Wishing Upon a Star!

           
      depositphotos

When I was a little girl, I remember being fascinated by the story of Pinocchio, the little wooden puppet who was naughty and yet so sweet. Geppetto, a carpenter, created him and looked upon him as a son. What I was petrified about was the bit where Pinocchio’s nose grew longer and longer every time he told a lie. I made sure that I stuck to the truth as far as possible, even though I had a tiny snub nose which could have done with some growing.

  That was the first time I heard the song ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ from the animated movie, Pinocchio, (1940) sung by Cliff Richards for Jiminy Cricket. The wonderful Julie Andrews also sang a version of it.

“When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.”

                                                   Jiminy Cricket - Fandom

That was when I understood the concept of wishing upon a star, of watching for a shooting star, to go out into the world and look for the magic inherent and make a wish with a fervent hope that it would come true.

There is a way to wish upon a star, according to various articles on the subject. One of them advocates that you should go and sit down comfortably under the stars, close your eyes and say, "Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight: I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight."

Do not tell anyone what you wished for because then, it may not come true. Finally, believe in your wish and think about it often. Positive affirmation, it is said, can make wishes come true.

The only time I did try to wish upon a star was when I was staying with my grandparents to do my 9^th and 10^th standard. My father had been posted to a tiny place which did not boast of any reputed schools. My grandfather, who had begun a school for boys, and was a renowned headmaster got me admission in one of the convent schools round the corner. He and my grandmother doted on me, and tried to give me everything I needed, including a bedroom which they painted a special shade of pink for me.

My grandfather was a holy terror as far as his students went. They had to follow strict timings, wake up early in the morning and study for three hours before they went to school. I had always been a late riser, and that was the one thing that I dreaded. Of course, I was also averse to the idea of leaving my parents and my little sisters. However, the move was necessary if I had to do well in my studies, and of course, in my Board examination.

Two weeks before I was to leave, I sat outside my house on the verandah, looking up at the starry sky. What could I do? I trained my eyes on the brightest star of all and stared at it till I felt quite dizzy. The stars seem to explode inside my head, and I closed my eyes, and thought about my wish. I was quite clear about what I wanted.

“Please, please, shining star, help me to find a way to be able to sleep in at my grandparents’ home. I do not want to wake up early!”

It might have seemed a silly little wish, but to me at that moment, when I was leaving home and those I loved, it suddenly seemed all-important. I knew I would be loved by my grandparents, but I loved my sleep as much.

The day came when I had to leave Mom and my sisters. Dad came along with me to Kerala to drop me off. I kept a stiff upper lip, trying not to bawl my eyes out. Once we reached our destination, I found everything ready for me – my room, my favourite food and snacks, and of course, my grandmother waiting to play my favourite game of Scrabble with me.

Dad stayed for a week. Two days before he was to leave, he had a discussion with his parents. I stood outside the room, and I could hear what he said clearly.

“Dad, Mom, she is going to be homesick for all of us. She loves being with you, of course. However, there is one thing that we, as her parents, would like to ask of you.”

I could hear my grandfather’s raspy voice say “Hmmm!” My grandmother asked softly, “What is it? We want her to be happy with us.”

“She loves her sleep. Please do not wake her up early in the mornings. That is what she has been worried about all these days.”

Another “Hmmmm!” and the matter was settled. My father came out of the room and winked at me. “All done, Deepush!” he said as he gave me a bear hug.

                                                                       Pinterest

I spent two wonderful years with my grandparents and was taken care of like a little princess.

Not once was I woken up by them before seven in the morning. I had my parents to thank for that! And of course, the wish I had made upon a bright star!

This post is part of #BlogchatterBlogHop

#BlogHop #Wishes #

Star #Happiness #grandparents #FatherDaughter

IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN READING AND WRITING...

 

A choice between reading and writing? Would that be a choice at all? No, siree, it would be more of a Hobson’s choice, a kind of a “my way or the highway”!

The most popular example of Hobson’s choice is “I’ll give you a choice; take it or leave it.”

