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Ten Thousand Tales

10000 Tales is a space for very short write-ups of upto 400 word length (called 'Shots') & Poems bel These write-ups can belong to any category and genre.

10000 Tales is a space for writing very short scripts of taste, wit & character. They can assume any style and form of writing that enables clear expression of ideas.

10000 Tales promotes brevity in writing and the work is visually enhanced through complimentary images.

10000 Tales is for all. Writers, Story-tellers, News Writers, Travel Writers, Food Bloggers and for anyone who wishes to recor

d life, its quirks and adventures. There are only two simple rules here: Keep it short (or rather a ‘shot’ or a poem) consisting of a maximum of 400 words and add a photo along. Brevity is sweet and a picture adds visual quality to your write-up.

21/04/2016

[Love]

Some people say that they love flowers, so they pluck them and put them in a vase. Then there is other people who love flowers, so they plant flower seeds in their garden.

Some people love birds so they put them into cages or hunt them down, others love birds so they set them free.

Some people want happiness, so they destroy other people's happiness. Then there is another set of people that want happiness so they spread happiness where ever they go.

Know the difference. Love does not steal, kill and destroy. Love protects, preserves and brings out the best in others.

Author: Zaresh Jeena

https://10000tales.com/2016/04/21/love/

18/04/2016

[Que Sera Sera]

If only I had the ability to oh so nonchalantly weave all my fears into a string of pretty words and do a Miss Doris Day of my worst fears. All while wearing an elegantly embellished ball gown from the 80’s and balancing a crystal glass of wine.

Oh no! Here I sit in my oversized pyjamas (permanently borrowed from my brother without his knowledge), contemplating taking a shower (because my bathroom is currently holding a symposium of lizards from hell) and wondering Que sera sera…? Oh s**t! I have no control over anything! I know nothing of what’s headed my way (besides the resident lizards ofcourse). I know one thing though, thanks to my good doctors, I have “Generalized Anxiety Disorder”. That’s all I can see, live, breathe…

It’s funny how when you are weak even a feather can break your back. For me it was the lizards that were my undoing. I have always been scared of them. But now I understand and literally live the phrase ‘scared to death’. Lizards are creepy and dirty and my fear of them is justified, atleast to myself. But I often feel if it weren’t the lizards it would have been something else.

Despite this knowledge, I find myself constantly scanning the walls, holding my p*e to delay going to the washroom, avoiding showers, not entering the kitchen for fear of a creepy crawly being sneaking up on me. But when the monthly visitor arrives I have no alternative but to face my biggest demons and enter the washroom.
Pest control – failed! Hiring a maid who is a ninja assassin of lizards – failed!! Sitting in one spot, thinking when will be the next sighting/attack – works, but fails me on all other fronts.

Because it’s all in my mind and only I can see it! Yes I am imagining it, but I am doing such a good job of it that it seems real! This fear is a real thing that lives inside me and grows bigger and stronger everyday. You don’t see it because you are not me. You don’t live with it because you are not me. It almost makes me angry and it is this anger that this fear of mine thrives on.

I’m so used to being scared and anxious that it has become me. From a part time wuss I have now officially grown into a full time wuss. It came very naturally to me. Almost like it was meant to be!

Que sera sera… whatever will be will be… My demons are only mine to see…Que sera sera…

By: Anonymous

https://10000tales.com/2016/04/18/que-sera-sera/

03/04/2016

[The Time-taken Processes of Growth]

What is the difference between a s***m and a seed,
both planted on fertile land,
that nourishes and protects the tiny life
until it’s ready for the world,
a world with light and darkness
and changing seasons.

The seedling comes out, tiny & fragile
vulnerable to the environment around it.
Proper care, nourishment and pruning
ensures its gradual development into a sturdy tree,
that can withstand the stormy seasons.

Every creature goes through a process of unlayering
Our tests initiates our shedding process
it measures our strength, polishes our metal,
but also qualifies us for the next level.
Each level comes with a set of lessons
that prepares us for tests to follow,
that grows harder by every passing round.
The higher we climb up the pyramid
lesser test-takers there are
And fewer partakers we find along in our journey.

Every storm is an unlayering process
of characters that do not befit survival
while strengthening those that ensures our journey
through cold winter nights and harsh summer days
deepening our foundations.

The world maybe a crucible for some,
but it bestows superhuman qualities
on those that come out successfully.

And then there are those who skip the tests
the drop outs of life
who never pay close attention to its lessons,
take the shortcuts, to beat life.
They are like the grass of the field
that sprouts overnight
and gets uprooted in the first wind.

