Contest runner up story – destiny
Akash’s diary
January 01, 2010
I woke up wishing I was dead. If dreams come true then why am I not an actor? I dream that I win awards, I’m a star and I’m married to the superstar Antariksha. And then I wake up.
My current job is so unglamorous, it’s ironical. I’m an accountant. Accounting has set rules; certain items can only be debited. If an amount meant to be debited is credited, the account won’t balance. But once everything balances, I can go home knowing that everything is in order. Except that everything isn’t in order. Instead of living a dream, I’m living a nightmare.
I tried really hard to become an actor, but gave up when dad got cancer. I had to for my “parents”. It’s hard to believe that we’re related; I don’t look like either of them and I certainly don’t think like them. They’re content with three meals a day. I want more.
Antariksha is getting married today to that “superstar” or superstar’s son rather; Abhinav. He doesn’t deserve her. He doesn’t deserve any of it. It’s my life he’s leading. I feel it in my gut.
Abhinav’s diary
January 01, 2010.
My life is over. I’m getting married. I hate Antariksha. The conniving little…got pregnant. If she was a nobody, I’d stay uncommitted. But she’s as big a celebrity as I am.
My fate was decided the day I was born. Rajdev’s son had to become an actor. I’m tired of lying. I lie about my love for Antariksha and about my love for acting. I have no in-born talent. Whenever dad stares at me, I know what he’s thinking. He can’t understand how his son could be such a terrible actor.
I prayed hard that the stupid DNA test would prove that Antariksha’s child isn’t mine. But it is. I woke up hoping that this was just a nightmare. But it isn’t. This is my life.
Dr. Nathwani’s diary
01 January, 2010.
Rajdev and Maya’s son is marrying Antariksha because she’s pregnant with his child. I conducted the DNA test. Then Rajdev asked me to match his DNA with Abhinav’s, too. When I questioned him, he said ‘I’ve always had my doubts’. I conducted the test; their DNA didn’t match. But Maya couldn’t have cheated on Rajdev. So I found the file containing information of children delivered in my clinic the day Abhinav was born. Abhinav was born before Rajdev and Maya had made it big and so was delivered in my tiny clinic. That day four children were delivered and only two were boys. The other boy was born to a middle class family. Luckily, they still had the same phone number. I called that child for a check-up. I lied about the Government making regular check-ups compulsory. He was suspicious but he came. I conducted a DNA test; his DNA matched Rajdev’s.
This Akash something, is the real son of India’s biggest celebrities, Rajdev and Maya. I didn’t tell anyone. It’s too late. I just asked God for forgiveness. I’m sorry for what this child has been deprived of due to my mistake. I wonder would have happened if he had led the life that rightfully belonged to him. I couldn’t help but wonder what it was like to lead a life that was not yours.
* * * * *
Anjali Kirpalani is a writer, poet and dreamer.
Click here to ready the winning story – Christina
Good job !
nice 1!!
Hi! your story has such an irony to it which is what I love the most. So true when you ended with the bit – what is it like to lead a life that is not yours? Freaky!
very nice
keep it up
Good Wishes
Amit Sadra
Great Story!
We can all relate to the irony set in the plot! And we’ve all questioned existence with- what if were arent living the life we were meant to? …but aren’t we already living the life we were “meant” to.
I loved your story… brilliant!
Very well thought and written….
keep it up..
Excellent story! Keep it up. Love the twist in the end. Goodluck! You deserve to win.
Good One!!!
I like the twist in the destiny that you have articulated in the story.
My Take: The life that you live is destiny not the one that you have been given!!!
Pradeep
Awsome n very nice
Regards
Ketan
Fab story !! Love the twist in the tale… can’t wait to read how the story moves on !!
your story proves that we don’t have free will
good story.
Good Job
I was going to watch a movie tonight, but this is far better.
Great Job…. almost makes me want to get my DNA checked.
Cheers.
Really enjoyed reading this story – it’s quite interesting to note how certain actions can change a person’s entire destiny and lifetime around, yet there are gut feelings that things are not the way they are supposed to be. Great Job!
Crisp, Clean and rivetting. I love how it all comes together with the doctor’s revelation- that was smart.
It’s hard to edit a story to a short story and yet explain so much in it….great job!!!
nice…keep up the good job. u deserve to win!!!
Whoaaa!!!
