Week 11 Story: Love Bug

Krishna and Radha have been dating for the past ten years and have been living together for the past year. Their love for each other was evident and it gave them this glowing aura. Krishna and Radha were childhood friends who grew up right across the street from one another. They never imagined that their friendship would blossom into something as significant and beautiful as their compassionate love for each other. However, throughout the years their love was never perfect and they experienced their fair share of trials and tribulations. The relationship has been strong and steady since they moved in together, but in the last couple of months, Radha has had this feeling stirring within her that her relationship with Krishna was not going in the direction she desired... 

Radha finally just got home to her and Krishna's apartment after a busy day at work and a long commute home. She was not yet quite used to extreme hustle and bustle of the New York City lifestyle, but she was doing her best to get accustomed to it. Radha had just moved to NYC because Krishna got a new job at a law firm. Radha left her stable life in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to be with Krishna in New York. The decision was difficult and she spent days before leaving going back and forth between the two options. However, she ultimately decided to make that sacrifice and moved to New York City with Krishna because she deeply loved him and knew that he was the one for her. She could not dare loose Krishna so she packed her bags and moved to the East coast. She was an elementary school teacher in Ann Arbor and she loved her students so, but ultimately made that decision to leave with Krishna. Her friends, family, and fellow teachers were skeptical of her decision but did not tell her so because they did not want to worry Radha.

Well, a year has passed and Radha was still feeling unsure of the choice she made to move to New York. As Krishna spent long nights at the law firm, she barely got to see him anymore, which allowed her to be alone with her thoughts and truly think about everything.

Author's Note: In the original story, I learned about how Krishna and Radha first met and the many sacrifices they made for their love for one another. The two meet when they were young and grew up together in the city of Vrindavan. Krisha would play his flute when he let his cows out to the field to graze and in the field were gopis, one of which was Radha. Krishna and Radha made many sacrifices for one another because they cared and loved one another. One of these sacrifices was Radha drank scolding hot milk to prove to the gopis that she loved Krishna, but it was Krishna's tongue that was red with blisters while Radha suffered no pain. Another instance of sacrifice was when Radha healed Krishna when he felt ill by letting him drink water off of her feet. The gopis thought that that act of kindness would bring them to hell, but Radha did not care and only wanted to heal Krishna.

Bibliographies: Krishna by Epified (link) and Radha Krishna: A Divine Love by Dolls of India (link)

Krishna and Radha. Source: Flickr.

Week 7 Story: Life in Exile

The Pandavas were wondering the depths of the forest in literal exile. Not a single brother or even their wife, Draupadi, were ready for this drastic change in lifestyle. In the beginning of their exile they were in despair; therefore, they called on and prayed for the sun god to help them in their new adversary. The sun god answered their prayer and gave the Pandavas a copper pot, which was filled to the brim with delicious food. At this blessing, the Pandava brothers, Draupadi, and Dhaumya began their life in the forest. They took the good days with the bad, but it was Draupadi who suffered the most. She wept most of the time because she could not come to terms with the life she now lives. 


As the Pandavas were living their lives in exile, Krishna came to pay them a visit. As soon as he arrived, it was Draupadi who approached him first saying, "Duryodhana tried to make me his wife as my husbands stood their in silence, not moving a muscle. Is it not the duty of a husband to protect their wife? If so, why did they not even attempt to save me from the evil Duryodhana?"Krishna attempted to console Draupadi as she cried her eyes out. He told her, "Do not cry anymore as I am here to help your husband's family so you can once again be a queen."

Krishna then went to Yudhishthira and said, "I am deeply sorry I could not help you in your battle at Hastinapura. However, I am here now, what can I do to help?" After talking to Yudhishthira, Krishna made his way back to his kingdom. As soon as Krishna left, Draupadi made a dash to Yudhishthira to complain saying, "How did our lives end up like this? We used to enjoy the luxury of soft and silky beds, chairs of ivory, and beautiful robes. And now, what do we have? We are beggars now sleeping on stiff grass mats and wearing rags as clothes. I ask of you, Yudhishthira, that we go into battle and seek and take back what is ours."

Yudhishthira being the wise man he is responded to Draupadi by saying, "Being angry and thoughts of destruction is bad and sinful. Do not think and talk this way. We have to love and forgive others." Draupadi said in return, "You might have a point, but how can I praise lords who have done us wrong? Those who have done evil are now happy, and we who are good people are now sad and in grief. I cannot give praise to the lords who have desired this inequality for us."

Yudhishthira said to Draupadi, "The gods are mysterious, but do not doubt your religion or the power of the gods."

Draupadi could not take it anymore. After her conversation with Yudhishthira, she escaped to her room. She did not leave her room for the rest of the night. It was that night that Draupadi decided to leave the forest in search for help to get her old life back. Twas the middle of the night when all the men were asleep that Draupadi escaped and made her efforts to try to find Krishna in the hopes that he could help her. 