The natural processes are same for all, always.
They are set in place with a purpose
to guide a slow gradual journey of a fragile seedling to a sturdy oak
each stage preparing for oncoming challenges
through many a lessons and corrections.

There's no bypassing the natural processes of growth.
The gestation period is always 9 months
and 21 years, to adulthood.
Cheat codes does not yield lasting results.
What sprouts overnight withers with the first storm,
because it never took root.
But the time taken natural processes of growth
ensures the final product is a strong, sturdy oak.
Its branches maybe shaken during strong winds,
it may shed a few leaves
but the tree will stand the storm.

By: SBA

http://10000tales.com/2016/04/03/the-time-taken-processes-of-growth/

02/04/2016

[Altruism - Part 1]

Shaurya Diwaan barged into the temple premises, without drawing attention and alarming the security. He was bleeding from the cuts on his back. Tired and helpless, he sat on the steps of the temple. His demeanor showed that he was trying to hide from someone. The high priest, of the renowned mainland temple in Nepal, noticed Shaurya. The priest approached him and gently inquired how he happened to be bleeding so much. In response Shaurya requested not to make noise and alarm people, he agreed to explain everything, but also requested for a shelter for a while.The monk first washed his wounds, gave him medicine and then sat beside him.

Shaurya’s story revolved around the well-known businessman Vikram Chauhan, whose trade was on herbal medicines. Chauhan’s pride and weakness was his son, Vijay. Shaurya was Vijay’s childhood friend and when they grew up, Shaurya joined Chauhan’s business. He soon became Chauhan’s right hand, a position that would have gone to Vijay had he put in the time and efforts Shaurya put into the business.

Chauhan's fame, power and amassing wealth earned him many competitors, and enemies. Vijay was not very keen on pursuing his father’s business but maintained a passion for horse riding. He spent much of his time practicing the sport at his farm.

During a practice session, Vijay was kidnapped from his farm. His father was duly contacted for ransom, which amounted to almost Chauhan’s entire worth. By the time Chauhan was ready with the cash, it was too late. The delay was met with a brutal response.

Vijay was murdered! As though this trauma was not quite enough, Shaurya found himself entangled in Vijay’s murder, he was falling into an ever-widening pit of false charges. All the evidence collected by the police from the victim’s body pointed at Shaurya. It was a well-planned set up. Heart broken and out to avenge his son’s death, Chauhan began his hunt for Shaurya. Realising his only way out of this vicious predicament was to find the truth, Shaurya through various sources gathered evidence that proved that it was a well calculated and planned move by Chauhan's arch business rival. They had aimed at Chauhan’s soft spot, a move that would guarantee Chauhan’s fall while ensuring his business was left with no successors.

He managed to collect evidence that proved his innocence. However, never got the chance to hand over the evidence to the police or his boss.

(Continued...)

Author: Jason Chacko

http://10000tales.com/2016/04/03/altruism-part-1/

02/04/2016

[Altruism - Part 2]

Shaurya was on constant run from his boss’s men. When they caught him, they were merciless, they left him half alive. Shaurya considered the life left in him another chance to prove his innocence.

After listening to Shaurya, the wise monk handed out his beads ‘Pray to God who has kept you alive till now, for He shall save you from the evil ones and He shall show you the path’. Saying so, the monk provided a shelter for him and told him to rest his wounded body.

When Shaurya woke up the next day after a deep sleep for twenty hours, he could not find his envelope which contained the evidence anywhere. He got out of the room searching for the priest in the temple premises. He found the monk doing his morning meditation, sitting calmly and at great peace. Shaurya was enraged and enquired about his envelope. The monk replied that he and his advocate friend had personally gone to the Police and had handed over the evidence. From the address written on the envelope, the priest also contacted Chauhan and informed him about everything surrounding his sons’ death. The monk told Shaurya not to fear anymore as his boss is now aware of the real state of things.

Shaurya was deeply grateful to the monk for what he has done, but he was also anxious about what would follow. Once Shaurya’s wounds had started to heal, he took the monks’ blessings and stepped out of the temple. He felt a free man and had the sudden urge to meet his friends. He found out from his friends that the police had arrested Vijay’s murderers using the evidence handed over by the monk. And before Chauhan could get his hands on his son’s killers, they were put behind bars and later sentenced for life imprisonment.

Chauhan had once tried to kill Shaurya but he did not harbor anger against his old boss. Full of condolence for his late friend’s father, Shaurya met Chauhan once again.

(Continued...)

Author: Jason Chacko

http://10000tales.com/2016/04/03/altruism-part-2/

02/04/2016

[Altruism - Part 3]

Chauhan apologized for his actions. Shaurya told him that he has nothing against him but also noticed that the father was totally heartbroken at his loss.