Nice story.
Really nice to see nice young writers nowadays.
Good luck.
Good Stuff
Interesting! Nice twist in the end! Good luck
Nicely written..kept me glued till the end..although i dont agree with the whole idea i liked the way it was written…
Wow, the Abhishek-Aishwarya saga finally makes sense
Good stuff Anj
the brutality of destiny .. a classic film plot .. am making room on my bookshelf for many more to come!
Very well written. Couldn’t wait to get to the end..and luckily it wasn’t too long- Excellent short story!
Accolades to the young vibrant writer…
Well done from London.
Heyy Anjjj this was very nostalgic, it takes you back to the times you questioaned yourself about ” Am I living the Life I deserve?”
Short, simple but very meaningful and a food for thought for all
Pursue your dreams, your creativity and out shine and make a meaningful living for yourself
Awesome work !!
Fantastic story! Really loved the flow from one part to the next! Great Job Anjali!
beautiful
such a stunning sense of pre-destination and longing in this story. simply engrossing. love the innovative narrative. looking forward to reading more from this writer.
This is a great read!
Heyyy
Short stories tend to be the toughest, think you did a great job with fitting in all the elements you needed for a good plot!
good luck!
x
This is a beautiful story. On the surface it reflects what goes on in the heads of most people ….”Grass is greener on the other side of the fence”, However, in this case there is a real twist & reason behind the emotions portrayed …WOW !!
Well done anju!!
so proud of you….keep it up!!
usthani…
Great concept which could make an incredible novel….well done and all the best !
Nice Story!:)
I especially liked the flow that you’ve maintained inspite of the format(diary entries) of the story.Keep writing!
This is beautiful. It depicts the nature of life…. unpredictable and ironical.
Nice read. Simple yet deep. Keep up the good work.
Great format! and very very entertaining! Could read an entire book in this format.
Super .. Good stuff.. Keep up the good work and keep writing so we can keep reading..:))
wonderful piece of work.
Do you have a blog?
Great story and a nice read !!!
Hey! Awesome!
Good luck
Hi Anjali,
you are very talented and this story is excellent! I hope you win!!
Cheers
Absolutely amazing, engrossing. Very well written. Well done.
anjie…
its a brilliant story…. 
i love it!!!
Wow! Awesome story Anjali. You keep writing and we’ll keep voting, because you really do deserve it!
Hey Anj,
I loved it! Especially the link that connects all…LIFE!
The end is perfect, makes us wonder whether “this life” is what we were meant to live for or even born for?
Way to go!
Best Luck
enjoyed it …very gripping …so smart my frnd …..
intriguing…..suspense…..in a short story…..great stuff.
rating 5 out of 5
You’re an excellent writer-wish you luck with this competition. You have my vote, for sure
Nicely written!
Fab story anjali!! Love the irony in it, we all can relate to it in someway or the other.its a twist on the age old questions ” is the grass really greener on the other side ..?” U deserve to win. You got talent babe.
Xx
well written…. good luck!!!!
Keep up the good writing !
Nice one Anju, enjoyed reading it. Well written and thought out, keep it up!
Loved the way you used different perspectives..such sad ironies of life, brought out nicely.
Good Luck!
Nice…very well written! You got my vote for sure.
That is a rad story, anjali, perfect metaphors like words playing ukilielie, “I woke up wishing I was dead”; that’s a good start, the way he folds up towards the end, that’s the best part.
superb! Liked it!
Loving your style! Go, Anjali!
Clicked on the 1st star instead of the last so voting again
Wickedd Anjali !!! keep up the good work
“My fate was decided the day I was born.” A philosophical concept we have all questioned and struggled with.
The statement is perfectly punctuated with “This is my life”
Great job on portraying the question of our existence.
Great Job !!!!
grt job anj
Very well written! Keep up the good work – good luck!
Anjali , Brilliant !! Get yourself a nice pen cause u r gonna do a lot of writing in the future !! Good luck and all the best xxx
good story
I wish all the very best of luck Anjali – the story was really well-written.
Good Job Anjali – I like the title of the story.
Very entertaining.
Hi! Awesome story!!
Anjali,
i have to say that i am very impressed with your writing skills. I always knew you were smart but this takes it to new levels. I cant wait till you are succesfful and have your own book. I want an autographed one!
Take care
Nicky
I loved it…!!