Pinterest

 When I was just a little girl, (no, I am not singing ‘Que Sera Sera’ here!), I was surrounded by books of all sizes and shapes. My parents, my grandparents, every person I knew, and his neighbour, were voracious readers. You could not enter my home without being waylaid by a book. Of course, the tastes varied – my grandfather read the Bible, the Gita and literature in all its glory, my grandma was more into cookery books and pampered us by creating delicious pin wheel sandwiches. Dad and Mom were more into fiction, but they did share a love of the classics. So, from an early age, I was happy listening to interesting content from books from all the adults in the family.

When I started reading on my own, it was as if all the delights of the world had been thrown on my lap, and I could not wait to savour them all. The world of Enid Blyton, Agatha Christie and classics like Black Beauty, Heidi and Oliver Twist to the more complicated but the equally intriguing Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, Daphne Du Maurier, PG Wodehouse - my life seemed comfortably crowded with adventure, suspense and humour. Later, as I graduated to the senior classics, and encountered characters like Miss Havisham, Elizabeth Bennet, Jo March, Rip Van Winkle and my favourite of all, Edmond Dantes, all of whom played havoc with my imagination, my mind moved on to the exciting horizon of writing.

                                                                 Figment.com

I was ten when I wrote my first poem titled ‘The Blue Marble’. I wrote, not exactly because I wanted to attain literary acclaim, but because I wanted to impress my mother who seemed too impressed by far with the writings of a friend of mine. The girl would land up with her poems and, much to my chagrin, sit through the evening, drink tea, have dinner and then leave, very proud of herself. A fact which burnt a hole in my heart, a hole that was repaired only when I began to write!

So, I read, and I wrote, and the two were so intertwined that not a day went by when I did not do both. They were to me like my two eyes; I could not imagine being without one of them. They were the companions of my growing years, and today as I look back on the way I have lived my life so far, there have hardly been days when I have not read a book or written a few lines.

 After my tenth Boards, when I decided to take up Literature, there was a general hue-and-cry from my teachers who had predicted that I would take up Science, slog through my years in school and college and end up being a doctor, none of which had any place in my plans.

I wanted to be a writer. And continue to read! Period.

 Hence, if I had to choose between reading and writing, I wouldn’t, thank you very much.

 

Inspiring Quotes

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop.

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LIFE WITH A PINCH OF SALT BY ASFIYA RAHMAN

The yellow cover with its twin bottles of pepper and salt is one of the cheeriest images I have seen in a while and the message conveyed by the author, Asfiya Rahman, at the beginning is even more heart-warming.

“This collection of short stories and flash fiction is a small attempt to remind us that life is messy and adventurous and full of surprises.”

 A statement that impels one to dive headlong into the stories that follow! The eleven stories are filled with life, (pun intended), as they fill one with good cheer, along with a sense of anticipation.

The first story titled ‘Romantic Adventures’ brings a smile to one’s face as Nachiketa bungles a rendezvous with the attractive Ketaki, a tale told with good humour.

‘Bhai and NRI’ is imbued with dramatic irony and brings out the fascination of Indians with Bollywood.  

As one goes through the stories, the sense of anticipation increases, especially as the flash fiction tickles the imagination and ends with a twist particularly intriguing. For example, ‘The Muse’ hints at an unpleasant past, and ‘Devi’ ends with a twist that makes one ponder. ‘A Picture to Remember’ catches an elusive moment.

The Big Indian Wedding often has its hits and misses, as is reiterated in ‘Wedding Vows or Woes’. Asfiya Rahman’s creativity knows no bounds. ‘Death Lurks in Every Corner’ is wonderfully suspenseful and keeps the reader wondering till the end.

While I did enjoy the whole book, two stories interested me in particular – ‘Is it Kinder to Give or Receive?” which reminded me of the stories of O Henry, and ‘The Best Mistake of my Life’, which was magnificent in narrative and intent. I would be indulging in spoilers if I said any more.

It would be a pleasure to read more from Asfiya Rahman for she has the flair to make her stories sparkle. I end with her quote – “Life isn’t meant to be perfect, it’s meant to be lived.” Exactly my sentiments!

#BlogchatterEBook #BookReview #ShortStries #heartwarming #Life 

You can download this book by Asfiya Rahman from the link below:

file:///C:/Users/deept/OneDrive/Desktop/1654924692_AsfiyaLIFEWITHAPINCHOFSALT.pdf

LESSONS FROM NATURE – BY MEENALSONAL

“Our mother earth is a treasure trove of incredible things and selflessly pours its benefits for all of us. It beholds a plethora of lessons to impart. These precious learnings are the essence of life that keeps life growing and glowing.”