Chauhan requested Shaurya’s help to put his properties and assets for auction. Shaurya asked his boss to re-think this decision but Chauhan responded saying everything he had built up was for his son, now that he is no more, the purpose is lost. He then demanded for arrangements to be made for the auction.

Shaurya followed his boss’s orders and got everything ready. Many business giants turned up for the auction. Chauhan took the stage and talked about his son and his love for him. He then said, ‘The purpose of all this is well known to everyone. And so, I don’t think there’s a need to talk about it further. I am willing to sell my whole business and property but upon one condition. My son had a farm where he did horse riding and now his body has been cremated on the same land, just as he had wished. That farm was dear to him and it is to me as well. My only condition is this, whoever gets hold of my business and property, that person will acquire the farm. This land cannot be sold to anyone, nothing should be constructed on it and should continue to be maintained as a farmland, just as before’.

The condition put by Chauhan surprised everyone present. Some thought he has gone mad because of his son’s loss. Some felt it hopeless sitting over there anymore, so they got up and left the hall. The big shots who had come from afar felt disrespected, got furious and left the hall. From among the participants, no one accepted his terms.

Among those who attended, only one understood the father’s feelings, and he couldn’t forget his friend. Shaurya Diwaan didn’t wish for the property but wished to keep his friends memory alive. He went to Chauhan and said ‘Sir, I’m not rich like the others but if you agree, I would like to keep my friends memories with me’.
Hearing this Chauhan replied, ‘I am sure somewhere in Heaven, he is listening to all this and he would be glad to let you have it'.

Author: Jason Chacko

http://10000tales.com/2016/04/03/altruism-part-3/

02/04/2016

[The Smell of Green]

Syrupy eucalyptus oil. It sat sulking in a tiny glass bottle marked by a label with Mandarin script.It had traveled all the way from China to the wooden table in the old house, thronged by other ointments, phone books and Quality Street tins with sewing tools. It was a stark green. Like the mouth-watering thought of raw mangoes.

The potion found its release when it was rubbed onto grandmother’s aching knees. After she dozes off, it would drift out and wander around brutishly. So pungently stubborn, as if to say that this is how green smells like.

She had forgotten to cork it once. The gluey oil silently left, till it was nothing but a thin green scented line. That scent was now tainted with other things that had drifted in and taken refuge. There were choking fumes of the mosquito coil, the smell of the sweetmeats she stealthily ate, the odour of the musty wooden beams, the smell of voices which reached late and the thoughts which were shooed away among many others.When I found and sniffed what remained, it stung and watered my eyes.

Author: Anoodha Kunnath

http://10000tales.com/2016/04/02/the-smell-of-green/

29/03/2016

[The Eight Immortals]

The Chinese mythology speaks volumes about the Eight Immortals. The Immortals are considered to be a group of enlightened men or ‘Xian’ From ancient China to modern day China, the immortals have been the subject of many artistic creations, literature works ('The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea') but above all their most notable contribution is in the field of Martial Arts.

Many famous Chinese martial art styles use fighting techniques that are attributed to the characteristics of each immortal. Some styles under Drunken Boxing makes extensive use of the Eight Immortals’ archetypes for conditioning, meditation and combat training. An array of Jackie Chan movies such as Drunken Master, The Forbidden Kingdom, The Monkey King etc are developed from the same theme.

While most believe the Immortals to be mythical characters who symbolizes happiness and joy in various forms, some believe them to be humans who have attained enlightenment and pinnacle of positive living. The main aspect to note is that these characters have played a mammoth role in shaping the world of martial arts.

A wise man once said “Kung Fu is not fighting or defending, it simply means ‘supreme skill from hard work’” and if we can extract, learn & apply Kung Fu from the Eight Immortals, and understand the essence of their characters and use their teachings and techniques to reach greater heights, then the nature of their origin (mythical vs. factual) should not matter.

By: Rza Ali

http://10000tales.com/2016/03/29/the-eight-immortals/

26/03/2016

[Gifts of Grace: The Message of the Cross]

The Genesis shows Adam and Eve having very close relationship with God. God walked with them in the cool of the day. They were that close to Him. From there, sin separated mankind so far from the Holy God. A sinful man lost his relationship and the closeness he had with God. He could no longer have fellowship with God.

I was reading a very interesting passage from Exodus 19, few days ago. It details the first Pentecost where God appeared on Mount Sinai as fire. Moses was the only one permitted to come up the mount near the Lord. Aaron, the elders and all the people were not allowed inside the borders of the mount.

