DIALOGUE-ONLY SHORT STORY COMPETITION
The Rabbit
By Sumana Khan
WINNER
£200
Sumana Khan is a crime writer disguised as a data analyst. So, she’s either plotting scatter plots or nefarious schemes for her stories. This is her second thrilling win in the Writing Magazine after a number of shortlists.
‘Can’t you follow simple directions? I’m going on telling straight straight… still you made a wrong turn.
Have you forgotten all the roads in Bangalore? Look now. We have entered this goddamn mall’s basement.’
‘We need to change cars.’
‘Why? Did Veerendra tell you?’
‘No.’
‘Then? Was it Jeetu? Don’t simply shake your head. Say something. Will pearls drop from your mouth if you speak?
Bloody fool.’
‘I…’
‘Your mother was sun-drying papads.
You should have stayed back and helped her. You’re fit only for that. Now look.
We are stuck in this queue. Jeetu was supposed to drive me. Why did you turn up all of a sudden like an ill omen? And this Jeetu has switched off his mobile.’
‘There’s something you should know.’
‘What? Is it about Jeetu?’
‘No. It’s—’
‘Hold on, I’m getting a call. It’s Veerendra. Boss? Yes, I’m on my way.
There’s a bit of traffic. Huh uh. I’ll be there by noon I think. Yes. Keys under the palm pot next to front door. Got it. Red leather bag in the safe in the master bedroom. Yes, I remember the combination. 86. 74. 39. 19. Ha ha ha!
Yes we old-timers tend to memorise.
Okay, okay. I will call on my way back.
Bye.’
‘Why did Veerendra choose you for this job all of a sudden?’
‘Shut your mouth and park the car. Always asking stupid questions. What else can I expect from a son who knows more about mixing masalas than all the women in the household? Look at your goddamn fancy clothes and hippy haircut and always wearing perfumes. I always wonder how my loins could have produced a scurvy dog like you. Don’t you stare at me through those dark glasses or I’ll gouge your eyes out.’