These words by the two authors encapsulate the learnings that follow in this slender, but meaningful, book. The cover image is pleasing, a human hand enfolding a palm leaf protectively.

Mother Nature takes one’s breath away with her beauty and splendour. As Autumn is ushered in, the season of new beginnings, representing maturity and ripeness, one is reminded of John Keats’ ‘Ode to Autumn’ which begins with “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”. The lesson of Autumn teaches us to be grounded and be ready to recreate ourselves. The idea of freshness is conveyed through four haiku poems that stress on the above lesson. The chapter ends with two thought-provoking questions that help one to self-introspect, a pattern that is followed across all the chapters.

Whether it is the Blissful Breeze that energises, restoring lost energy, or the calming influence of the Luminous Clouds that help one to mingle with others easily, or the Arduous Drought that teaches us how to value available resources and make use of them as required, nature is filled with valuable lessons if one has the eyes and the imagination to interpret them. Being calm in a crisis is the true test of a brave heart.

The authors seem to have studied these lessons, taking time to assimilate each of them. They refer to the Pacifying Eclipse, which they define in yet another apt haiku.

“A power nap of our mighty celestial bodies

Working round the clock

Time to replenish”

Who can deny the aroma of the Mesmerizing Flowers, lingering on even after they wilt, making them immortal? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one could spread fragrance in one’s life as well? Or be akin to the sturdy Juniper that helps one to stay content in life? Isn’t it a marvel to witness the Immense Horizon which reveals a wide view of sky and earth as though instructing one to broaden one’s outlook towards life?

Over centuries, lovers and poets have looked at the moon and waxed eloquent about its beauty.

“The moon puts on an elegant show, different every time in shape, colour and nuance.” Arthur Smith

The very same moon also whispers that situations in life change for the better or for the worse, but one situation will not stay on forever. The serenity of night contrasts with the frenetic activity of day, which is what prompted Wordsworth to say, “The world is too much with us.”

Thus, whether it is the stability of the Ocean, the radiance and passion of the Rainbow, or the peril of the Quagmire, there are always life lessons to be learnt. It is important to trust one’s instinct and follow the signals for a boundless life. The magic of the Universe plays a significant role in the lives of all humans.

The authors, who are also sisters, MeenalSonal, have done a brilliant job in interpreting the subtle lessons that Nature provides to humanity, as they provide a kaleidoscopic view inspiring one to look for goodness, balance and harmony everywhere.

 #BlogchatterEBook #BookReview #LessonsFromNature #LifeLessons #TreasureTrove

You can download the book by MeenaSonal from the link below:

https://www.theblogchatter.com/download/lessons-from-nature-concise-environmentopedia-goodies-by-meenalsonal-mathur

FREE REIN TO THOUGHTS BY AARTHI BHARATH

 The cover image is picturesque, the hills shrouded in mist evoking a feeling of warmth and anticipation. The foreword by Bharath Kandasamy gives the reader a hint of what lies ahead in the book titled ‘Free Rein to Thoughts’ by Aarthi Bharath.

“Want some quick bites to kindle your thoughts, delve deeper into some of the common social stigmas or gender stereotypes, or initiate some interesting coffee- table conversations with GenZers, who are our future Changemakers? You have already boarded the time capsule.”

With such an intriguing introduction, how can one not be all agog to delve into the book?

Aarthi Bharath has obviously spent much time, pondering over various aspects of life to compile a whole collection of quotes which reveal her insightful outlook and quest for knowledge. She talks of holistic well-being, on the one side, and the busting of myths on the other.

All the quotes are well displayed in boxes with apt backgrounds, simple homilies that are oft repeated, but the author has put them together in a way that is pleasurable to read and absorb. Simplicity is pleasing fare, easily digested.

“We are the sum total of our lived experiences (good, bad & in-between, how we process them and learn.” This quote sums up Aarthi Bharath’s philosophy of life, and these experiences are encapsulated in her book.

Celebrate the journey of life. Be appreciative and grateful for what you have. Be mindfully aware, take in the significance of goals, and inspire by being extraordinary and authentic. Be empowered through self-awareness and self-confidence. All these quotes bring a sense of well-being as one goes through them, creating a feeling of positivity.