In Mathew 6, we find Jesus’ teaching on how to pray and to address God as your Daddy (your Heavenly Father), to show we can be that close to God. If once, we were separated by sin which kept us far away from God, now, through Jesus, we have been sanctified to approach God as confident as a child could approach his Dad. Jesus became sin, took our sins and made us righteous children of God.

This week is Holy week for Christians all over to remember the sacrifice of Jesus. We should remember during this time how we have been brought near to God while we were so far from Him and didn't even know it.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He left all His glory and lived as a mere human being. He became poor so that we might be made rich. By His stripes, we have been healed. He carried our sins, sorrows, sickness’, punishments and chastisements. He gave us His righteousness and made those who believe to be children of God.

Think about how different our lives would have been. Think about this Great Gift, though free, yet is so costly. Receive it, appreciate and use it. Walk in all the blessings He has given us through this great sacrifice.

Take time to reflect on these and give lots of thanks to our Heavenly Daddy.

Author: Manu Stephen

http://10000tales.com/2016/03/26/gifts-of-grace-the-message-of-the-cross/

23/03/2016

[Here & Hereafter]

I’m eternal but my days are finite
I’m here for a short while,
my time on earth was decided and tagged to me,
before my spirit & soul slipped into my body,
giving me life,
bringing an element of mortality to an immortal being.

My body comes programmed to live for a period,
allotted by my Creator
few days may be added or deducted,
due to my own choices or others’.

But my mortal body of finite days,
holds in it an immortal light, my spirit,
that which is part of me and the Creator, all at the same time.
The Creator thus exists within all its creations,
explaining the Omniscience and Omnipresence of God.

In our fragile shell we carry
an indestructible light,
which either joins the House of Lights
or the Pothole of Darkness,
depends on which roads we choose to travel.

As humans we can elevate ourselves
dissolve our human-self,
become self-less, and attain higher forms
and reach for Paradise.
Or we can demote us,
go on a journey of pursuing carnal desires
succumb to the primordial animal within us
and take the fall,
ensuring a permanent abode
in the jungle of snakes of similar kind.

Signs are everywhere,
a human being made up of three parts
is a clear depiction
of the nature of our existence,
and our location in space & time.

The essence of this world
is reflected in the very characteristics of a human body.
Both are temporal, superficial
and ultimately perishes.
The soul lies in-between, a reflection of Barzaq,
the connecting space between the mortal finite life and the infinite.
Infinite & eternal is the Spirit
and it belongs in eternity.

Intelligence powers the worldly journey
Wisdom lights the pathways beyond,
And guides us to our destination,
Where justice, righteousness and peace prevails,
Forever and ever more.

So, what is your destination?
Are you playing by the rules of a temporary world
Or, the timeless laws of eternity?
Because, the first clue to where you are headed lies here.

By: SBA

http://10000tales.com/2016/03/23/the-nature-of-things/

22/03/2016

[Ripples]

Dishonest action of one person travels through the lives of many changing destinies and roads traversed. Does he see how far and wide the impact of his actions, one human’s actions, can go and how many lives it can shake and push off course. No. He does not. Because he is short sighted.

He loves the pleasures today has to offer, he aims to make his universe colorful and adorn it with splendor, by leeching out and collapsing other universes around him. He has justified in his head that accumulating monetary wealth will buy him more prestige in the eyes of his neighbor, so he continues his worldly pursuits to feed a thin-walled pride that requires greater maintenance as the days go by, and a scruples that has permanently shut its eye towards his dishonest ways.

So short sighted is he, he doesn’t see his life is closely intertwined with his kinds’, when he causes harm to a fellow being and continues to travel on the same road, he has kickstarted the process of shutting down a portion of him that harbors lasting happiness, his soul. And then, after a long journey down the crooked pathways, he wonders why he is still not happy.

And he always thought he was smarter than the rest.

Author: SBA

http://10000tales.com/2016/03/22/ripples/

21/03/2016

[Signs left on the Sea Shores]

Things found on the sea shores are probably signs. Buckles, lockets, an oddly shaped pebble or even a bottle cap. Must be answers to questions everyone sends out to the vast waters. What if, once in a while, we pick up what is meant for someone else? Oblivious answer-pirates, making treasure maps with borrowed coordinates?

The waves end with a scuttle on the shore, like an army of frothy crabs. They cuff around my ankles as I ponder, taking a quick measurement and retreating. They play an unreciprocated game of tag. I wonder if they meet and talk about the people they touch. Do they leave opinions as sand, slowly crusting on my feet as they dry. Can I read them, like tea leaves, and know?

Author: Anoodha Kunnath

http://10000tales.com/2016/03/21/signs-left-on-the-sea-shores/

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