Great stuff!
loving it more after reading it the 2nd time
best of luck girl,
u deserve to win this
This story is so twisted and great!
Good stuff Anju!!
Very nice story and original concept. Well done Anjali!
great read!
insightful..
switched at birth, nothing like some good scandal!
Brilliantly written.
Thats very interesting! nice style!
Keep it up dear and share more stories soon
Each character’s pain is expressed so beautifully in your story. Despite it being such a short story, you have painted a vivid picture of so many characters.
Great Job Anjali…Keep it up…LOve what you write.
2ggoood
Loved it!Great work Anjili.
Nice Story. Excellent work.
Well written!
Good job Anjali…
Different – I still need to check out Bollywood movies- but the story was defintiely fascinating!
fun n fascinating!
too good
u rock anjali
Brilliant.
Makes me wonder….
Hey,
Great idea. Maybe you should think of developing it.
Great work when’s the next one common out?
very well put together !!! good luck !!!
good one….keep up the good work
Simple and good!
it is different,i love it
fab love it
GOOD ONE! LOL
Hi, i hope you win.
your story has quite a great edge to it!
Cheers!
Hey Anjali,
That was a great story. Really well thought out.
Cheers!
Sach
wonderful imagination and let us have more of your dreams
Very interesting. I like that you didn’t publish Antariksha’s perspective, and left it open for the readers if they care.
Damn.. i read it the second time, and was blown away by the twist again.
good work.. makes you think !
Good luck!
awesome!
congratulations.
Super!
The build-up is simple yet brilliant leading you delibrately on a false bolly trolley. I read on expecting routine and sympathy to be championed by customary romanticism. The sweet surprise was the not so sweet ending. Life happens! I dig:)
nice job
best of luck !
Hi, Anjali,
Jai Gurudev…
KEEP GOING GOOD JOB.
ALL THE VERY BEST and BRIGHT FUURE>>>>
TC.
very well written–love the style of the narrative
Immediate Reaction – Damn that Doctor !!
Awesome
Loved it .
ROCKING
2 GOOD
Hey Anjali..ur story is really catchy..wud luv to read more of ur stuff..keep goin !!
Cheers!!
Wonderfull Story
Hey…nice work…
fabulous job anjali!!!
good story..
Hi Anjali,
Simple & sweet. very well written, you have a great future.
Hope u win this contest. Good Luck!!!
Nice !..
Good luck…
great job anjii!!!! im sure ul win…hug:)))
neat stuff ..
interesting
just Awesome
great stuff anju keep it up I know you will become a great writer some day my dream for you
Love your mind and your dreams. You are on your way to the top of the world.
Great story Anju! Well done!
kahani mein twist …Good one!
Lovely, Anj! Good job!
Good story…Keep it up!! N hope that u win the contest!
wow! good job anju!
im proud of u my frend..keep up d good work
JUST HAD TO READ IT AGEN HUN! WOW STILL CANT BELIEVE U SO TALENTED:)
I WANNA VOTE FOR 5 STARS MAN!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant ..Well done my gorjis smart buddy
All is good!!!
Awesome….very intriguing & makes me wana say ‘why why?? tell the truth! let the destined ones get married’…but that’s the whole point of the short story! Great one there! Hope this one wins the contest; it deserves to!
Fab !! I love it
waah…..its really gud gud……..keep doing the gud workkkkk…….the story is do possible in reality……tc all the best…
Keep it up.
Hi Anjali!
Your story is very very good indeed!
I hope ‘Destiny’ is the winner of this contest!!
Superb keep it up !!
Fab story!! loved it!!
Anjali,
Wish you all the very best, your story is great and deserves to win for sure!
Excellent work Anjali! Seriously, the twist leaves you thinking how unfortunate that everyone is leading a life with unwanted choices
this is a sure winner, good luck!!
hey anjali… good story… keep it up!!! hope u win !! all the best !
I hope your story wins!!
Not bad!!
Goodluck Anju! Great Story!
Here we go AGAIN
Impressive and gets straight to the point. What a creative mind!
-A+
Quick and gripping. Well done!
The characters’ names are so fascinating – Indian I’m assuming? Nicely laid out plot.
I want more chapters to read!
What a fascinating concept! Makes one wonder about their own destiny!
Rivetting stuff!
