A Life-Changing Event

Sam is being playful while looking at himself in the mirror.

Mom passes by his room to find him in such a state.

Walks in with her hands on her hips and a frown on her face.
Sam looks at her and quickly turns towards his papers.

Taking a deep breath, she strokes her hand over his head and says gently, "You can be comical all you want tomorrow evening after your significant and compelling event."

Pats his shoulder as if trying to make him understand, " Ought to be serious, Sam. The Blue skies won't wait for you."

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In 99 words (no more, no less) include a story where “blue skies won’t wait for you.” 

Spotlight and Review of The Helpline by Uday Mane

The Blurb

Samir is suicidal. Rachael works for a suicide helpline. Fate connects them through a phone call. And so begins Samir’s story of love, longing, errors, regret and a girl who changed his life. As his story reaches its conclusion, Rachael will know the true reason behind his suicidal tendencies. But this suicide helpline is not any ordinary service. There is more to the mysterious and yet so convincing voice of Rachael. As this new mystery begins to unfold, Samir is going to discover three things: 

What is The Helpline? 

Who is Rachael? 

What is Samir’s own identity? 

Every year, several teenagers in India attempt suicide because of failing relationships, dwindling careers, parental pressure or the competitive world. This story is about one such teenager, his early problems and the hurdles to cope with them. This story is about finding hope in the struggle. This story is about fighting for what you believe in and discovering your true identity. This is not a story about falling in love. This is a story of rising from a failed love story.

My Review

The Helpline is a book that deals with many topics that touch all souls in this lifetime. 

Samir is one such individual who is undergoing a brawl within and is about to take a big plunge anytime cause he has seen it all at the tender age of 20 years. He is fighting the anger within and suppressing his desires while trying to please his family. During this bout, he meets some good friends who actually try to put some sensibility into his insane and restless mind. This keeps him hanging by a thread until time takes a toll, and he finally gets a grip on himself and avoids the thought of suicide. 

The Helpline is the author's first book, and I am impressed with the amount of issues he could touch in a persuasive manner without burdening the minds of the reader by the facts of life.

 Disabilities, Indian Parents, Society, Education, Love, Expectations and Career are some of the subtle topics that he could discuss well in his book.  As a reader, I was in unison with the facts laid out by the author.

His stories within this book were very moving emotionally. He could keep me in the grips of his novella. His flow was compatible until the end, which happened quite rapidly, and as a reader I had to pause and re-read to understand "The End", which no doubt is quite fascinating and riveting. There were quite a few editorial glitches, which the author/publisher should review.

The Helpline has a fine, gripping, and thought-provoking storyline, and I would recommend it to any reader who wants a powerful punch with regards to today's scenario, thus giving the tenacity to fight it!

Meet the Author

Uday Mane was born in Pune and raised in Mumbai. He works as a marketing professional during the day and a storyteller during the night. He is an avid reader, and loves to collect classic books. 

The Helpline is his debut novel that was launched in March 2014 at the hands of Padma Shri Paresh Rawal.

You can stalk him @

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAllegorist

Website: http://www.theallegorist.in/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Allegorist

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8119191.Uday_Mane

Amazon.in: http://www.amazon.in/The-Helpline-1-Uday-Mane/dp/9383562889?tag=googinremarketing6-21

Amazon.com : http://www.amazon.com/The-Helpline-Uday-Mane/dp/9383562889/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407656682&sr=8-1&keywords=the+helpline+uday+mane

Flipkart: http://www.flipkart.com/the-helpline/p/itmdut9chy7vkdnu?pid=9789383562886&otracker=from-search&srno=t_1&query=The+Helpline+Uday+Mane&ref=1d5bc58a-42a7-40e1-8538-a43fb5f3fc47

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Wordless Wednesday #53

Celebrated my friend's birthday in a restaurant where the host was quick to assemble something sweet along with a lit candle, thus making it a memorable moment while making the person whose birthday was celebrated, fold her hands in gratitude.

Aha! the effect of a candle!

It can tag any event to a celebration or signify peace.

Mantra for today: A candle not only eliminates darkness, but also is a sign of hope for a bright year ahead!

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Freedom from a body

Mohan was laying on his side with tears trickling down his cheeks, and he was quick to wipe from his spare wrist while the other one was occupied with the intravenous drip. 

His body was screeching in pain, and he wanted a way out from this disease whose malignant growth had penetrated in his bones thus making it unbearable. 

"It is just a matter of time" the docs said.


Family members were stroking his legs with the hope to give him some relief until he finally breathed his last, and got a well-deserved freedom from the diseased body.

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 In 99 words (no more, no less) let freedom ring in your story.
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United over one front

Sam woke up from the bellowing noise.

Curious what was happening, he turned on the radio to find out that the town is soon going to be under the siege of the hurricane Sandy.

Sweat trickled down his forehead, as he looked around his home. A home he had gingerly constructed after conserving every penny could turn into history.

He murmured to himself, "You have a choice to make, Sam" took in a deep breath and continued, "Either you transude with this construction or get another life, and build it all again."

Strong words, but he chose to run.

Run like many other individuals towards a building that was made just for this kind of day.

An architecture that could take in the whole township, yet allow them to see a peep of the outside world via a siphon.

A Pipe that could give them a huff of oxygen, sunlight, and a peep of a violent windstorm, while making the diverse crowd thankful as they gather under one roof united over one front.

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Above story written for Short Story Flash Fiction

Desires and Regrets!

The moment a baby is born, parents rejoice and make promises to each other to be there for this angel. 

Sure, all newbie parents have a pure heart and want to be there for their bambino. 

But most of the time, this little child spends his time in the day care, and his first moments are lost in the hustle bustle of the over populated child care centers.

However, the owners make sure to inform you of their milestone and are even courteous to picture it over which you would get teary eyed, and curse yourself for not being there.

However, the next day the same drama of kissing the toddler goodbye cause of a deadline at work.

Days have turned into months and years. Today your child is leaving for college, and as you stand there with a scarf to cover your grey hair, you ponder over all the years that went by, and you never really had the time to pause and connect with him besides celebrating his success's, milestones, and accomplishments.

Although your inner voice will try to justify by saying, "Who had the time? I had bills to pay and mouths to feed and deadlines to meet."

Your heart will smirk at your comment and remark, "Have you never heard of the proverb, "if there is a will; there is a way?"

That silents you're conscious, and as you hug him with moist eyes you just want to go back and rewind all those years, but Alas! Life does not work like this!!

Mantra for today: Life is way too short for regrets then why not live each day on your terms by being aware of your desires.

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FTSF is here, and the quote for today is: Life is way too short for
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Wordless Wednesday #52

On a muggy day, chances of wearing one's mood on one's wing is distinct even by avians.

Mood swings are not just applicable to humans.

All species experience it thus, making us all so unique!

Mantra for today: Embrace yourself for who you are! 

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