Sangeetha Kamath

The taxidermied owl was perched on the mantle piece, it's shiny, wise gaze fixated on her. Kim had an unsettling feeling with this sinister showpiece everytime she visited Cunningham Manor. She sat opposite Keith, going over all the details again and asking more questions.  The investigation had drained both of them with no solution on end. It had been months. Audrey Cunningham had disappeared without a trace.. “I'm afraid we've done the best we could. We will be archiving this into the Cold Case Files in a couple of days”,sighed Kim. Out of nowhere, a sudden gust of wind knocked the owl off the mantelpiece. It dropped near Kim’s foot with a loud thud. A key neatly hidden key under it's talon was exposed. HELP and MUSIC BOX were etched weakly on it. **** “Mr. Cunningham! I need to see the Music Box right now”, Kim said with an authority as she radioed the team outside.  It held a secret compartment in which a handwritten letter by Audrey said that her life was in danger...

  Rajendra stood at the doorway, his eyes scanning the hallway one last time. He had lived in this house for over 40 years, raising a loving family, celebrating countless birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, festivals, and weathering life's storms. But now, at the age of 85, he could no longer care for himself. His children had long since moved away, starting their own families. But the departure of his wife from the earthly realm was the final blow. The old man took a deep breath, his eyes misting as recalled the sound of his children's laughter, the smell of his wife's cooking, the hustle and bustle whenever his grandchildren visited. With a heavy heart, he locked the door behind him. He walked slowly down the garden path. The tree lined driveway replete with Gulmohars that his father had planted a generation ago seemed to weep crimson tears, showering him with fragrant petals. As he reached the gate, he turned back to look at the house one last time. The windows seemed to...

As the sun set over the ocean, a frail cat named Lola cuddled snuggly in Skye ’s arms. Her legs barely carried her weight. But how she wished, driven by a deep longing to feel the sand beneath her paws one last time. Skye let her down gently secured to a harness. Lola padded silently across the sand. As she reached the water's edge, she paused, letting the foamy surf wash over her paws. She remembered the countless hours she'd spent on this beach, chasing frisbees and bounding playfully with Skye. Barely a few steps were taken and Lola was panting for breath slumping on the soft wet sand. She tried jumping onto Skye's shoulder like she did when she was a kitten. But couldn't muster any energy. Lola knew she was saying goodbye to her beloved Skye. With a final mew, she nuzzled her head against Skye’s heart as she lovingly picked her up again, tears streaming down her cheeks. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the beach in a warm, golden light. And Lola was at pe...

  I was excited for my first international trip!  Finally I was deemed worthy of this assignment. But I could sense the inside gossip that I was chosen because the best candidate backed out. My resolve didn't sway, instead it swelled by notches when my boss handed me a bulky package and escorted me to his chartered flight. The pilot sneered at me and the cabin crew smirked to see a greenhorn assigned for this role. Everyone was trying their best to exclude me from a clique!  But the ambience inside canceled their condescending behaviour. Leather couches, spaced out recliners…the regalia was out of this world! There was one other passenger besides me. The snooty vibes didn't stop. I was left out of all conversations. As the aircraft soared, I played out my next move, sipping on the best quality wine. The knots in my stomach started to relax.  “We're about to make our descent…” a voice announced. Beads of perspiration trickled as I reached for my package.  Moving...

  I was excited for my first international trip.  But the cab I booked turned out to be a jalopy sputtering and halting at intervals.  Finally! Upon arriving at the port, the majestic sight of the Star Cruiseliner held me in awe! Craning my neck to capture it for my Instagram, I stumbled backwards and my knees came crashing on the ground, bruising them badly! A steward, slightly resembling DiCaprio rushed towards me with a wheelchair. But a sense of foreboding took over me instead…was this ship destined to be a Titanic? Suddenly, a strong wind blew away his wig, revealing his bald pate. ‘DiCaprio’ looked like Shakaal ! I exhaled in relief! But my happiness was short-lived! I had booked myself on the Star Pisces, but due to a glitch, I was rescheduled on the Superstar Aquarius! A rival at my workplace was an Aquarian! Arggggh! Cursing my luck, I hobbled into my cabin to be greeted by chilled champagne, warm breakfast platter, also a Hermes scarf as an apology for the go...

