

Source

Years passed, and life carried Eliza forward, leaving behind the echoes of her past. She built a career, forged new friendships, and found solace in the rhythm of everyday life. Yet, the memory of James lingered like a faint whisper, a reminder of a love that had once consumed her heart.

On that fateful Valentine’s Day, two decades later, Eliza found herself drawn back to the remnants of her youth. The pressed red rose, a relic of a bygone era, stirred something deep within her soul. With a sense of nostalgia tinged with longing, she decided to embark on a journey to find James, to seek closure or perhaps the possibility of a second chance at love.

With trembling hands, Eliza typed James’s name into the search bar, her heart pounding with anticipation. To her surprise, his profile appeared on the screen, a testament to the passage of time and the interconnectedness of fate. They were both in the same town, separated by mere miles yet worlds apart.

Gathering her courage, Eliza reached out to James, her fingers hesitating over the send button. Would he remember her? Would he be open to reconnecting after all these years? The questions lingered like a lingering fog, obscuring the path ahead.

To her relief, James responded with warmth and sincerity, his words a beacon of hope in the darkness of uncertainty. They agreed to meet for coffee, a tentative step towards reconciliation and rediscovery.

Source

As Eliza entered the quaint café, her heart fluttered with nervous anticipation. Would James still be the same person she remembered from her youth? Would the years have softened the rough edges of their past, paving the way for a new beginning?

Her questions were soon answered as James walked through the door, his smile as bright as the sun on a summer’s day. Time seemed to stand still as they embraced, the years melting away in the warmth of their reunion.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, each word a bridge connecting their shared past to the present moment. They laughed over shared memories and reminisced about the innocence of their youth. For a brief moment, it felt as if no time had passed at all, and they were once again the young lovers who had dared to dream of forever.

As the afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, Eliza and James found themselves lost in each other’s gaze. It was a moment of clarity, a realization that despite the trials and tribulations of their past, their love had endured, resilient and unwavering.

In the days that followed, Eliza and James embarked on a journey of rediscovery, exploring the depths of their shared history and the possibilities of their future. They laughed, they cried, and they navigated the complexities of love with grace and understanding.

Source

With each passing day, their bond deepened, a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and redemption. They learned to embrace the imperfections of their past, understanding that it was through their struggles that they had grown stronger, both individually and as a couple.

And so, on a bright and beautiful Valentine’s Day, one year from the day they reunited, Eliza and James stood hand in hand, surrounded by the ones they loved most. It was a day of celebration, the culmination of their journey from heartache to happiness, from separation to unity. And of course, Eliza had a bouquet of red roses, which reminded them both of their long journey to get there.

As they exchanged vows beneath a canopy of blooming roses, their love blossomed like the petals of a flower, vibrant and full of promise. Their hearts beat as one, a testament to the enduring power of love to heal, transform, and bring two souls together in a journey of everlasting devotion.

In that moment, as they sealed their love with a kiss, Eliza and James knew that their story was just beginning. For in the garden of their hearts, the seeds of their love had taken root, destined to bloom and flourish for all eternity. And as they danced beneath the stars, surrounded by the fragrance of roses and the whispers of the wind, they knew that their love would always be their guiding light, illuminating the path ahead with the promise of endless possibilities.

Short Story: A Mother’s Service

Posted on by
Reply
Source

The aroma of brewing coffee provided a fleeting moment of solace as Alice moved through the kitchen. She found herself mechanically going through the motions, preparing breakfast for her family. The weight in her chest mirrored the heaviness in the atmosphere. Today marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Daniel’s life, and Alice couldn’t shake the mix of emotions coursing through her.

As the family gathered around the breakfast table, the usual lively chatter felt subdued. Daniel, normally brimming with energy, seemed quieter today. His younger sister, Chloe, glanced at him with wide, worried eyes. Simon, Alice’s husband, attempted to lighten the mood with small talk, but the unspoken tension hung in the air.

After the simple family breakfast, the car ride to the Pasir Ris Bus Interchange was marked by intermittent silence. Daniel stared out the window, his thoughts known only to him. Alice couldn’t help but steal glances at her son, marvelling at the young man he had become. Memories of his childhood flashed through her mind, and she couldn’t believe how quickly time had passed.

Upon reaching the bus interchange, the gravity of the moment became tangible. Alice’s heart felt as if it were in her throat as they navigated through the procedural steps of enlistment. Soon it was time to board the ferry to reach Pulau Tekong. After the oath-taking ceremony, the family had one last meal together and then it was time.

As they stood in the waiting area, families embracing their loved ones, Alice took a deep breath, willing herself to be strong for Daniel. She held back tears, knowing that this was a day he had been anticipating, a day that marked his entry into adulthood and service to his nation.

