Short Stories

Sky looks pretty

The sky looks pretty as the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the vast canvas. In a bustling city in India, the rhythmic hum of life echoes through the narrow streets. Amidst the chaotic symphony, there lived a young woman named Riya, navigating the labyrinth of dreams and challenges.

Riya's journey unfolded against the backdrop of the city's towering buildings, each one a testament to aspirations reaching new heights. As she stepped out onto her apartment balcony, her gaze fixed upon the horizon, she pondered the complexities of her own aspirations.

One evening, while navigating the crowded streets, Riya's path intersected with Rohan, a charismatic and empathetic soul. Their serendipitous encounter sparked a connection that transcended the ordinary. Amid the urban chaos, they found solace in each other's company.

Rohan: "The city can be overwhelming, right? But look at the sky. It's a reminder that there's something beyond all this hustle."

Riya: "It does look pretty, doesn't it? Sometimes, I feel lost in this maze."

As their friendship deepened, Riya confided in Rohan about the mounting pressures she faced—career expectations, societal norms, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Rohan, a beacon of support, encouraged Riya to pursue her passions and embrace her authentic self.

Rohan: "You don't have to conform to everyone's expectations. Your dreams are valid, Riya."

Their connection blossomed into a source of strength for Riya, providing her the courage to confront the challenges that lay ahead. However, as life often does, it threw unexpected twists into the narrative.

One day, a storm brewed in Riya's personal life. A series of setbacks left her feeling cornered and desolate. In the midst of this tempest, the support that once fortified her began to wane.

Riya (voice choked with emotion): "I don't know how much longer I can keep fighting against this current. Everything feels so heavy."

Rohan: "You're not alone, Riya. We'll weather this storm together. Look at the sky; it might be cloudy now, but the sun will break through."

Yet, the storm within Riya intensified. In the darkness that enveloped her world, she found it increasingly challenging to see the light. The weight of her struggles bore down on her, and an ominous silence settled between the once-lively dialogues.

One fateful night, as the city slept, Riya stood on the edge of her apartment building. The same skyline that once held the promise of endless possibilities now seemed like an abyss.

Rohan (frantically): "Riya, please talk to me. You don't have to face this alone."

Riya's tear-streaked face revealed the depth of her pain, and the echoes of despair drowned out the city's usual symphony.

Riya: "I can't bear it anymore, Rohan. I just want the pain to stop."

In the tragic silence that followed, Riya made a heartbreaking choice. The city, which had witnessed their shared laughter and dreams, now bore witness to an irreversible loss.

Days later, as the sun rose, casting its golden glow upon the city, Rohan stood on Riya's balcony, grappling with grief and disbelief.

Rohan (whispering): "The sky looks pretty, but it feels emptier without you, Riya."

In the aftermath of Riya's departure, the city continued its relentless rhythm. But for Rohan and those who loved Riya, the once vibrant skyline held a poignant reminder of a life extinguished too soon—an echo of conversations that would never be spoken again.