Boats are safe on shore but they weren't built for that – I set my sail in the ocean of words
The Unwritten BestsellerA Short Story by Vasu GangapalliThe rain clung to the windowpanes of Mira Venkataraman’s study like stubborn fingerprints. Her phone wouldn’t stop buzzing.“Congratulations, Mira!” one message read.“Unbelievable plot twists in The Shadow Ink!” said another.“You’ve outdone yourself!”But Mira sat frozen at her mahogany desk, staring at the glowing Kindle ranking. #1 International Bestseller.She …
The Ghost in the CanvasA Short Story by Vasu Gangapalli The old clock struck eleven as Raghav signed in at the security desk of the city museum. Outside, rain tapped on the glass dome like impatient fingers. Inside, the world was quiet — except for the echo of his boots on marble. He adjusted his …
✍️ The Writer from the Antique ShopA Short Story by Vasu Gangapalli Rajesh sat alone in his antique shop, staring at the blank page of his writing pad. The pencil in his hand hovered uncertainly, while his mind churned with thoughts. Then — like a spark in the dark — an idea flickered. His pencil …
The Siren’s LighthouseA Short Story Vasu Gangapalli The storm howled like a beast unchained, waves smashing against the black cliffs. Lightning tore open the sky in white scars, revealing the lighthouse for a heartbeat at a time—tall, skeletal, and watching.Anna should have driven past, but she didn’t. She couldn’t.The sound had caught her.It wasn’t the …
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 …
Paper boats 