However, the author does not stop there. She has words of caution for her readers as well. For example, she remarks that positivity is good. Yet, she goes on to say, “Toxic positivity keeps us in denial of accepting reality & working with facts.” Likewise, trust is good, but blind trust can be harmful to relationships and self.

Certain quotes stress on what is not to be done if one is to live a harmonious life. Do away with the need to belong, eschew bloated egos and procrastination. Do not judge and box in others around you. Choose to challenge inequality and meaningless rituals. Overcome the fear of judgement and unconscious bias.

The author also gives sound advice on how to bring children up. Two wonderful quotes in this respect aptly cover this topic.

A parent is only as old as their first child. They learn as child(ren) grow. Perfect parenting is a myth.”

 “Enabling safe spaces for children to experiment and learn from their mistakes, without inhibitions, ensures a future proofed adult in the making.” She sounds a warning when she asks parents not to stunt the growth of their children through over protectiveness or destroy the joy of learning and exploring through unrealistic expectations of perfect outcomes. A quote most required in the modern world!

Another laudable point made by the author is the significance of self-care in a world that has turned increasingly chaotic. Pausing for a moment and introspecting increase quality of life. Prioritising chaff from grain and discerning clutter from knowledge lead to wisdom. Happiness is paramount, and spending time with friends is the world’s best therapy. Besides, it costs peanuts!

Two snippets touched my heart, both for their simplicity and their genuineness.

‘The Small Things in Life – Extremely Precious’

‘Outside My Window - I see Hope’

There are quotes that deserve to be transferred in their entirety, because they make such perfect sense. For example:

Oil Lamp and Karthigai Deepam - “The warm steady glow from the wick of an oil/ghee lamp infuses so much comfort for a troubled mind.”

Spontaneous Moments – Simple pleasures of life are always found in those spontaneous moments that happen upon us, announced. Relish them before they disappear as suddenly as they appeared.”

Dreams come true – “No dream is too big to achieve, if we act diligently on them during our waking hours, with a clear and consistent plan.”

There are many more. The message is clear. Send out a message of love and care and the Universe will respond in the same manner. Be empowered through self. “An ounce of gratitude can make us happy & content for a long time.”

“I am like water, air – fluid and flowing

Going wherever life takes me in its journey

Scripting my own story & leaving behind a legacy.”

#BlogchatterEBook #BookReview #Quotes #LifeLessons #Meaningful

 You can download Aarthi Bharath's book from the link below:

https://www.theblogchatter.com/download/free-rein-to-thoughts-by-aarthi-prabhakaran

This post is part of #BlogchatterEBook Carnival.

 

 

 

Good Innings - The Extraordinary, Ordinary Life of Lily Tharoor by Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan

 

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“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.

Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.”

Maya Angelou

The above quote sets the tone for the narrative that is to follow. ‘Good Innings’ (Penguin) by Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, tells the intriguing journey of her mother, Lily Tharoor, moving beyond her persona as the spouse of the erudite Chandran Tharoor, or the mother of her three offspring, all talented in their own right.

As the author points out, “This book is neither a biography nor simply a self-help text with culled dictums for living… It is, instead, an individual reflection on moments.” Moments which hold together the saga of a strong matriarch, who was born to Karat Theyunni Menon and Jayashankini in the small town of Kollengode in Palakkad district, Kerala, on 2^nd December 1935. Lily, or Sulekha as she was named, was the first of nine children.

The prologue is by Lily’s son, Shashi Tharoor, where he speaks of her myriad talents, her determination and her desire for independence. He describes his life with her, the influence she had on him, “the steel beneath signs of her insecurity brought on by the ill-health of her husband” and the faith in herself that drove her on.

The young Lily bloomed in “an atmosphere of empowerment and affectionate care”,  unspoiled however, by material comforts, mainly due to her mother’s progressive outlook and her father's frugal nature, both of which helped her to think beyond herself. Her parents encouraged their children to stand up for themselves, be strong against bullies and firm against injustice, qualities that would help her make her way in the world with confidence. As a result, she developed a driven and restless spirit that urged her to move outside her comfort zone and make things happen.

