I am taking part in a Photo a day challenge for June 2016.
The prompt for the 11th of June is, ‘Stairs’ and the above is my picture for the prompt.
Stairway to heaven?
My husband grew up and studied in Ooty, and has a special attatchment to that place.
Whenever we visit Ooty, we make it a point to visit the small but beautiful St Stephen’s Church, and the graveyard behind it. This picture was clicked there.
Since I haven’t been writing/blogging at all, and I REALLY want to I thought I would use the prompts to attempt to write short stories too.
Below is my story for the prompt,
Stairs
She sat up in bed and inhaled a last puff of her cigarette, before squishing it into the ashtray. Buttons and zips ensured her clothes covered her up again.
Running a brush through her hair she pocketed the slim stack of notes.
‘Won’t you check to see if the amount is all there?’ grinned the man from the bed.
‘Not with you. Never. I know I can count on you, Sirji’ she left the room with a wink and jaunty air kiss.
A 100 rupee note discreetly made it’s way into the doorman’s palm and another found it’s way into the pocket of the valet who drove her BMW to the hotel entrance.
As the luxury car purred its way forward on the empty streets she switched on her mobile. ‘Congratulations, Madam. The house in Goa is yours’, read the text message, making her smile.
Abandoned by parents who couldn’t afford to take care of another girl child, she was left at the police station by a stranger.
The Police admitted her to Children’s Home, deeming it to be the safest place for an orphan.
Little did they know.
The trust fund that ran the Home imagined they owned the children living there too, and the official who had innaugurated the home wanted to sample the wares as well.
As soon as she attained puberty, various ‘Uncles’ robbed her off her soul, year after year.
She protested, and was hit. She cried, and was laughed at.
Till she decided to use the people who had used her, as the Stairs to climb her way to the top.
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Lovely photograph. And I especially like the way you wove the story around the prompt/photo – may she continue to walk up the stairs 'chopping' off everyone who wrongs her 🙂
That picture is beautiful. A perfect peaceful place for a church. That story was a sad one. I would hope she finds happiness someday rather than just 'climbing up'.
Thanks for reading, Sid and Tulika
Sid, I like the connection you've pointed out. Thanks 🙂
Tulika, I hope so to…
The stairs remind of similar ones found in these quaint little temples on top of hillocks in south India. Stones chiseled into steps, with wild grass and weeds froing by the side, they had a magical charm.
what amazing storytelling..it was like a punch..hit harder than anyone'd imagine! lovely pic, and superb story!
Shubhangi @ The Little Princess
that's a touching story. One way or the other, she is climbing the stairs of life.
Destiny's Child
Loved the picture of those stairs. Looks like a peaceful place.
I like how you built a story around the given prompt. Hard-hitting.
Thank you for reading,
Me Otherwise: Yes, I do agree with you 🙂
Rajlakshmi: Yes:)
The Little Princess: You made my day!:)
Chicky Kadambari: Glad you enjoyed it 🙂