Read it again; enjoyed it again! – Your biggest fan.
really liked ur story…
only one word.. awesome! God Bless you!
Destiny will be the winner.. Cheers
Way to go Anjali! your story is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!
Excellent job SIL!!!
nice story …..good effort !
It may or may not come as a surprise to you, but this has actually happened.
There was also a fictional TV film about it.
Don’t think I am accusing you of copying someone elses work, on the contrary, you see, “all the stories” that could have been written, have been written.
It is not what the story is about, it is how it is written.
You wrote about three totally different people and how their lives were connected, albeit loosely, through one simple mistake.
But that is maybe only part of the story?
You have a talent, I hope it flourishes.
From one author to another, best of luck.
William.
I hope u are destined to win this and many more contests in your life
God bless always
U are super talented
Love it love it love it…
i once again applaud the writer for a compelling write-up
Way to go chadds!
Love the story!
Brilliant story!
My dear Anju crack!
“im your biggest fan, I’ll follow you until you love me. Papa-paparazzi”
bravo bravo…….
when i read this i just thought
“Main kaun hoon”….lols..
Hi sweets,
Gr8 job. Gr8 talent. Love the end n the last line esp.
All the best. Hope u win…:)
Go Anjali!
This is an amazing story and I hope you win!
Dearest writer!!!,
This is such a beautiful story!!!!!!!!!!! i’ve read this story over 7 times now and too much is still not enough!!!….. this competition makes writing so “real” !!! i wanna keep voting can i do this more than once??
Me!!
Great job .. well done
brilliant story !!! u have written it so nicely i love the twist in the end. keep it up , god bless u.
What a talented writer! this story should really be developed further. Brilliant!
A pleasure to read
GOOD GOING ANJ ….. ALL THE BEST … HOPE U WIN
Nice story especially the twist in the end.
Keep it up !! I am sure you will win
Cheers
I still like your story
I like………that level of thinking……………
Anjali,
Great skills – you have somehow managed to simplify the meaning of the word “Destiny” which even greats have not managed to understand !!
very good, keep it up, and write daily some thing new.
LOVe it anju!so good..do a mini-series..
nice story….great work..keep it up girl!!
Nice story…very well written…..love d last line:)
Nicely written Ms Anjali! The ‘Circle of Life’ indeed and you’ve put in a pretty succinct manner. All the best for the competition.
heyy good luck!
hope u win and give a party
Good job Anjali, I love how simply it is written. – V
Hey, this is Mita- I wish you the best of luck dear! Good story!
Amazingly well-written. great attention to grammar – short and crisp sentences make it easy to read and understand.
You are my hero!
Great going!
Wishing you all the best to win.
You deserve it!
Mayuri
Hey,
Great work !!!
Good going !!
Hey All the best girl….im sure ull win!!
Brilliant story….
good one loved it
Amazingly expressed!
All the best
Good stuff! keep it up!
I enjoyed the “synchronicity” of it all (apologies to The Police. Good luck!
I wish you win- it’s a great story and it deserves to win!
Masterpiece….she promised to let me father her children if I said that so that we can be a story of our own!!! Xxxx
Best wishes , I know u will win!!
Good luck Anjali! Your story is very interesting and speaks volumes of your talent
Loved it! Awesome girl!
Goood luck! Your story is really good
Hello Anjali,
Came across your story today, and must say I’m impressed with your talent. Would love to read some more
All the best for this contest!
Really Nice! Enjoyed it!
Gr8
Well Done. Loved it
loved it
interesting story….seems like the beginning of a good script for a movie/serial. would have enjoyed more if had more ‘meat’…don’t know whether it is the word limit that has bound you. but a fantastic attempt. keep going
very good, i loved the concept of mulitple diaries with the various viewpoints, not to mention the twist at the end.
Definitely worth expanding!
Well done!!!
Hoping u win!
Mayuri
very very interesting!
well connected . all the very best
Thank you for all the wonderful comments everyone! Definitely going to keep writing more
@ Sushma: You’re right; the original story I wrote was much longer and meatier! The word limit in this contest was 500 words, though so had to stick to that…
hey…jz hppn 2 read ur story.i would say it’s simple yet complicated…=)
Hi Harmeet, I just happened to read your comment now! Thanks-I guess it is simply complicated
Wow! Very nice story. I love it a lot.
nice story i really like it
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