Standing on the rooftop of a shop, I look all around me to a scene of apocalypse; the tumultuous Mandakini is ravaging the roads of Uttarakhand--- sweeping away houses, cars, vehicles...even people.  Having separated from my group of twelve hikers, I have no idea where they are or where I am! In the scuffle to save myself, I've dropped my backpack with all my food rations, essentials and all I have with me is a water-logged handphone. The melting Chorabari glacier and the unrelenting deluge has swelled the waters further making my worst phobia of death by drowning come to fruition. With the mercury dipping by the minute, I can't feel my feet, my gloves are soaked, my lips are cold and blue. The frigid wind is a whipping force cutting scars on my face. I don't know for how long I've been stranded up here, but it's going to be nightfall soon with no relief in sight. Am I fated to perish in this manner...I'm fighting to keep my head above the waters... (Word count...

  There was excitement in the air as Nathan packed a few bags and we bundled inside the SUV for a road trip to the mountains. Last week, after a visit to the vet, he had been terribly upset, burying his face in my furry neck, crying uncontrollably.  I just simply know… I haven't been myself for a long time now. The spunk, the stamina has been deteriorating. Marco, my best buddy has been frequently visiting me in my dreams too. **** It's been a few days since our stay here, sometimes camping out under the stars. While Nathan reminisces the good old days, I can hear Marco whispering in the wind that floats. I can see him in the clouds against sunset skies. Sitting on a ledge, visions of Marco and I as young police dogs revisit me. My ‘partner in crime’, there wasn't a failed mission on our records. Marco, loyal and patriotic earned his martyrdom when he shielded Nathan from gun fires. His body was torn but my spirit was damaged never to recover. Although I'll be sad to le...

The mists rolled, blurring the peaks yonder until they were only a faded outline on the dusking horizon.  The crisp autumn breeze rustled the leaves of the Sycamore and Birch trees, lulling me to sleep. I woke up with a start under twilight skies. The full moon was in all her glory bathing the woods in an ethereal silver shine. Fully alert, I listened hard to what seemed like muffled sounds of distress. Up on my feet in a jiffy, I raced along with lightning speed in the direction of the unusual sounds which weren't heard in these serene woods for ages. There he was, with a menacing look, pinning a hapless young girl on the ground, choking her to death. It was clearly a losing battle with her strength failing her. His eyes widened and he let go of her as he heard my sinister growls. My eyes glowed like embers in the darkness.  On this night, I was sinewy and thrice my normal size, with jaws that could rip pounds of human flesh with one crunch.  He met his end in this manne...

                          RED SHOES  I still remember the happiest days of my life when Rivka all of five years was delighted beyond measure to take me home as her birthday gift. A pair of red leather shoes which she always wanted. She held me tenderly, close to her lil heart which spoke volumes. Rivka wore me to the park, playgrounds and picnics. **** Out of nowhere came that ill fated day, when I could hear horrendous screams and crowds of panic-stricken people were crammed into a truck. Rivka was howling and clinging to her mother. We arrived at a hellish place where I was brutally ripped off Rivka’s feet and thrown onto a pile of other shoes.  Rivka and the others were shoved into a windowless room and locked in. The chimneys of surrounding buildings belched out putrid smoke. I never saw her again. **** Years later, staring at the pristine room and men working in a calm manner made me relax in the cool confin...

This is a poetry of 16 lines and 180 words without the alphabet 'E' in any word. On an unfamiliar turf in a hot air balloon  I was sailing through a cyan sky chasing a faint moon  Oh look! Swans of ivory-gray, hoards of mallards and flocks of swallows happily migrating ! A madrigal strain from an ocarina of a wood nymph is so poignant and haunting  Honking and cackling, a farrago of cacophony Sounds of fauna in an utopian harmony… Crisp air floats down from mountains and hillocks   Fragrant whiffs from jacarandas and magnolias rising amid a patch of shamrocks A gust of wind jolts my hot air balloon a notch sky-high From land and country so far away…sigh!  Glinting with sun rays, bubbling brooks twin with a sinuous cord strung with cabochon  Rippling and gushing in woods and in plains, a braiding vista of blooms orchids and lilacs is a paragon Rocky crowns of snowy mountains loom gargantuan and tall Against an apricot awning, a dusking sun throws long...

