Short Story: Embers of Destiny by Malini Nair

In this short story, Malini Nair captures the beauty and ugliness of life making the reader question the real meaning of life.

Ambika’s legs faltered as she looked at the marital home she left twenty-five years ago. Her heartbeat quickened, and her mind was like a little boat rocking in a turbulent sea. Taking a deep breath, she walked towards the large wooden door.  A beautiful jasmine tree was in full bloom at the entrance. She gently touched the polished wood, and her hand recoiled as if burned. When she opened the door, the memories she had locked away in the deepest recesses of her mind came tumbling out.

The hauntingly mellifluous notes of the Nadaswaram reverberated through the wedding hall, its melodic breath carrying the stories of love, joy, and heartbreak of generations. The ladies of the family crowded around Ambika as the make-up artist added the finishing touches to her wedding attire. Ambika looked resplendent in her deep maroon wedding saree. Her beautiful jet-black hair was braided with her favourite jasmine garlands. Her delicate diamond earrings and nose pin glittered as the sunlight caught them, reflecting rainbow colours. Ambika’s shapely nose, full lips, huge, expressive eyes, and dark eyelashes casting delicate shadows on her porcelain cheeks gave her an ethereal look. A bride couldn’t have looked more beautiful and alluring.  Her mother made the traditional sign to ward off evil.