In "Whispers of a Drowning City," Anukriti, a determined young woman, navigates the oppressive atmosphere of a city submerged in relentless monsoon rains. As she heads to her coaching center, preparing for a crucial exam that could change her family's future, she notices the streets flooding more quickly than usual and senses a growing unease. Despite her own apprehensions and warnings from her friend Richa, Anukriti convinces herself to stay focused on her studies, hoping the storm will pass.
Memories of her parents weigh heavily on her mind-her father's sacrifices to pay for her education and her late mother's advice about the unpredictable nature of water. As the storm intensifies, the coaching center's basement grows darker, and a sense of dread fills the air. When Richa urges her to leave, Anukriti hesitates, but the reality of their situation becomes undeniable when she sees the streets outside have turned into raging rivers.
Before they can escape, a torrent of water bursts into the basement, overwhelming them in seconds. In her final moments, Anukriti thinks of her father, feeling regret for not fulfilling her dreams and his expectations. The story ends abruptly, emphasizing the unpredictable and devastating power of nature, leaving Anukriti's aspirations drowned along with the city she called home.
Elliot's partner was his whole world, but after Allan's death, his ghost haunts Elliot's dreams. Everyone tells Elliot to move on, but he isn't sure he can.
*****
It's been a year since the love of Elliot's life, Allan, passed away. Everyone thinks he should have recovered after that much time, but Allan still haunts Elliot every night. He struggles to maintain relationships with his family, and despite a coworkers interest he can't summon up the courage to date. Elliot is living for the past, because to live for the present means he'll have to live with a hole in his heart. But the question Elliot has to face chases him through his monotonous days: is mourning Allan with everything he has truly living?
[[word count: 40,000-50,000 words]]