ASHA (आशा: (Hindi name meaning “hope”).” Chapter 2

THE WAKE-UP CALL CHAPTER 2 The response shocked her. “You should have told me, I’m travelling so you’ll have to find a hotel then tell me where you settle so I can pick you up when I get back. You should not keep secrets from me Asha, this is embarrassing. Contact me tomorrow, so I’ll know where to find you.” Asha wept. Then she emailed … Continue reading ASHA (आशा: (Hindi name meaning “hope”).” Chapter 2

The Christmas Spirit – Chapter 3

Giving Intelligently Annabel was waiting anxiously at the door when Shawn arrived home. He checked the car carefully on arrival home but there’d been no incident with the car on inspection. Probably because he’d found their guard watching it when he emerged with the one in charge he thought. “Shawn you’re very late, the dinner has gone cold and children are ready for bed. Say … Continue reading The Christmas Spirit – Chapter 3

The Christmas Spirit – Chapter 2

The Spirit of Giving It was a month before Christmas and Shawn had been mulling over the doom and gloom served up on cable and free to air stations. He’d been particularly moved by videos of millions of people on the move around the world looking for freedom, safety and economic opportunity and was rather surprised that in his own country with it’s evidence of … Continue reading The Christmas Spirit – Chapter 2

GOPAL गोपाल – Chapter 1

(GOPAL. From the Sanskrit word go “cow” and pala “protector” and taken to mean “cowherd”.) Slaughter on the Ganges. Gopal sat on the banks of the river and watched as his herd fossicked among grassland and then carefully made their way down the slippery path to a shallow portion of the waterway to drink. He lived in the village of Deviganj and among his brothers … Continue reading GOPAL गोपाल – Chapter 1

Katie’s Wedding

Scene 4 – Wedding Plans The story in brief to date, see Chapters 1-3 for further background. Katie and Thomas were childhood friends whose parents were very close. Naomi and Ricky Renaldo and their next-door neighbours Stella and Calvin Campbell had been friends during those childhood years, but as work opportunities changed they drifted apart until one day Naomi discovered Thomas at the local mall … Continue reading Katie’s Wedding

Patsy’s Life Lesson – Chapter 1

Making Friends “Let’s get together and have some fun tonight!” Richard Vanderlan was the accepted leader of the troop of high school students and they’d gathered at their customary meeting place after school sports were over. It was their way to unwind after trying to absorb some heavy subjects during class time and a good workout during football practice and other school sports units to … Continue reading Patsy’s Life Lesson – Chapter 1

Night Terror – Chapter 3

Reality Check Young Pastor Reg Small sat in his office with his study books spread out in front of him. He’d taken the trouble to counsel with the youth who’d come to him as a group having checked out on rumours they’d heard in town and found Wes had been in touch with the town kids confirming events of that fatal night with Luella and … Continue reading Night Terror – Chapter 3

Night Terror – Chapter 2

  The Decision Wes sat sullenly in a corner as Jay and Sam stared at him shaking their heads in frustration. “I guess we’ll have to wait for the doctors report about Luella, doesn’t look good.” Sam was angry!” Jay shook his head and turned to his friend. “I don’t know what to say Sam. Our whole family is in depression over this. We don’t … Continue reading Night Terror – Chapter 2

Katie’s Wedding – Chapter 3

Scene 3 – Friendship Renewed Stella and Calvin Campbell had been excited to reconnect with Naomi Renaldo and had invited Naomi and Kate for Thanksgiving celebration. With Thomas there and other close relatives on the Campbell side of the family that would fill their large home to the brim. In between Stella had made a trip to see Thomas while her husband Cal was on … Continue reading Katie’s Wedding – Chapter 3

दत्तु (Datu)

The Paan Wallah prepared betel leaf with areca nut as Datu waited patiently. He never tired of watching the process as the stall holder worked his trade. The Paan Wallah held out his hand before handing over the final product and gave his red stained teeth grin. Datu reached into his money pouch and produced the usual payment while the vendor continued to hold out … Continue reading दत्तु (Datu)