Bibliography: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald Mackenzie (link)

Author's Note: The Pandava family are sent into exile along with their wife, Draupadi. The exile takes place in the depths of the forest for many years to come. As soon as they were sent to exile, the Pandavas prayed to the sun god asking for help to which he gave the family a copper pot filled with food. After this blessing, the exile journey begins and it is Draupadi who suffers the most. Next thing we see is that Krishna pays the family a visit and it is Draupadi who asks him to save her from her terrible and awful current lifestyle. Krishna tells her that he will try to help and then talks to Yudhishthira next. As soon as Krishna leaves, Draupadi talks to Yudhishthira and ask him if they could go into battle to get back their kingdom and what is rightfully theirs. Yudhishthira goes against this pleading; however, in the original story Draupadi does not leave. In my version, I wanted to see Draupadi more independent and leave the readers hanging as she begins her escape from the Pandavas and treacherous exile. 

The Exile of the Pandavas. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 6 Story: The Escape Room

This story has been published on my Portfolio website. Feel free to check it out (link)!

Gabby and her friends were headed to The Escape OKC for a fun Friday night adventure! Gabby had never been to The Escape OKC but her friends have and told her that she would have a blast. Gabby and her friends arrived just in time for their scheduled time. Gabby and her friends along with another random group of people all had the 8 PM reservation and would experience the escape game together.

One of the workers, a man named Alex, appeared and introduced himself to the group. Alex cleared his throat and said, "Good evening everyone and welcome to The Escape OKC!" Gaby and her friends cheered and applauded Alex with excitement. After Alex went over the rules and expectations, he said, "Now, I am going to tell you guys a story that describes your scenario and you all will have an hour and a half to escape."

Alex cleared his throat again and began, "Once upon a time there was a prince named Yudhishthira who had an archenemy named Prince Duryodhana. Prince Duryodhana came up with a devious plan to get rid of Prince Yudhishthira and his family; however, Prince Vidura, who was the uncle of Yudhishthira heard of the evil plan and warned Yudhishthira and his family. When Yudhishthira arrived at the palace at Varanavata with his family, he noticed a couple of red flags that solidified and confirmed the bad inkling his uncle told him about. Yudhishthira noticed that the palace was made of wood that could easily burn, and that all the gorgeous and expensive furniture were covered in oil as to start a fire. When he noticed these red flags, he gathered his family and told them what Vidura said to him and the red flags he witnessed throughout the palace. As Yudhishthira was conversing with his family, a skillful miner showed up before them. The miner told the Pandavas that Prince Vidura sent him to help them escape by digging an underground passage. The underground passage started from the floor of the palace until it reached the green grass of the forest. The miner worked diligently and was careful not to let the evil captain, Purochana, find out about the underground passage. After many long days and nights, the miner finally finished his masterpiece. The Pandavas successfully escaped during the still night. However, Prince Bhima wanted to go back and get his revenge on Purochana which Prince Yudhishthira agreed to. Prince Bhima set Purochana's house on fire but quickly found himself in the midst of the fire as well. Can he escape? Does he escape? It is up to you guys to finish the story."

Gabby was fascinated by the story that Alex told and got extremely excited for the escape room now. Gabby and her friends were cruising through the challenges, but became puzzled at the very last challenge in which they had to escape a burning house. The other group caught up to them at this point, but Gabby really wanted to win. Therefore, she tricked the other group to cover up for them so that Gabby and her friends can successfully win and escape the fire, just like what the Pandavas did.

Bibliography: The Indian Heroes by C. A. Kincaid (link)

Author's Note: In the original story, Prince Vidura correctly guessed the evil plans of Prince Duryodhana; therefore, Vidura told Yudhishthira, his nephew, about said plans through code that only he would understand. Yudhishthira's inclination that his family was in danger was confirmed when they stepped foot in the palace at Varanavata. Yudhishthira gathered his family together and told them the words that Vidura had told him. At that moment, Prince Vidura sent to the rescue of Yudhishthira and his family a skillful miner that successfully tricked the guards and made his way into the palace. The miner told Yudhishthira that Vidura had sent him to help the family and that he would dig an underground passage that would lead safely to the forest. The miner worked diligently and finished just in time. The Pandavas safely escaped the confines of the palace but Prince Bhima went back to get revenge on the wicked Purochana, who was the captain who was going to burn them alive. Bhima set Purochana's guardhouse on fire and Purochana perished with it. Unfortunately, the palace caught on fire as well in which a poor family was staying with the Pandavas. The poor family died in the fire which accidentally, sadly, and cleverly made for a great coverup for the Pandavas that Prince Duryodhana rejoiced in the "death" of the family.

The Escape of the Pandavas. Source: Wikimedia Commons. 

