Otto

April A-Z Challenge - O is for Otto - Fortune (Origin:German)

Theme: Short stories highlighting the lives of 26 fictional characters 

Otto sat in the subway station waiting for his train, it was a big day for him, he had finally decided to take control of his life. It had been difficult facing the every day demands of life, in spite of working hard at two jobs. The meager salary he brought home hardly met their needs and only fueled the many taunts of his wife. It had hurt him to see the disappointment on his children's face every time he had said no. He had seen the love and respect for him diminish at home over the years, though he had given back unconditionally. He had got used to living life clinging onto tiny rays of hope, since his childhood.

It had been hard growing up watching his father come home and hit his mother. His mother had grieved quietly, living a frustrated life, finding an outlet in Otto. Every strike she received in silence, she had doubled it and hit Otto. He in turn had taken it all in quietly, telling himself he owed it to his mother, till the grief finally took her completely in its clutches. Otto had left home that day, never returning back. He had vowed to himself that he would be the good husband and father that his father had never been.

The train arrived into the station as he climbed inside securing his backpack. It was a short ride to the bank which was the building opposite the station. He walked in and pulled out his gun immediately, seeing fear in people's eyes. He was surprised he could bring that emotion in people! They followed his every instruction, and filled the bag with money, it was the first time somebody had listened to him. He realized the power of his new side as he fired at the security camera before leaving. It came down scattering into pieces, just like the righteous life he had led for all these years.

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This story was inspired by the Cherokee Indian story of the two wolves.

Naina

April A-Z Challenge - N is for Naina - Eyes (Origin : Sanskrit)

Theme: Short stories highlighting the lives of 26 fictional characters 

Naina was a happy girl, except when it was time for bed.

When the light went out and the book was read,

the thought of playing, soon filled her head.

One night her mother had a special story to share,

about a little friend who came in each night to care.

The friend flies in from the window as the sun goes down,

To help precious kids, too little to sleep on their own.

She sit's on Naina's tummy, and goes on a tickle prowl,

To make sure it is full, and she does not hear a growl.

She then creeps and crawls right upto her chest,

And lands onto Naina's chin, with a leap at her best.

She jumps onto her nose, making it wiggle,

the wiggle is followed by a loud giggle.

Then she waits and watches, the right moment not to miss,

as Naina gives her mother the last goodnight kiss. 

Plop! Into Naina's eyes she dives ready to explore.

Mother looks closely into Naina's eyes and exclaims,

"Your little friend looks just like me!"

Naina loves her already, and wants to keep her safe and snug,

Her eyelids curl and close to give her friend a big hug.

The friend sprinkles sleep into Naina's eyes,

as she peeks into Naina's mind, using magical ways.

There she collects happy thoughts built from the day,

and makes them into sweet dreams, in her own loving way.

She fills Naina's head with the happiest dream,

To make her smile, as she lay asleep.

Maya

April A-Z Challenge - M is for Maya - Illusion (Origin : Sanskrit)

Theme: Short stories highlighting the lives of 26 fictional characters 

Robert stepped out of the shower thinking of how good it had felt, he should do this more often. But ever since he had started working on his second book he had lacked time for such luxuries. The book was a sequel to his first book, which was an instant bestseller, rising him to fame overnight. He had felt the pressure of the expectations right from when he started the second book.

He was so glad he had Maya by his side, she had been his inspiration. Especially since he had spent the past two years in isolation on a little island, immersed in the world of his book. Maya was the one who had been there for him, taking care of his every need. He had finally decided to take her out again today, he owed it to her, for all that she had done for him.

Robert steered his boat towards the nearby town to which he had not been for a long time. His eyes steered from the lights of the town towards Maya, standing by his side. She looked beautiful
with her dusky complexion glowing in the moonlight, her long dark hair flying in the breeze, brushing his face. He was looking forward to the dinner.

They walked towards the restaurant they had chosen, it had been his favorite and Maya had instantly agreed. They sat at the table, deep in conversation, while he noticed many staring faces. He felt good that people had not forgotten him, in spite of being out of the limelight for so long. Just as the meal arrived, a young man walked up to him for an autograph. He looked at Maya and smiled, hoping she had been impressed by his popularity.

" I am a big fan of yours," said the young man handing a pen, "is your next book releasing soon?"

"Yes it will be out in a few months, a sequel to my first book."

"Is the story going to be about Maya again?" he asked.

"Of course after all she got so popular, and just between the two of us, she is right here! "

"Sir here?! Where? Are you okay, there is nobody here!" the young man shrieked.

This was turning out to be just like the last time he had come out with Maya, he was angry again just like then. This was the reason he had isolated himself from the world.  He did not want to have anything to do with a world that did not believe that Maya was right there with him!

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For all of you who write fiction, do you feel you live in the world of your characters more than your own sometimes?