Source

Finally, the time arrived for the recruits to bid farewell to their families. Alice hugged Daniel tightly, fighting back tears. “Make us proud, Daniel,” she whispered into his ear. His response was a determined nod, a silent promise that he took with him as he joined the ranks of his fellow recruits.

The initial two weeks passed like a blur for Alice. The silence at home was deafening, and the absence of Daniel’s laughter was a constant reminder of his newfound commitment. Phone calls and video calls between Daniel and his family brought comfort to both of them. He spoke about the challenges of Basic Military Training, BMT, the camaraderie with his platoon, and the physical demands that were pushing him to his limits.

Soon, it was time for Daniel’s Passing Out Parade or POP. Daniel had already told his family about the route march and where they would stop for breaks. Alice, Simon and Chloe made their way to where they would hope to see Daniel. While waiting with other parents and families, Alice could not help but share in their son’s journeys with the other mothers.

As Daniel’s platoon approached, Alice’s heart swelled with emotion. She spotted her son, his face adorned with a mix of exhaustion and pride. Their eyes met, and in that moment, Alice saw not just a soldier but a resilient young man who had embraced the challenges of National Service and emerged stronger.

The cheers of the families, the pride in their eyes, and the shared joy among the recruits created an atmosphere of celebration. The route march symbolized the completion of a significant milestone, a collective achievement that resonated beyond the parade ground.

As Daniel passed by, he gave his family a quick salute, a gesture that spoke volumes. Alice, Simon, and Chloe cheered loudly, their voices blending with the chorus of families expressing their pride. Tears welled in Alice’s eyes, but this time, they were tears of joy and triumph.

Alice, along with Simon and Chloe, attended the Basic Military Training Passing Out Parade at the Floating Platform with a mixture of anticipation and pride. The parade ground was a sea of crisp uniforms and polished boots. The rhythmic sound of marching feet echoed in the air, each step symbolizing the resilience and discipline instilled during the training.

As Daniel’s platoon marched onto the parade ground, Alice’s heart swelled with pride. She spotted him among the young soldiers, standing tall and confident. The transformation from the day he enlisted was evident in his bearing, a testament to the rigours of BMT.

The Passing Out Parade unfolded with precision and pride. The recruits showcased their newly acquired skills in a display of drills, marches, and physical exercises. Alice couldn’t help but marvel at the cohesion of Daniel’s platoon; their movements synchronized as if they were one collective force.

The Passing Out Parade route march marked the end of Daniel’s Basic Military Training, a journey that had begun with uncertainty and separation. As the platoons dispersed, families gathered around their loved ones, and Alice embraced Daniel with a newfound sense of appreciation. He was not just her son; he was now a soldier, a defender of their nation, and Alice couldn’t have been prouder.

Together, they walked away from the parade ground, the weight in Alice’s heart replaced with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. The National Service experience had transformed Daniel, and as a family, they had weathered the challenges and celebrated the triumphs. The journey continued, but now, they walked it with the knowledge that Daniel had emerged from his Basic Military Training stronger, more disciplined, and ready for the adventures that lay ahead.

Short Story: The Silent Murder

Posted on by
3
Source

As the plane started its descent into Fuzhou, Mei Li peered excitedly out of the window. “Almost home now”, she muttered to herself. Her seatmate, an older man, smiled at her and asked her if she was back from a holiday in Singapore or if she was working there. “Working”, Mei Li smiled. “I am going back home after two years”. She tried to curb her impatience as she cleared immigration and customs and walked outside to get into a bus for the next part of her journey home. She slipped into the seat, suddenly exhausted as she thought of her life, both past and present, as the bus hurtled through the Chinese countryside, the bus, her home for the next six hours until her village.

Leaning back in her seat, Mei Li tried to sleep but found that sleep eluded her. She smiled and whispered, “I did it. That woman is dead, and no one knows I did it!”. As she said this, a wave of sadness hit her, and tears started streaming down her eyes. Unbidden, her mind went back 20 years when she first saw her husband Ah Fu. They were matchmade, and she saw him the day they were wed. She was a shy girl of 18, and he was a strapping man of 20 when they wed. The first two years were sheer bliss, but soon the reality of life hit them in the form of two miscarriages. When they saw a doctor, they were told Mei Li’s womb was weak and treatment for this required money they did not have. So Ah Fu took the difficult decision to work for a few years in the bustling metropolis of Singapore.

Ah Fu and Mei Li were apart for more than a decade while Ah Fu tried to earn money so that Mei Li could get the treatment she needed. But unfortunately, even with treatment, Ah Fu and Mei Li were unable to have children, and after a few years, Mei Li decided to live with this fact. She spent her days looking after Ah Fu’s parents and lived for the one month every year when he would spend a month with her. She looked forward to the time when Ah Fu would earn the money they needed for the rest of their lives, and they will start living together again.

