Charli’s prompt this week:
March 22, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using the theme “follow your dreams.” Bonus points for throwing a badge into the tale. Go where the prompt leads.
I did it mum. I took your advice.
“Follow your dreams, love,” you’d say to me. “Don’t let anyone stop you. I’d hate for your life to mirror mine.”
Born at a time where a good Indian wife and mother was nothing but that, my mum had dreams of being a doctor. Instead she was married off early, and, well, no one was going to encourage their daughter in law to study more, or, God forbid, work.
As I stand here, with my degree in my hand, my only wish is that you were here to see it too…
https://carrotranch.com/2018/03/23/march-22-flash-fiction-challenge/
anuragbakhshi
Mar 26, 2018 @ 03:42:05
Such a lovely story Ritu, touching and sweet at the same time.
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Ritu
Mar 26, 2018 @ 05:45:25
Thank you Anurag. 🙂
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Shallow Reflections
Mar 25, 2018 @ 20:39:01
Generations of oppression – it happens in all cultures I’m afraid. Sweet story but sad, too.
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Ritu
Mar 25, 2018 @ 21:28:18
You’re right, it is in so many cultures… but I like to hope things are getting better for many out there…
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Judy E Martin
Mar 25, 2018 @ 13:31:50
I love this, Sis. There are so many unfulfilled women who haven’t been able to follow their dreams, yet still encourage and support others. 🙂
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Ritu
Mar 25, 2018 @ 14:23:01
That’s why I try to be overencouraging with my own lil Princess 😍
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Judy E Martin
Mar 25, 2018 @ 14:48:17
Funnily enough I was talking to Miss Hap yesterday about possible careers she could choose as she is pretty undecided. I mentioned ‘engineering’ and she said, “Oh no, that is a boy’s job.” Aaaarrrgh! I am surprised that she thinks like that as I have always taught her not to stereotype and to go after what she wants!
I am sure Lil Princess will be successful at whatever she chooses to do as you are such a supportive and caring mum. xx
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Ritu
Mar 25, 2018 @ 15:01:08
As long as we just keep on with the encouraging xxx
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Judy E Martin
Mar 26, 2018 @ 09:07:49
👍 Absolutely, Sis. 🙂
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Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
Mar 25, 2018 @ 11:59:57
That is superb Ritu . So proud yet poignant. You feel for the mother whose dreams weren’t valued by others and somehow I get the impression that she probably paved the way for her daughter to have a different life. How proud the daughter is to have achieved it how sad that mother isn’t there to witness it. Wonderful flash.
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Ritu
Mar 25, 2018 @ 12:02:13
Thank you Irene. I have been blessed with a strong mother who experienced some of this but not all and her biggest lesson to me was to never lose myself or my dreams. To this day she’s my number 1 cheerleader with my Pops x
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Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
Mar 26, 2018 @ 02:42:22
Fantastic.
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Jennie
Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:37:43
Oh, Ritu! I have a lump in my throat. Wonderful!
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Ritu
Mar 25, 2018 @ 02:37:37
Thanks Jennie xx
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Jennie
Mar 25, 2018 @ 03:09:42
You’re welcome, Ritu. 🙂
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OIKOS™-Redaktion
Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:26:02
Oh yes, really touching, Ritu! It show, you should never forget your dreams whatever happens during the time realising them. Michael 😉
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:29:11
It is so important to never forget them 😊
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OIKOS™-Redaktion
Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:22:00
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:25:17
Thanks Michael!
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dornahainds
Mar 24, 2018 @ 18:02:51
Marvelous.. 😎🥀😎🥀😎🥀
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 18:59:11
Merci xx
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robbiesinspiration
Mar 24, 2018 @ 13:15:53
My mother’s father didn’t believe in educating girls either, Ritu. Very sad what women have had to put up with and still do.
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 18:42:05
So true Robbie. My mum was really lucky actually. My granddad was very forward thinking and placed a lot of importance on education for his kids . As a result my mum eve went to university abroad, from Kenya to Bath in the UK, studying at the same place as Mary Berry! It was just once she married that her dreams went on the back burner as working wasn’t what she was expected to do by her in laws… though my Pops has supported her in any decisions she ever makes. She always tells me not to lose myself and never to give up on my dreams. 💜
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Charli Mills
Mar 24, 2018 @ 07:00:30
Your flash tugs at the heartstrings, Ritu — the added sadness that she couldn’t share her moment with the mother who gave up her own.
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 07:03:15
Thank you Charli. I feel blessed to have my own mother around to see my highs at the moment and she’s my backbone… can’t contemplate life without her…
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Charli Mills
Apr 04, 2018 @ 04:51:09
That is a blessing, Ritu! She must absolutely adore you and be so proud of you!
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Ritu
Apr 04, 2018 @ 07:25:29
😍 the feeling is totally mutual
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syl65
Mar 24, 2018 @ 01:51:36
Very touching Sister! ❤
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 06:50:18
Thanks Brother 🙏🏽💜
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syl65
Mar 24, 2018 @ 14:13:07
You’re welcome Sister and I hope you’re having a good Saturday 🙏🏾💜
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 18:47:37
It’s been surprisingly busy Brother but in a good way! Hope yours is passing smoothly!
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syl65
Mar 24, 2018 @ 22:43:18
Good to hear that Sister!! It’s been smooth, easy going today!
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 22:52:03
That’s great Brother!
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syl65
Mar 24, 2018 @ 22:55:11
Thank you Sister!
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Ritu
Mar 24, 2018 @ 23:14:08
😀
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sheldonk2014
Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:11:58
Hey wait minute I totally forgot
Where’s Mystery Matt
Bookblogger turn student
And us still wondering
Whatever happen To our Matt……
The Sheldon Perspective
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Ritu
Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:25:01
I don’t know! I tried to email him a while ago but no response.. ..
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sheldonk2014
Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:08:08
A heart breaker
I saw you
Mouth the words
Sheldon As Usual
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Ritu
Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:24:24
Thanks Shekdon. Hope you’re well. 💜
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Annette Rochelle Aben
Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:06:02
An eternal struggle, for sure…
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Ritu
Mar 23, 2018 @ 22:23:44
💜💜💜
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Erika Kind
Mar 23, 2018 @ 20:22:10
That was very touching, sis!!
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Ritu
Mar 23, 2018 @ 20:31:56
Thank you sis 😍
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Erika Kind
Mar 24, 2018 @ 12:18:59
You are welcome, dear sis 😊
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chris jensen
Mar 23, 2018 @ 19:00:59
Darling that is too many words for me to place all at once!
Maybe some day i will try something that long?
hugs
an
methanks for all the reads!
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Ritu
Mar 23, 2018 @ 19:06:39
Try it Chris!
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chris jensen
Mar 23, 2018 @ 23:15:56
Damn! i’d knewd you’d say that!
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willowdot21
Mar 23, 2018 @ 18:10:15
Great story Sis 💜💜💜💜
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Ritu
Mar 23, 2018 @ 18:19:02
Thanks sis! ❤
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