This is a short story of 200 words without using the alphabet 'E' in any word : A wild wolf was baying again. Doomsday was not far away. Today, an angry God would throw a bolt of lightning and drown our world in a tumultuous flood.  But for our sins and brutal violations, mankind was stuck with this mishap.  A crowd of townsfolk stood around an altar, waiting for that final blow. A mass of livid clouds hung low. Brilliant zips of lightning struck rocky grounds missing us culprits by a hair.  I, a king, was at a loss for words. I could do nothing to stop bairns from bawling or my clan and stock from howling. My royalty was in vain. My crown could not bail out my kingdom. But wait! A wizard was in his profound crystal gazing. A solution was at hand, out of this augury—I had to abandon my mortal body! Cacophonous baying was now a roar, lusting for my blood, to put a stop to this fury. Drawing out my yataghan gallantly, I swung a sharp, distinct nick across my jugular! As I d...

They're all here today with morose looks and dear Betty holding my hand and sobbing uncontrollably. Veronica, stunned and speechless. Feeling overwhelmed, I beckon them closer.  "Jughead, my pal! I hope they have pizza with anchovy topping, for I'll always raise a toast to you from up there. You've brought Ruff along! I wouldn't be able to depart without seeing him for the last time. He completed us. Archie and Friends was held together through thick and thin by my favorite mutt, the one who could say his own name." Ruff whines painfully at this and licks my palms as tears stream down Jughead's cheeks. "Reggie, I always wanted to be the main character in a play and here I am on the school stage today, making a speech of a lifetime. I owe you, man, for pulling strings for shifting me from the ICU." Reggie's face is drawn and streaked with dried tears. "Mr. Weatherbee, I've finally made you proud of me. I don't regret my actions on...

                                                          SAMHAIN  The street was flanked on both sides by rows of houses and the lawns were decorated with scarecrows, jack-o'-lanterns and stacks of gourds.  Giggling children scurried past me in ghoulish costumes and scary masks.  I took confident strides towards a house on my left. In my Dracula getup, I was unrecognizable.  The family inside was holding a party and from the squeals, it seemed like some games were well underway.  The rooms were dimly lit. Tables were set for apple bobbing in the next room.  'She' was in a Halloween costume too but it was easy to spot her—a 'witch' playing host.   I tapped her on the shoulder and asked her to lead me to the washroom. Taking me to be one of her guests, we passed the apple bobbing table.  Her screams w...

                                        OUT OF THE WOODS  A getaway in the cabin in the woods was a good idea as we needed this break. It was a little after midnight when we sat up, alarmed at a loud clanging outside.  Byron looked out, but could see nothing. Another clang! Byron stepped out inspite of my repeated urging not to. Flicking on the table lamp yielded no results. Damn the power cut at the right time!  He returned in a bit and reassured me. "Just some woodland scavenger looking for food scraps. You know how the silence of the woods are at night. The slightest noise gets amplified". Relieved, I settled myself under the covers.  I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw a silhouette of a man against the windowpane. Panicking wildly, I grabbed Byron.  The tapping on the window made my blood run cold and I couldn't hold back a scream. The shadowed face...

                                                   NO MERCY  "I can't believe it's already July. It's been a long wait…" The clock was ticking to the appointed hour. Midnight was such a fascinating time. With her hood pulled up and arms crossed, Pippa leaned against the broad trunk of a tree. The 'Buck Moon' shone more than brightly this night. So fascinating and powerful. It was twenty past the agreed time. With an impatient glance at her watch, she kicked at a loose pebble in frustration. She was about to walk away when she heard a crunch of leaves beneath brisk footsteps. "Pippa…I'm here…Sorry, I'm late." Pippa appeared from behind the tree and took lazy strides towards him.  "Oh there you are!" He walked towards her excitedly. He would make this night memorable for her! Midway through his thought, he felt a sharp jab and a warm stickiness on his...

