Young Adult
Hearts against the Storm
Two weeks later, the world had changed — or maybe we had changed enough to see it clearly. The headlines were still buzzing. Investigations were underway. Arrests had been made in the land fraud case tied to my uncle’s death. My father's political allies had started to disappear like shadows under sunlight.
By Mehmood Niazabout a year ago in Fiction
Hearts against the Storm
The SUV disappeared into the dust of the road before I could even take a step. I stood there frozen, the world spinning around me. Alya had been crying. Her eyes had locked with mine. She wanted me to stop him. To save her. But I was too slow.
By Mehmood Niazabout a year ago in Fiction
Punk Tactics
That night, everyone was in their own world. While Bob considered the new business venture, Louise was searching for a pair of party planners. She decided that like most modern teens, she would search online, scouring social media for any clue as to where they could be working for places they frequented. The search hadn’t gone so well, knowing much about those twins seemed like asking an impossible question. These twins are masters of staying under the radar, they were known for throwing wild parties, it makes sense and yet, they’ve managed to stay out of pictures, not even making it into the background of others’ posts. This search has been nothing but exhausting but mostly because Louise had spent the entire night stalking Tammy’s online accounts from her last year of high school. All the parties she’s weaseled her way in, all the obnoxious duck lips selfies, like, how outdated. Louise almost throws up just thinking about that. The generic teenage exposure felt like it was infecting her ever so slightly. A terrifying though, indeed. Gene sat in his room, sprawled across his bed with his trusted songbook in hand, going over past unfinished works and taking notes on new ideas. With the upcoming event he’s planning for, he found himself very self-conscious about his music, the lyrics, and whether he’s even good enough. Meanwhile Bob sits in the kitchen with Linda, he moans as he ponders all the unlikely scenarios of agreeing to franchise the restaurant.
By Dylan-Quinn Harrisabout a year ago in Fiction
Episode 14: The Meeting Beneath the Ash
They called it neutral ground, but there’s no such thing anymore. The city library had burned down in the third month—flames and screams and paperback confetti—but the basement was still standing. So that’s where we met. Between the cracked pillars and the sleeping mold, beneath a banner that used to say SUMMER READING IS LIT!
By Paper Lanternabout a year ago in Fiction
Missing Indore Couple's Family Demands CBI Probe: Mysterious Death in Shillong Turns Tragic Honeymoon into a Chilling Mystery
What began as a joyful celebration of a new chapter in life has turned into a nightmare for the families of Raja and Sonam Raghuwanshi, a young couple from Indore who went missing during their honeymoon in Shillong, Meghalaya. While Raja’s body was later discovered under suspicious circumstances, Sonam remains untraceable. The deeply distressed family is now demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, suspecting foul play in what was initially considered a tragic accident. A Honeymoon That Turned Into Horror Raja and Sonam, both in their twenties, had recently tied the knot and planned a honeymoon trip to the scenic hills of Shillong. Known for its serene beauty and romantic charm, the northeastern city has long been a popular destination for newlyweds. The couple left Indore full of hope and excitement, unaware that this journey would take a dark and irreversible turn. According to the timeline shared by family and police, Raja and Sonam went missing shortly after reaching Shillong. Their last known contact was a brief phone call made by Raja to his family, assuring them that all was well. After that, both phones went unreachable, and panic set in as attempts to reach them failed repeatedly. The Shocking Discovery After days of no contact, search efforts were launched by local authorities. Raja’s lifeless body was eventually found at the bottom of a deep gorge in a remote area near Shillong. The discovery sent shockwaves through his family and community back in Indore. What has made the situation even more alarming is the mystery surrounding the death. Initial reports hinted at an accidental fall, but several inconsistencies have led the family to believe there may be more to the story. The postmortem report, although not officially released, allegedly raised questions about whether the fall was accidental or staged. No conclusive details have been shared by the authorities, further fueling speculation and concern. Adding to the family's agony is the fact that Sonam is still missing. No trace of her has been found, and her whereabouts remain unknown despite a Special Investigation Team (SIT) being formed to handle the case. The couple had no known enemies, and there was no apparent motive for foul play, making the case all the more perplexing. A Cry for Justice In an emotional and symbolic move, Raja’s family has put up a large poster outside their residence in Indore, drawing public attention to the case. The poster features a picture of the couple and carries a chilling message written as though coming from the deceased: “The soul of Raja appeals to the Central and State Governments – I didn’t die, I was killed. Let the CBI investigate.” The words have resonated with many who are now joining the family in demanding a CBI investigation into the case. “We have lost our son, and now our daughter-in-law is missing. We deserve the truth,” said a family member during a local media interview. “This is not just a tragedy; it feels like a crime that is being hidden.” Public support has grown, with neighbors, friends, and local activists rallying behind the family. Some have started online petitions, while others have appealed to political leaders and higher authorities to step in and ensure a transparent investigation. The Role of the Authorities Currently, the case is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by local police in Shillong. However, the family has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and direction of the probe. They allege that critical evidence might be overlooked and fear a possible cover-up. With Sonam still missing and no arrests or leads reported, their frustration has only grown. So far, law enforcement agencies have remained tight-lipped about the details. “We are looking into all angles and working diligently,” an official was quoted as saying. But for the family, silence is not enough—they want answers, and they want them from the highest level of investigation. A Grieving Family, An Unsolved Mystery The tragedy has left the Raghuwanshi family shattered. What was meant to be the happiest time in their children’s lives has become a story of loss, uncertainty, and suspicion. While the body of Raja has returned home, the questions surrounding his death—and the eerie silence about Sonam—continue to haunt everyone involved. Until the mystery is resolved and justice is served, Raja’s haunting message on that poster will serve as a grim reminder that what may look like an accident can sometimes be something far more sinister.
By Israr khanabout a year ago in Fiction
The Riverside Road - Part One
“Mr. Li, this letter appears to be the last words written by your late son, Hudson. We found it in your room, and it appears to be addressed to you.” Detective Williams produced a folded envelope and handed it across to the man dressed in mourning clothes beside him.
By Matthew Yuabout a year ago in Fiction
"Our Last Hug Was the Real Goodbye". AI-Generated.
It wasn’t the message. It wasn’t the call. It wasn’t even the silence that came after. It was the hug. That final hug. The one where we held on just a second too long, as if we both already knew it would be the last.
By Muhammad Riazabout a year ago in Fiction
Episode 13: A Pet In The Garden
The first time they called her “it,” Marla said nothing. They were laughing, silver-mouthed and bright-eyed, lounging in the gardens of the fallen Capitol, dressed like gods from old paintings—if the gods had cheekbones sharp enough to slice bread and no shame about hunger. One of them—the girl with a voice like broken glass—tilted her head, smiled without warmth, and said, “Ant’s pet looks sad. Did he forget to feed it?”
By Paper Lanternabout a year ago in Fiction
