Those Broken Whispers Volume I

By Juju's Pearls

In the silence of unspoken thoughts, some truths linger, waiting for the courage of words to set them free, unlocking the power of unvoiced emotions.

In the silence of unspoken thoughts, some truths linger, waiting for the courage of words to set them free, unlocking the power of unvoiced emotions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Dec 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9789360496111

Book preview

Those

Broken Whispers

Volume I

Ukiyoto Publishing

All global publishing rights are held by

Ukiyoto Publishing

Published in 2023

Content Copyright © Ukiyoto

ISBN

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

Contents

Short Stories by Juju’s Pearls

Poems by Swetha Prakash

Short Story by Yogesh Gupta

Short Story by Saheb SK

Short Story by Abhijit Chakraborty

Short Story by Mahendra Arya

Short Story by Rajat Chandra Sarmah

Short Story by Dr. Sridevi Soundirarajan

Short Story by Pragati V More-Mengade

About the Authors

Short Stories by Juju’s Pearls

Short Story 1 - Love in another realm

I can do anything to exchange places with you!

Short Story 2 - Pre-marital counselling

Things I want to fix in marriage.

Ultra Short Stories 3 - Unbreak My Heart

Short Story 4 - Few things are best when left unsaid……

Prelude

There is a famous ancient saying: 'If you want to express your love or your feelings, convey them while the person is still alive. There is no point in regretting later or crying at the pyre or grave.'

Yet, the human heart holds numerous untold stories and broken whispers that remain hidden, never seeing the light of day. All these thoughts, stories, and whispers will be unveiled through real-life anecdotes. Every word is meant to resonate with you, in the hope that the reader finds new meanings and heals these broken whispers as they become mended whispers.

Short Story 1 - Love in another realm

I can do anything to exchange places with you!

T

hese words echoed persistently in Eema's mind: 'I would do anything to switch places with you.' Eema could never overcome her love for Meer, her college friend. They had shared the most enchanting years of their lives together, immersed in learning, reading, experiments, and countless shared meals. Those were the days of their early twenties, filled with dreams and hearts brimming with love. Unbeknownst to them, their friendship evolved into love, apparent to everyone around them but themselves. Meer found comfort and necessity in having Eema by his side, a fact even acknowledged by the professors when preparing duty rosters.

As the initial years unfolded, whispers and rumours of a deeper connection surrounded them. The two-week Christmas break marked an unsettling change. Returning to their respective hometowns, they were separated for the first time in two years. Eema, feeling restless, realized her emotions had transcended mere friendship. She patiently awaited the end of the break.

Meanwhile, Meer, feeling an unexplained discomfort and missing Eema, encountered Lucy, a cousin of his friend who was grappling with the recent loss of her parents. Meer, with pure intentions to offer solace, invited Lucy for lunch. Misunderstandings arose, leading to a hypothetical engagement arranged by Lucy's cousin. The pace of events escalated, leaving Meer feeling lost and longing for Eema.

When the college reopened, Meer's avoidance and a shocking revelation from Lucy shattered Eema. The distance between them grew, and Meer, expressing remorse through pleading glances, was caught in a situation he hadn't anticipated. Eema, heartbroken, decided to leave the college and the city after completing her studies.

Their last year in college became a silent ordeal, with unspoken love evident in their eyes, noticed by everyone around them. The once-beloved pair became a topic of discussion for subsequent batches. When Eema left, Meer followed suit the next day, leaving their tale of unspoken love lingering in the memories of those who knew them.

Fast forward six years, Eema returned to deliver a lecture at her parent college. Meer, informed by old friends, awaited her arrival. The reunion, filled with tears and unspoken emotions, provided a moment they had both longed for. However, the reality of their separate lives became evident when Eema received a call from her daughter.

As they reluctantly acknowledged the boundaries of their individual worlds, Eema and Meer felt a newfound closeness, contrary to their expectations. OvThey maintained occasional contact over the next ten years, sharing festival greetings and birthday wishes. Eventually, they decided to confront their past.

Meer revealed the challenges that led to his marriage, while Eema shared her decision to remain single, succumbing to societal pressures later in life. Their love for each other remained evident, with Meer keeping their memories safely tucked away in his heart. As they laughed and promised to stay in touch, Eema asked the poignant question: 'Did you really love me?' Meer's heartfelt response left the conversation hanging.

Years passed, and sporadic calls became infrequent text messages exchanged every six months. Two obituaries with the same date and time of death marked the end of their separate journeys. In death, they found the union denied by life. Below Eema's photo, a poignant sentence read, 'I would do anything to switch places with you, L!' (Lucy).

Short Story 2 - Pre-marital counselling

Things I want to fix in marriage.

T

his relationship tops the list in the accumulation of unspoken words, resulting in broken whispers.

Marriages are made in heaven and solemnized on Earth. If this adage holds true, then why do marriages sometimes sour, and why do many relationships turn ugly? Often perceived as the most pious, multi-faceted bond filled with emotions, marriage can become a challenging journey. Even if we believe we have no expectations from marriage, a simple word of praise or appreciation from our spouse can mean a lot. After more than two decades in my marital household, I take this opportunity to give voice to my suppressed whispers. Before these whispers break me, I choose to break them and liberate myself.

Can marriage be genuinely fixed?

A girl enters her in-laws' house, raised in a different environment with a mind of her own. Both parties need time for adjustments. The responsibility lies on the groom to brief her about family members, their habits, and potential triggers. Avoid comparing your wife with your mother or sisters. Acknowledge that you've been raised differently, and it doesn't make one party right and the other wrong. Limit leaving your wife alone with your mother for extended periods, which may breed negativity. Refrain from criticizing your wife to your parents, as it can create unnecessary tension in the marriage. Make your spouse a priority and allow time for adjustment.

As a rule of thumb, never express displeasure when your wife wants to visit her parents. Understand that she is transitioning from her childhood home to a new environment. Avoid praising someone else's spouse in front of your own, as it can lead to insecurity and disrupt harmony.

There are numerous aspects I wish I could fix in this phase of married life, such as comparisons with sisters, disrespect for items from my parents, and doubting the authenticity of jewellery. As I walk down memory lane, incidents keep resurfacing. The list is long and painful, involving temper tantrums, fights during meals, and questionable parenting choices.

As I reflect on these challenges with courage and wisdom, I acknowledge that my perception of right and wrong may have coloured my spouse as a tormentor. The final blow was the untimely demise of my mother, met with coldness and indifference. Here, I stress to the new generation entering matrimonial alliances that the belief that Marriage is an Institution is an eternal truth. It requires both partners to build it on a foundation of respect, love, and trust. If the foundation is robust, it can weather all storms of differences.

While the responsibility may seem to lie more on the groom, it's essential to remember