What is unusual about this ‘extraordinary ordinary’ story is its style. There are thirteen chapters, each beginning with an inspiring quote, followed by a personal reflection, a literary device used by the author to speak, as it were, in her mother’s voice, as she waxes eloquent on her childhood memories with her siblings and cousins, her school days, her wedding, her new, exciting life in London with an understanding husband where she perfected her English by listening to radio programmes, and the significant moments in her life ahead along with her growing family. 

Every chapter then shifts to the third person narrative where she pieces together the mosaic of her mother’s life, putting together a script that fills in the gaps with precision, and in doing so, creates a warm pen picture of Lily Tharoor’s exciting and exacting life. It is with interest that her readers take in vignettes of Lily in London attending tea, seated at the same table as Lord Mountbatten, eating fish and chips wrapped in greasy newspaper, and being hostess to their numerous friends, despite the chilly weather and the onerous domestic work. This exposure “built the foundation for the self-reliance she would count on later in life.”

Their shift to Bombay saw a new side of Lily emerge, as she began to do voice-overs, dubbing for films and interviews for All India Radio, as she found a new focus in life. While her eldest offspring, Shashi, had already made an appearance, her two girls, Shobha and Smita, were born in Bombay. All three shared the limelight in various fields, were voracious readers and were remarkable in academic and co-curricular activities. The genes were certainly showing, and their parents, Chandran and Lily, spared no opportunity to hone their talents further.

In January 1969, their beautiful Bombay days came to an end as the family moved to Calcutta. “It was a wonderful, colourful life, and it was a life of opportunity and visibility.” The years flew by, the young ones began spreading their wings and began pursuing their own careers. It was then that Chandran and Lily moved back to Bombay for their second stint.

Lily was a firm believer of destiny and karma, and this perhaps was her strength during her greatest tribulations as well. She and Chandran now moved to New Delhi, travelling to America and the UK to visit their children and grandchildren. Their lives had slowed down, and it was Coimbatore they chose live in after retirement. Destiny had other plans and Chandran succumbed to a gentle cardiac arrest at the age of 63. Lily was only 57. Intrepid as ever, she moved on, taking her life into her own hands, putting her affairs in order, and soon created an independent life for herself where she turned into a chatty friend, guide and philosopher to her admiring neighbours.

The book ends with a chapter that is titled ‘Age is Only a Number’. Lily’s words reverberate in the ears of her children – nothing remains young except the spirit.

“And for her, that curious spirit remains undisturbed and perhaps stronger in the slowness of older age.”

The ‘Afterword’ is by Lily’s only granddaughter, Ragini Tharoor Srinivasan, the author’s daughter in which she stresses that ‘Good Innings’ is a biography, a work of creative nonfiction and a self-help book all in one. As the reader closes the book, she is left with a feeling of familiarity, an assurance that extraordinary, ordinary women do exist to leave their stamp on those whom they touch. And that Lily Tharoor’s stamp is particularly her own!

 

                                                      Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan

Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

MEMORIES OF MY FATHER BY JAYANTHI K. MANIKANDAN

The beautiful cover offers a hint of the contents within the book by Jayanthi K Manikandan titled ‘Memories of My Father’. The pink flowers and the calligraphy add a feeling of anticipation in the mind of the reader. The book consists of seven chapters over 45 pages.

Chapter 1 deals the childhood of the protagonist, Sri. N Kandaswamy, the third child amongst five siblings. Born in Viridhunagar, a small town in Tamil Nadu, he and the family shifted to Vellore after a few years.

Though the memories were hazy, the author was able to piece together the significant events in her father’s life. His relationship with his youngest sister, who was nine years younger, seemed to have played a vital part in their lives. He was a keen observer and strove to improve the lives of people around him. What is amazing is that he realised the importance of English in life and set out to master the language, as well as encourage his family members to do so.

After securing his Bachelor’s degree in Physics, he moved to Chennai, where he shifted streams and got his Masters in history.

The pen portrait that emerges of this erudite gentleman is impressive. Obviously, he was a person who knew exactly what he wanted in life, and his desire for perfection spurred him on to greater heights, be it in getting a bank job at SBI, or reading books that would hone his mind. A sociable person, he made friends easily, and turned into a role model for many.

Marriage with a beautiful lady brought more happiness to his life, and when his two daughters were born, the family’s cup of joy flowed over.