Life moved, the seasons changed, and Ah Fu’s parents soon passed away. One day, Mei Li suddenly realised something. “It’s been a month since Ah Fu has called or sent money. I wonder why he does not pick up my phone. I hope everything is fine”. Six months soon passed with no contact with her husband, and Mei Li was sick with worry. As time passed, her worry turned into fear and fear into grief. Her worry was confirmed one day when Ah Fu’s friend Li Wei came to her house. She was happy to meet him and wanted to ask him about her husband, but stopped as soon as she saw him. Li Wei’s eyes were red with tears, and he had an urn in his hands. “No, no, Li Wei, please tell me what I am thinking is not true” Mei Li was almost prostrate with grief, but she was not to be comforted. Her worst fears came true. Ah Fu was dead, and Li Wei had brought her husband’s remains with him. But this was not all that was what was giving her grief.

Ah Fu stopped sending her money because he was involved with another woman, Jenny. Jenny was a domestic helper from the Philippines, and both of them were involved in a raging affair. The money that Ah Fu used to send to Mei Li was now used to wine and dine Jenny. He also started dipping into his savings until he had no money and debts of over $100,000. Once Jenny realised that there was nothing more to get from Ah Fu, she dumped him like yesterday’s leftovers.

Distraught, Ah Fu tried everything in his control to win over Jenny but could not. He also lost his job, and the thought that he would have to go back to China, a broken and bankrupt man, made him take his life because he could not face Mei Li. With these words, Li Wei passed Mei Li Ah Fu’s belongings along with a diary and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Mei Li bewildered and desperate for answers. She knew deep within her soul that the truth had been whispered into her ears, but it remained just out of reach. Questions swirled in her mind, each one intertwining with the next. She saw his diary and started to read, hoping the questions in her head would have some answers. As she read the diary, Mei Li’s sorrow turned into anger. The woman who had taken her husband away from her, who had shattered their lives, needed to face the consequences of her actions.

She learnt more about Jenny, along with a photo that Ah Fu had taken sneakily. Shattered, she threw the diary away and tried to move on with her life. But Mei Li could not forget either the photo or Jenny and tried as much as she could; she wanted answers, and she wanted to know what was so special about Jenny that her Ah Fu was unfaithful. A plan began to form in Mei Li’s mind, fueled by a burning desire for revenge. She decided to find out for herself and made plans to move to Singapore. She had one very useful skill – she belonged to a small clan that was famous as masseurs. She knew acupressure and could massage any point in the body to relieve aches and pains. Soon, Mei Li was in Singapore.

She used the knowledge she had gleaned from Ah Fu’s dairy to stalk Jenny and find out about her. She came to know that Jenny went to a church near Chinatown on Sundays, and after service and before she went back to her employer’s home, she frequented a reflexology parlour to get rid of the aches and pains of the week. After a couple of months, Mei Li started working in the same massage parlour that Jenny frequented and tried hard to make sure she was the one who gave Jenny her massages. She would go overboard with her and give her more than she paid for. Slowly, over the next few months, Jenny came more frequently to the parlour to get massaged by Mei Li, who now had become a friend.

Mei Li now started to put her plan into action. With her knowledge of acupressure, she slowly started pressing a point in the sole of her feet as well as another point at the base of her neck, which, if pressed in a certain way, would put pressure on the spleen and slowly, over time, would cause the spleen to rupture. At the same time, while making conversation, Mei Li would recommend certain Chinese herbs to Jenny for strength. She was careful not to recommend overtly poisonous herbs but a combination which, with the massage, would be fatal.

This carried on for about a year, and while massaging Jenny, Mei Li knew her end was near. She soon stepped up her massages and, at the same time, resigned from her job, citing the need to go back home to look after an ailing mother. Jenny was sad that her friend was leaving, but this was the life of a migrant worker, and there was nothing that could be done. On her last weekend, Mei Li was waiting for Jenny to come to the massage parlour for her usual massage but didn’t see her. She tried calling her, but her calls went unanswered. Finally, someone picked up the phone, and when she asked about Jenny, she was told Jenny had passed away two days back from a ruptured spleen, and they were too late in taking her to the hospital. Her wake was being conducted in a nearby funeral parlour, and Mei Li decided to make her way there just to ensure that the woman she hated with every fibre of her being was where she put her beloved Ah Fu.

The bus suddenly jolted, and Mei Li came back to the present. She smiled a small smile of satisfaction and knew somewhere up there, Ah Fu probably approved. She knew she would never have a good night’s sleep because she had knowingly and willingly taken a life, but that was a trade-off she was willing to make. The bus had stopped, and when she looked out of the window, she realised she had reached her destination. As she got down and started walking home, she walked with a newfound sense of peace. The weight of her grief had lessened, and the wounds in her heart had begun to heal. Ah Fu will always remain in her heart, and the memories of the man she loved and married will be enough to live on as a beacon of love and resilience.