Young Adult
Strings of a Dream
In a small town nestled between golden fields and winding rivers, lived a boy named Ayaan. While most children of his age were obsessed with cricket, video games, or chasing kites across the rooftops, Ayaan had a different obsession—an old sitar that sat gathering dust in his grandfather’s storeroom. The sitar had belonged to his grandfather, once a respected classical musician in Lahore, who had long since retired, his fingers now better suited for prayer beads than strings. Ayaan had stumbled upon the instrument one summer afternoon while looking for a lost cricket ball. The moment he plucked one of its strings, something inside him stirred—an unfamiliar, magical vibration that made his heart race. “Dada, can I have this?” he had asked, clutching the sitar like it was treasure. His grandfather chuckled. “That old thing? It's been silent for years. You can try, but it’s not easy. The sitar doesn’t sing for just anyone.” That only made Ayaan more determined. Every evening after school, while the other kids played outside, Ayaan sat cross-legged on the floor of the courtyard, the sitar on his lap, fingers fumbling over the strings. At first, the sounds were… catastrophic. It was less music and more like a family of angry cats expressing their feelings. His elder sister begged him to stop. His father suggested maybe he should try the tabla instead. Even the neighbor's parrot started mimicking his off-key notes. But Ayaan was undeterred. He watched YouTube videos on his father’s phone, scribbled notes on napkins, and once even fell asleep with the sitar beside him like a favorite stuffed toy. His grandfather, amused by the boy’s persistence, began giving him small lessons—just five minutes at a time, but they made a world of difference. “You’re not playing the strings,” Dada would say, “You’re playing your heart. Feel it first, then play.” One day, their school announced a talent show. Ayaan signed up with quiet confidence, though everyone expected him to change his mind last minute. “A sitar? Seriously?” a classmate teased. “Why not just bring your grandpa to play for you?” But Ayaan had something to prove—not to them, but to himself. The night before the show, disaster struck. One of the strings snapped. Devastated, Ayaan ran to his grandfather in tears. “It’s ruined! I can’t play!” His grandfather smiled gently, replaced the string, and said, “Now it’s truly yours. Every sitar player breaks a string before something big. It’s tradition.”
By Dr Gabriel about a year ago in Fiction
When Tiger Met Lion at Lake
The Pact by the Lake The sun filtered gently through the towering trees, painting the forest in hues of gold and green. The air was thick with the scent of moss and blooming wildflowers, and somewhere nearby, a stream trickled its way into a still, glistening lake. At the water’s edge, two magnificent beasts crouched in silence— a Bengal tiger and an African lion.
By Mukhtiar Ahmadabout a year ago in Fiction
The Queen of His Heart: A Royal Love Story That Began in Disguise
In the golden lands of Vallabhgarh, where sun-kissed palaces met the scent of blooming jasmine, King Aarav ruled with a noble hand. Admired by his people, respected by his court, and envied by rival kings, Aarav had everything—except the one thing he craved most: a love not born of politics, but of poetry.
By Naeem Mridhaabout a year ago in Fiction
Whispers Beneath the Mango Trees
The First Light of Mango Grove In the gentle warmth of dawn, the first light of the sun crept across the horizon, spilling gold over the lush, dew-drenched fields. The scent of mango blossoms floated on the morning breeze, soft and sweet, stirring the peaceful landscape awake. It was the time when even the birds hesitated to chirp, reverent of the stillness that hovered over the land like a sacred prayer.
By Mukhtiar Ahmadabout a year ago in Fiction
A morning of misunderstanding
It was morning. A kind of orange sun came through the Thai glass of the balcony and made the room sparkle. Shan's room was already filled with orange bedsheets, curtains and carpets. As soon as he woke up, his mood was spoiled. He forgot to draw the curtains of the window last night—such a beautiful sleep was ruined
By Ishrat Jahan about a year ago in Fiction
The Mirror Doesn’t Lie
The Mirror Doesn’t Lie No one ever stayed in the Holloway House past midnight. The stories were old—handed down like warnings whispered through generations. They said there was a mirror on the second floor that didn’t reflect reality. It showed... possibilities. Or worse, replacements.
By FAIZAN AFRIDIabout a year ago in Fiction
A Test of Truth: A Short Story About Integrity
The Surprise That Changed Everything It was a misty Friday morning in Greenhill Town. The school bell had just rung, and class 7B at Oakridge School was buzzing with chatter and sleepy yawns. But something unusual was about to happen—something that would test more than just academic skills.
By Ahmad Malikabout a year ago in Fiction
Friend Zoned
“It all started with a thunderstorm and a pizza.” That’s how Ethan always told the story. It was freshman year at Columbia. Rain poured like a biblical flood, and the streets of Manhattan shimmered under flickering streetlamps. Ethan had just moved into his dorm and was soaking wet when he stumbled into the nearest pizza place. She was already there—Lena, with her oversized hood
By USAMA KHANabout a year ago in Fiction
Masturbation and Infertility
Masturbation is a topic often shrouded in myths, misconceptions, and taboos. One persistent claim is that it causes infertility—a fear that has lingered in cultural narratives for generations. But what does science actually say? Spoiler alert: the idea that masturbation leads to infertility is a myth with no credible evidence. Let’s dive into the facts, bust some myths, and explore why this topic deserves a clear, shame-free discussion.
By Doctor Strangeabout a year ago in Fiction