There is a special relationship between most fathers and daughters. The author considers her father the most important influence in her life. She offers no specific reasons, but writes, “It was just the way he walked, his wonderful voice and the way he carried himself which could melt anybody’s heart. He was a powerful orator and there was not a soul who did not feel mesmerized by his talk.”

The author lists out several memorable instances with her father which she cherishes immensely, which included appreciating delicious food and reading books that enhance the brain. He was proud of both his daughters, encouraging them to do well at every stage. Since his was a transferable job, they would move from place to place, and he would settle them in their new schools, teaching them to adjust to every new situation.

Jayanthi Manikandan’s adoration of her father comes out in every chapter of the book, and it is not difficult to see why. His far-sightedness, his protectiveness, his love for perfection and his amazing sense of humour set the standards for the whole household.  The book concludes with a short conclusion on the last days of this wonderful gentleman as his health deteriorated.

It was Dr Seuss who said, “Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” This poignant memoir reveals the value of both – precious moments and their memories.

#BlogchatterEBook #BookReview #Memories #relationships #Childhood #LifeLessons #PreciousMoments #memoir

 If you would like to download this book by Jayanthi K Manikandan, here is the link:

file:///C:/Users/deept/OneDrive/Desktop/Blogchatter%20Ebooks%202022/1654915332_JayanthiManikandanAppa.pdf

 

 

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE ON THE BEACH - #BLOGCHATTERBLOGHOP

                

                          Unsplash

The bottle bobbed up and down in a gentle motion as the waves pushed it towards the shore. The young girl watched it languidly, as she sat with her friend, making the most of a Saturday evening. The beach was crowded with people milling around – families enjoying the balmy sea breeze, children screaming as the waves licked their feet, lovers sitting holding hands, and the vendors shouting in raucous voices. “Peanuts!” “Ice cream!” “Soda!”

The girl’s eyes were still on the bottle. She had been brought up on fairy tales and romances, and she wondered if there would be a message nestling inside the green bottle. Her friend laughed when she heard this.

“You cannot be serious!” she quipped. “In real life, bottles are cast away by drunkards or litter bugs. Neither will have the inclination to write messages.”

The girl nodded, but her imagination continued to wander of its own volition. Would she do well in life? Would she find her true love? Would her dreams finally come true?

The bottle had reached the fringe and was now embedded in the moist sand. It shone, green and bright, almost like a beacon light, signalling to her.

She stood up with a lithe movement and made her way towards it, leaving shapely footprints on the sand. Her friend watched her, an amused smile lighting up her face.

The girl swooped down and picked up the bottle. She wiped away the sand that clung to it and peered inside. Within the brilliant green she could discern a tiny piece of paper right at the bottom. Heart pounding, she waved to her friend.

“A message! There is a message!”

In an instant, her friend stood up, as the girl hurried towards her.

“Look inside!” The little note intrigued her friend as well. What could it be?

They took turns at shaking the bottle vigorously. Finally, the note fell out, and they could make out something written on it in blue ink, ink that had thankfully not spread. The writing was clear, written in beautiful cursive, the curls embellishing the calligraphy. The girl’s heart pounded as she gazed at it, the words imprinting themselves on her mind.

“With love and yearning, this little note I write

I sit in my opulent home; all I need is a wife;

A partner I desire, a maiden just right,

Who can live with me in joy, and without any strife!”

At the bottom was another short message. “If you want to meet me, I will wait for you by the cove at twilight.”

The girl’s face lit up, and she smiled at her friend.

“Oh, this is so romantic! Maybe, this message is meant for me.”

The friend, who was made of sterner stuff, scoffed.

“Don’t be silly! You cannot depend on a message in a bottle that floats up from nowhere. You don’t even know the writer. This could be a joke.”

Her heart sank when she saw the excitement on the girl’s face. She was not even paying heed to her words. Starry-eyed, she was re-reading the note.

The man stood hidden in the shadow of a fishing boat, his gaze on the girl’s animated face. She was beautiful, just the kind of girl he was looking for. She was perfect.

He would come back at twilight for the rendezvous, he thought with a smile, as he caressed the sharp knife that was tucked away in his pocket.

 #Messageinabottle #Blogchatter #beach #seaside #suspense

This post is part of #BlogchatterBlogHop for the Prompt 1: Message in a Bottle on the Beach