Prompt: A message from an unknown number leads to a shocking revelation! Write a story in 200 words in a chat format. ENTRY 1: SHAZAM!  Unknown: Shazam ! Jasmine: Ha! Look who's here! Remembered me after a lifetime… Unknown: This is a new number, Jaz. I was unable to attend your wedding. Heard you were back in town, so texted you.  Jasmine: Where were you all this while, Rachel? I had called you several times in these past few months Unknown: I was buried deep in work, Jaz. Shall we meet? I can't talk right now. Jasmine: Of course, tell me where. Unknown: Bring along your Jon and all our pals too. Let's all meet together. Jasmine: How exciting! Say when. Unknown: Tomorrow at noon. 'Cottage By The Lake, No.33'. Don't tell him just yet, let it be a surprise. Jasmine: Let his eyes pop out when he sees my stunning bestie.  Unknown: Let's have some fun too like the good old times and play treasure hunt. Bring  along a shovel.  Jasmine: That's my girl! Unknown...

                               DAINTY PINK DREAMS Spring comes like the long awaited pink dream  The sun-kissed air spilled with a perfume of woody almond and vanilla ice cream… Cherry blossom bouquets in vivid contrast to skies cerulean, The glow of champagne blush, serenading the cotton-candy clouds with their wistful paean! In the moonlight, they're incandescent pearls on a gnarled bough Lustre washed silver shimmer by a celestial artist through and through! It's the wedding of myriad blooms of tints lilac, lavender, mauve and white Silken confetti showering the earth with multitude delight! Million hues of green knock on the doors of wintertide Ballads of birdsongs bid dulcet goodbyes to the snow queen  Fervently she casts aside her snowy duvet Stepping out on tiptoes from the rime spangled bassinet With promises of sweet summer rain and floral infused breeze Spring she becomes, buzzing alive...

                                                             COLD SWEAT  In this dark storeroom, the staccato gives me anxiety. I realize it's the thudding of my heart!  In this room where there are shapes in monochrome, the daylight could once bring brilliant fuchsia or deepest scarlet, but for now it could be a still from an old movie. The door doesn't budge. With darkness all around, the silhouettes are menacing, closing in!  Four walls…ceiling…floor. How long have I been screaming? My throat hurts...Water… I noticed how time is so much like water; that it can pass in slow motion, freeze, or zoom in the blink of an eye. The past few minutes had passed like a million frames per second. In this slow time-bubble my heart  explodes in my chest, my skin is clammy as I lean against a wall.  Outside this room...

BEYOND THE BOX TWO 2 TANGO TEAM # 25.  A collaborative writing with Mithila Peshwe. POV: Toby, the stalker – Mithila Peshwe Brandon Reid, the husband – Sangeetha Kamath  PROMPT: WRITE A STORY IN 800 WORDS IN TWO POV's ABOUT A VIDEO CLIP THAT GOES VIRAL.                                  FATAL ATTRACTION  BRANDON REID Darned nuisance! It wasn't enough that the media had a field day for weeks and months hounding me, trespassing my premises, now a loon is out to make life hell for me.  I was still reeling under the tragic death of my wife, Bianca while holidaying at a resort and this case, media attention was adding to my list of woes.   Bianca’s bird-brained craze of vlogging had gotten us into this mess. Her ‘last’ vlog not only captured the scenic backdrop but also her dying moments - thrashing about under...

Theme: Crossover of fictional characters. BTB Monthly Writing Contest                                    MERMAID AND I Goodness! Hovering outside my window was a smiling tall, dark, handsome man in an unusual attire. I was on the 22nd floor!  I was about to screech when he  said, "Sangeetha, I'm Aladdin. Hop on! We have no time to lose!" He was on his flying carpet.  "You're Ariel's sister! The sea-witch had erased your memory. You have to save Ariel. She's imprisoned in a tower for conspiring to kill the prince. My genie will give you three wishes." In a flash, we were flying through the night sky!  As we reached the tower, I peeked in through the window. Ariel was overjoyed to see me. I asked her to hop onto the flying carpet and told the genie to make us invisible to the guards. We plunged into the freezing ocean. I made my second wish to help me breathe underwater. We r...