Literary Jewels: Classic Short Stories for the Ages

By Raja Sharma

In the vast sea of stories that you've undoubtedly immersed yourself in, there are certain narratives that remain etched in your memory, often shared with others over time. It is our fervent hope that the tales you encounter within these pages not only captivate your imagination but also ignite a beacon of knowledge that continues to illuminate our world.

Our stories aren't just exceptional; they are a class apart, featuring subjects that will instantly set them apart from anything you've encountered before. Each narrative you delve into will assure you of its distinctiveness, offering a fresh perspective that promises to leave an indelible mark.

Within these pages, you won't find content meant to be concealed or whispered secretly among the select few. Every story is an open book, brimming with valuable life lessons, just waiting to be embraced.

Raja Sharma, the author behind these words, pours his heart and soul into his craft. His stories are a testament to his unwavering dedication to the art of storytelling, unadorned and sincere. His words will not only impress but will also leave you yearning for more, eager to explore his literary repertoire.

With thirty years of teaching English literature to university students, Raja Sharma has now redirected his life's course towards weaving tales and crafting novels. If you find his stories as enthralling as we do, share the joy with your friends, and if possible, inspire the younger generation to embark on this remarkable literary journey.

Wishing you the very best, as you embark on a captivating voyage through the world of Raja Sharma's storytelling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raja Sharma
• Release date: Oct 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215276037

Raja Sharma

Raja Sharma is a retired college lecturer.He has taught English Literature to University students for more than two decades.His students are scattered all over the world, and it is noticeable that he is in contact with more than ninety thousand of his students.

Book preview

The Kite That Shook a Town (A Tragic Story)

In the heart of a bustling town, there lived a man named Majeed Khan. He was a dedicated laborer, toiling tirelessly under the scorching sun, each day bringing home meager earnings. Yet, the evenings held a different story for Majeed. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he would return home with provisions for his humble abode, ensuring that his family had enough to eat and smile about.

One particular evening, just like countless others, Majeed's sleep was serene. The previous day, he had received his week's wages and, with a glint of happiness in his eye, he brought home some special treats. This morning, he decided to gift himself a rare luxury - a day off from his back-breaking labor. His heart swelled with excitement at the thought of spending a full day with his family, cooking up a delightful feast that they could savor together.

Majeed shared his desire with his wife, and together they settled on a sumptuous dish - succulent goat meat to grace their table that day. Brimming with anticipation, Majeed decided to steal a few more minutes of rest, sending his son, Sultan, to the market to acquire the choicest cuts of meat. As he stretched out for a moment's reprieve, a tranquil slumber enveloped him once again.

Sultan, full of youthful enthusiasm, embarked on his mission to fetch the family's cherished meal. At the market, the air was electrified with activity. Most of the residents in this area were laborers, and payday had just arrived. The streets bustled with people buying various goods and treats.

Sultan, beaming with joy, purchased two kilograms of meat and began his journey back home. En route, he indulged in a two-rupee chaat, a small indulgence funded by his father. Life seemed perfect at that moment.

As he strolled home, Sultan noticed a majestic kite, its vibrant colors dancing in the sky, descending in a graceful arc. A group of exuberant boys pursued the kite with sticks and bamboo. Fate, it seemed, had other plans. The kite swooped lower and lower until it caught on the wall of a nearby temple.

Without a second thought, Sultan carefully placed the bag containing the precious meat on the temple's stairs and skillfully scaled the wall, claiming the kite as his own. The elation of capturing the kite filled him with exhilaration. He momentarily forgot the bag left behind on the temple stairs.

It was a heart-wrenching sight that met Sultan as he returned to collect the bag. Pundit ji, the temple priest, stood on the stairs, raising his voice in anguished protest while a growing crowd gathered around him. The priest pointed to the scattered pieces of meat, a sight that sent shockwaves through the devotees.

As anger surged, it was perceived that only members of other faiths could be responsible for such a sacrilege. They collectively concluded that the bag of meat was an affront, strategically placed there by individuals from another community. Feral dogs skirmished over the scattered morsels, heightening the tension.

Sultan, his heart heavy with dread, could no longer muster the courage to approach the scene. He knew that returning home empty-handed meant a certain punishment. Yet, remaining there seemed equally unbearable. He silently prayed that his actions had gone unnoticed. With his heart pounding, he turned away and dashed for home.

Unbeknownst to him, as the day progressed, a tragic sequence of events unfolded. A terrible riot erupted, claiming lives and causing extensive damage to shops and homes. The town descended into chaos, the flames of conflict spreading like wildfire, overshadowing the essence of a peaceful community.

Sultan had no inkling that his seemingly innocuous act would inadvertently trigger a catastrophic chain of events. The following day, the headlines of every newspaper would scream about the harrowing clash between two communities. In the midst of this turmoil, what could a humble soul like Sultan do?

Chapter 2

Tears from My Eyes

I had quite a reputation; they said I didn't drive a car, I flew it like an airplane.

My car was a speed demon, hitting a hundred miles per hour in just a matter of seconds.

People often thought I had ice in my veins, but the slightest stain or blemish on my car was enough to set me off.

It was a muggy July evening. The heat was oppressive, so I had parked my car and cranked the air conditioner to the max.

Sitting inside, I savored a delicious ice cream cone. My car's tinted windows ensured my privacy from prying eyes outside.

Then it happened. A slight tremor shook the car. I peered out to see a young man in his twenties, leaning against the trunk of my car, engrossed in a phone call.

It seemed like he was using my car as a convenient backdrop, perhaps to impress a girl during a video call. I was furious.

The ice cream I had been enjoying turned bitter, and the once-refreshing air felt like a scorching blast.

Without a second thought, I revved up the engine and sped away, leaving the boy behind.

I couldn't help but glance back in the rearview mirror, only to see the young man sprawled on the ground. Another car had whizzed past him, and he lay surrounded by scattered papers.

What hit me the hardest was his valiant effort to stand up. He had only one leg, and his crutch had fallen out of reach.

Realization dawned on me, and I hurriedly turned my car around, parking it near him.

I rushed out of the car and stammered, I'm so sorry! I made a terrible mistake. Where do you need to go? Let me give you a lift!

But he stopped me mid-apology, saying, "Uncle, it's okay. You can carry on with