Shweta's Basket

The first poem is titled ‘This Means War’ and I can relate to it wholeheartedly. It happens to me all the time. I have suffered enough at their …

Your loyalty towards the royal family and your motherland or your your dharma as a mother, which would you choose? The legendary story of Panna Dhai …

Here’s a poem about finding ourselves and being comfortable in our own skin. This also happens to be the poem that got me a runners up position for an online event called A Rhythmic Affair S3. It is organised by Beyond …

This story is a satire on the social evil of begetting an heir. What happens to a young girl who is not above to give a child to the family and how they are exploited by the so called 'Gurus'.

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What better way to start the new season is by invoking the blessings of the divine and by being unafraid… of getting back on the podcasting horse again... and hence the 2 poems for this first episode. They are part of a …

Losing someone we love is painful, so is it wrong to hold on to them?

Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/dusky-isnt-deserving-short-story/

Should our fate be defined by our color, or for that matter any physical attribute? Find out how the protagonist of this story rises above the …

Once she was opaque and cast a shadow and she was happy with who she was. But slowly she was gone. Why? How?

Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/gone-forever/

Email id - shweta@shwetasbasket.com

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I feel he is real, the protagonist of my story. Perhaps he had whispered stories in my ears when I was an infant. Perhaps that I why I love narrating them. Do you feel the same way? Listen to this story and then tell …

This poem is a result of my inner conflict. Should the age-old dictums be passed on to our daughters as it is or is it time to make a few changes to …

An awesome satire about life and the struggles, superstitions, and political corruption in villages, all through the eyes of a handsome bull.

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An awesome satire about life and the struggles and superstitions and political corruption in villages, all through the eyes of a handsome bull. 

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Life is a process and never predictable. Listen to these two wonderful poems about life and how things change as life progresses. 

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Burp is not a lady-like thing to do. So, what do you do when you do it? Listen to find out.

Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/much-ado-about-a-burp-short-story/

Email id - shweta@shwetasbasket.com

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An introspective poem, forcing us to question the kind of person we are and with that insight, perhaps time to re-think or re-invent ourselves.

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Deeds vs. Donations? Guess this guy didn't get the memo. Listen to this hilarious story about his otherworldly journey.

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Two beautiful poems from the book #LeavesofAutumn and Other Poems. Poems with two completely different messages but both relevant in this modern age …

So you think you have a handicap. And you think no one cares about you. Best to be in your comfort zone. Well, think again. Sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone not for yourself but for someone else. …

So you think you have a handicap. And you think no one cares about you. Best to be in your comfort zone. Well, think again. Sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone not for yourself but for someone else. …

So you think you have a handicap. And you think no one cares about you. Best to be in your comfort zone. Well, think again. Sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone not for yourself but for someone else. …

There is something about childhood that keeps pulling us back to those carefree days, that gay abandonment, the long hours of games and laughter, and …

God! Do you remember, as a child, when you were forced to have a glass of milk and you simply hated it? I know I did and so did Vishnu the young protagonist of this story. Then how did he end up having two glasses of …

Two poems that will warm your heart and take you down memory lane. Daughters and memories are two evergreen topics that bring a smile to your face and fill your heart with love. Listen to these poems and immerse …

Based on a true incident, the story is an outpouring of anguish and helplessness that the writer felt about this incident. She says that she cannot understand the depravity that human beings can subject their fellow …

When you think of poems, generally you think of sweeping emotions, groundbreaking notions and deep thoughts, and perhaps multiple layers that you can …

She has made a friend in her office. Or so she thinks. What happens to that friendship and how does she deal with its effects? A story that you can …

Today I have 2 very special poems for you. What Are Days Like? and Joy on The Wings of Hope. Both poems are part of a poetry book titled Islands in The Stream written by the very talented Sonal Singh, published by …

So, today is very special. This is the 50th episode of Shweta’s Basket, a half-century. When I started Shweta’s Basket, a short stories and poems …

Is love forever? Does it transcend death? What does one do when the love of one's life, one's partner of years & years passes away. Does life stop? Or can one find a reason to go on? Something that sparks the desire …

There are two beautiful poems in this episode for you. Both are total opposites but are heartfelt and a result of what the poet with her sensitive …

Daniel had everything going for him – a good job, great friends, a beautiful wife but on that fateful day, he was home alone? Why was he alone, what …

A poem about 'New Hope', new aspirations, new goals. This poem is full of positivity and proactiveness. It’s not a passive poem, it’s a take-charge …

Everybody deserves a second chance in life. This is a beautiful story showcasing the opportunity and an innovative and creative system of correction …

This poetic prose written in Hindi is full of deep longing and soulful yearning. It tucks at your heartstrings. Through these lines, you can feel the …

The old couple lovingly referred to as Mama and Mami are getting by in life. Mama is due to retire shortly. Theirs is not a story of hot and …

The old couple lovingly referred to as Mama and Mami are getting by in life. Mama is due to retire shortly. Theirs is not a story of hot and …

And Shweta's Basket is back with a brand new season. 

Let’s celebrate the magic of short stories & poems.

They are truly magical, aren’t they?

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This episode is part of the #firstparty celebratory contest of Shweta's Basket, marking our first anniversary. 

This game is called Drabble Sandwich and you have to answer the 10 questions, in order they are asked.

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Sometimes our love is not enough. Sometimes there is no happy choice, only one less grievous than the others. What does Sam love and why can't she save her love? Listen to find out. 

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A poem of loss, love and memories. A poem of sadness and yearning that ends on a note of hope, of moving forward, albeit with the shadows of the past.

