Boats are safe on shore but they weren't built for that – I set my sail in the ocean of words
The book he couldn't readA short story by Vasu Gangapalli Frank Willis’s bookstore was always quiet, almost reverent, as if every book whispered only to those who dared to listen. The scent of old pages, ink, and wood polish lingered in the air. For Frank, it was more than a store—it was a sanctuary. But …
The Crimson ChoiceA Short Story by Vasu GangapalliThe rain had just stopped when Aria closed the last page of her vampire novel. Her fingers lingered on the cover as if it might come alive. She wasn’t just a fan—she was obsessed.“Another sleepless night with your bloodsuckers?” laughed Ethan, her childhood friend, leaning against the doorway. …
The Night We Burned BrightA short story by Vasu GangapalliRain lashed against the city’s windows, blurring the neon lights into streaks of pink and blue. Mira Dev, twenty-three, her notebook always half-open, had spent weeks chasing rumors of a “phantom man” sighted only after midnight. She didn’t expect her story to become personal—or dangerous.---Mira adjusted …
The Silent PatientA Short Story by Vasu GangapalliThe ICU ward smelled faintly of antiseptic and loneliness. Maya, the head nurse, adjusted the IV drip for the new patient admitted just hours ago. His chart read:Name: RajanCondition: Severe injuries from a road accidentConsciousness: UnresponsiveHer fingers trembled as she placed the chart back. The name tugged at …
The Hypnotist’s ShadowA Short Story by Vasu GangapalliThe hall erupted in applause as Dr. Anirudh Verma closed his performance with a flourish.A dozen volunteers had walked on stage nervous and skeptical, yet walked off laughing, claiming they couldn’t remember their own names for a few minutes. The audience adored him.“Thank you, thank you,” Anirudh said, …
KEEP MOVING FORWARD A Short Story by Vasu Gangapalli The Present Varun sat outside the operation theater, his hands pressed against his face, his heart pounding with both fear and hope. The fluorescent light above flickered like in a horror movie. His mind drifted back to the conversation he had with his wife, Suchitra, a …
When It HappenedA Short Story by Vasu GangapalliPawan sat on a wooden bench outside the hospital ward, his face buried in his palms. The flickering tube light above him buzzed like something out of a horror film, its sharp shadows deepening the grief etched across his face.“Why are you so sad?” asked a soft, feminine …
When the Future callsA Short Story by Vasu Gangapalli The first time Arjun’s phone rang with his own number flashing on the screen, it was just past midnight.He stared at it, unsettled. Maybe a glitch? Spam? Still, something urged him to swipe.“Hello?” he said cautiously.There was a pause, then his own voice came through, low …
The Secret of Secrets (2025) – Dan Brown’s New Thriller Book Review:I didn’t expect to find myself reading Dan Brown’s latest novel, but when I learned that The Secret of Secrets was releasing, I couldn’t resist pre-ordering it. Like his previous works, this book immerses you in the fascinating world of Robert Langdon, and once …
I have often spoken about my writing inspirations—the great poets and authors who influenced me in my younger years. But I realize I missed acknowledging one of my greatest publishing inspirations: Anant Pai, fondly remembered as Uncle Pai of Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha. When I first began sending out my short stories, I faced …
Paper boats 