The Writer

Monu was sent a message to attend the function at the layout's temple stating that her story on the pandemic corona was selected as one of the entries and that she would be given a participation certificate. Monu got ready earlier than usual and reached the venue on time. The secretary who would never even bother to talk to Monu wished her, and this made Monu more anxious if she had won a prize. She kept her fingers crossed. Slowly people started gathering and Monu got to meet few of her friends who had submitted the story and started talking to them.

The secretary announced that the judges would give a small speech before announcing the prizes. Monu was all ears to the judge's talk. There were eight of them who started giving speech about the stories written by the participants. One judge condemned the writing style while the other commented on the handwriting. Some judges even said things, which was nasty, according to Monu, because the story was each participant's version about corona and the judges work was to just judge the best one rather than commenting and criticising.

The names were announced and no where did Monu's name came up nor did they provide the participants with the participation certificate, instead were given the face masks, which Monu received happily. After the function got over, Monu walked towards home, with a feeling of sadness, but that was just for a moment. She made up her mind to prove herself that she is something and that her writing should reach many people. She forwarded her corona story to one of the best publishing company, Story Mirror, not only did she receive the confirmation entry mail, but also to her surprise, Monu was adjudged the best writer of the week.

This was just the beginning for Monu, awards and rewards followed after each and every story she wrote for Story Mirror. Monu's eyes were filled with tears when Story Mirror offered to publish all her stories. Monu was very happy.

There was a call from the Republic TV network requesting her for an interview. Monu couldn't believe all this was happening until the D day when the TV personnel came home and took her interview. Monu, in her interview, told them that she took writing as a challenge and made it up this far and is thankful to the almighty and Story Mirror for all the success. Monu handed over her newly published book to the interviewer who was in awe of the book.

The next morning, Monu's layout's secretary came home with a bag of sweets, which Monu happily took and distributed to her maid's children. Monu thanked the secretary and made sure that he carried the crisp new book along with him.

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