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How would you react to going through an experience where, something you hated to begin with turns out to be something you love now. Our experiences …

As the writer says, sounds like a very mouth watering title, right? Well he says listen to the story and then see how you feel about Besan Laddu. 

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He is Mrs. Daisy Duncan's non-human confidante. He knows her secrets but as long as they are juicy he is willing to go along to keep them. What secrets you ask? Well, listen to the story to find out. 

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Sometimes the bad things are not so bad after all. They turn out to be a blessing in disguise. All we need to do is adjust our perspective a little. Listen to this story to find out how the protagonist finally learnt to …

Domestic violence is an age old story. But slowly the voices are emerging from behind closed doors. More such stories need to be written and read to …

Time and tide as they say, wait for non. Here the poet is reminding us the same thing. And also advising us to make promises and memories and to tuck them away safely with love. In today's world, which is in the grip of …

When hate and vengeance are upper most in peoples' mind and heart. Even more than innocent lives. Listen to this story to find out what happened to innocent Piu. 

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We expect our elderly to behave in a certain manner. There is this stereotypical image that we have of what they should be doing after a certain age. …

This poem is a fun take on all the poetry forms that follow a strict syllable count like #haiku, #tankas, #cinquain and #sequin. It's about how tough …

He is the keeper of the book of lost and forgotten. What is it that we have lost? Why are we forced to lose it? Listen to find out.

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It’s a plea from me or from any person who has lost a parent or that one person who is the emotional pillar in their life. The plea is in the form of a letter. 

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Love comes in all shapes, sizes, forms and ages. So does heart break. He is only six, listen to found out who broke his heart. 

This is our last story in the #unlove series for the month of February. 

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The last poem in our #unlove series for the month of February. 

Watch out and beware of the various reasons people do silly or manipulative things …

The #unlove month continues. This is the third story in the series. Love cannot be forced for the end doesn't bode well. So what happened to the men …

A witty and wicked poem full of homophones. The client is dead and the lawyer is reading the will. Want to know who gets the money? Then listen on. 

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Continuing with our theme for this month #unlove, we bring to you today a story titled T(w)o Troublesome. What is troubling our protagonist and what does she do about it? Listen to the story and find out. 

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This is February, the valentine month. The month of love-shove. The month of strawberries, red and pink hearts and chocolates. Lots and lots of …

This is the month of love-shove. The month of strawberries, cakes, candies, chocolates, cards and red hearts. So at shwetasbasket will try and bring …

For this episode I have two light, frothy and funny poems for you. The first one is titled – Be gone thou infernal cold, its about the kind of cold …

This episode is 2nd and concluding part of the story The Story Tellers written by Vijay Krishna Amaraneni. If you are here for the first time, then I suggest you listen to Ep 17 which is the first part of the story and …

The poem that I have today is of a woman who is captive, when I was writing this poem at that time in my mind this woman was literally captive, but after finished the poem and reread it, I realised it is as true for a …

You know how some stories are – beautiful in their simplicity, almost lyrical, with powerful imagery, the inner struggle of the protagonist and a …

Both the poems have one thing in common.

There is a distinct before and after, and in between them is this moment and this phase that the poet is talking about. In both the poems things change and that emotion is what …

Where should we party? Sometimes finding the right venue is the biggest issue isn’t it? A new place, a new experience, that’s what we all crave for, …

It is the wedding season in India, but the covid-19 pandemic has brought about a drastic change in the way we have weddings here. The venues, menus, guest lists, brides dress, meeting and blessing the new couple, the …

A beautiful story that reminds us of the kind of stories our grandmothers used to tell us.  People, animals, morals all shaken and stirred together …

Yes indeed. Earth is not dead, not yet. And how she has come back and put humanity in its place.

Link to post - https://shwetasbasket.com/the-earth-is-not-dead-not-yet-poem/

Email id - shweta@shwetasbasket.com

Narrator …

Ever wondered what makes time tick. Or what will happen if it slowed down or worse stopped. Lets see if we can find out in this story.

Link to post - https://shwetasbasket.com/once-upon-a-time-short-story/

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Overworked and overburdened, racing against the clock, boss may get angry if the work is not finished – sounds familiar? Well the protagonist in this story is seriously worried about the same thing. Will be able to …

Dedicated to all the mothers, for their love and their shelter.

Email : shweta@shwetasbasket.com

This is a rendition of an article written by Shri Yatindra Singh for his sister, who is my mother. Here he reminisces about their childhood. 

Link to post - https://shwetasbasket.com/mas-birthday-dedication/

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How long will women suffer, how long will they be denied justice? 

Link to poem - https://shwetasbasket.com/how-long/

Email : shweta@shwetasbasket.com

A sunny poem for dark, grey, gloomy days. 

Link to poem - https://shwetasbasket.com/sunshine-in-my-dabba/

Email : shweta@shwetasbasket.com

We find enough reasons to sigh, here are a few for not sighing. Listen to them and tell me if we have some reasons in common.  Or if you have other reasons too. 

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A picture perfect day with mother daughter enjoying the sunshine and outdoors quickly turns into a nightmare. 

Link to story : https://shwetasbasket.com/sound-of-nothing/

Email : shweta@shwetasbasket.com

This episode is dedicated to friends, with out whom life is like a barren land, yearning for rain that never comes. 

Link to story : https://shwetasbasket.com/of-friends-friendships-short-story/

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Just close your eyes and take this walk with me and enjoy.

Link to poem : https://shwetasbasket.com/a-walk-in-the-forest-poem/

Email : shweta@shwetasbasket.com

It's a (black) humorous take on the social evil of betting an heir.

Link to story : https://shwetasbasket.com/surkhe-ka-kamaal/

Email : shweta@shwetasbasket.com