Week 4 Story: Kumbhakarna

*This story is now part of my Portfolio website as Story #1 (link)!*


Delicious deers. Mouthwatering monkeys. Scrumptious human beings. These are just some of the appetizing meals I dreamt about each and everyday. You see, a deep slumber of a curse has befallen me for my love for food. I used to terrorize the whole world from consuming humans to defeating the great and almighty Indra. Therefore, as punishment, Brahma put me to sleep for six months and can be awaken for one day only in which I devour the most amazing meal, which eventually puts me back to sleep.

One day, as I was dreaming about tasting a delicious meal once again, I begin to hear faint noises. I thought that that was just the sound of my own thoughts, but then I feel a woman's soft and gentle hands on my arm and awaken from my slumber.

I was annoyed that I had been awaken and I was about to yell and scream, but then I laid eyes on a long and large dining table filled with goodies that I could not resist. I stomped over to the table and began to fill my stomach with delicious swine, wine, and human beings.

As I was finishing up my meal I asked Ravana and the rest of the rakshasas, "Why have you awaken me from my deep slumber?"

Ravana replied to me, "The mighty Rama and his great monkey army have invaded our city and we need your might and strength to kill them."

I pouted for a while for this was the reason that my brother woke me up; however, I finally mounted my chariot and went forth to battle Rama and his army. As soon as I saw my brother's enemies, my eyes feasted on the appetizing monkeys that were trembling with fear at the sight of me. I was still quite hungry and the monkeys looked extremely yummy that I ate them by the handful, destroying Hanuman and Sugriva along the way.

It was I was enjoying my meal that I felt a sharp and piercing pain at the back of my neck. I turned around and I saw Rama shooting flaming arrows at my direction. The next thing I knew, before I could attack Rama, I witness my head detached from my body. I screamed from the piercing pain and stumbled to the ground. With my last breath and moment of consciousness, I witness Rama smiling from ear to ear at the sight of my death.

(409 Words)

Author's Note: I told this story from the perspective of Kumbhakarna but in the original story it is about how Ravana and the rakshasas were running out of ideas on how to defeat Rama and his army so they decided to wake up the great Kumbhakarna, the brother of Ravana. A curse had fallen upon Kumbhakarna as punishment for terrorizing the whole world. His punishment was that he slept for six months and only woke up for one day only. During that one day, he devours as much food as he can eat and falls back to sleep. The rakshasas woke him up to defeat Rama but not after first feeding him. Rama's army was scared of the great Kumbhakarna for he ate their fellow monkey army men, seized Sugriva, and defeated Hanuman. Finally, it was Rama who finally destroys Kumbhakarna as he detaches his head from his body. Kumbhakarna falls to the earth and dies.

Bibliography: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (link)

Kumbhakarna. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 3 Story: Jatayu and Ravana

As Ravana was mesmerized with Sita, he decided to abduct her and take her back to his kingdom. Therefore, up, up, and away they went however as Sita was crying and yelling for Ravana to let her go, a great and mighty bird appeared. This bird was named Jatayu and Sita begged him for help.

Jatayu came to Sita's aid and said to Ravana, "You surely will not get away with this. Rama is powerful and he will punish you for your wrongdoings."

As Jatayu said those last words, Ravana attacked him and a battle between the two begun. Ravana began to shoot arrows and missiles at the mighty bird. Jatayu felt the piercing pain of each weapon go into his body. Ravana was slowly weakening him, but before Jatayu was completely defeated, he tore off Ravana's bows which sent the chariot crashing from the sky to the ground. Sita, Ravana, and Jatayu all safely fell to the earth, but it was Jatayu who was badly injured and terribly weak from Ravana's arrows and missiles.

Jatayu lay silently on the ground unable to fight back, Ravana took his sword and chopped up the mighty and beautiful wings of Jatayu. Jatayu gave a piercing and deadly shriek which drew Sita towards him. However, before Sita could aid her brave friend, Ravana stole her once again and back to the sky they went. Sita was devastated and was mourning for her friend. Nevertheless, Ravana was as ruthless as ever and did not care for Sita's feelings. He was selfish and continued with his plans of abduction.

Even at a grieving state, Sita was still smart and one step ahead. Sita saw five large and strong monkeys, and pleaded for their help. The monkeys came to Sita and she gave them her precious and beautiful jewels as a trail for Rama to find his precious bride. The monkeys cast down to the ground Sita's precious gifts for Rama in the hopes that he will be able to find her. Sita stared at the earth and at the last twinkle of her jewels, turned around and wept.

(353 Words)

Author's Note: This story is about the battle between Jatayu, the bird, and Ravana, the evil king. Ravana has captured Sita and Jatayu is attempting to save her. As Jatayu and Ravana battled each other, Ravana got the upper hand and defeated Jatayu. Sita is taken back hostage by Ravana. In order for Rama to find her, with the help of monkeys, she cast down to the ground her precious jewels as a trail for her beloved husband to find her.

Bibliography: Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (link)

Jatayu and Ravana fight. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 2 Story: The Tale of the Cunning Crocodile and the Wise Monkey

This story is now on my Portfolio website!

Story: Once upon a time, living in the waters of the Ganges river was a crocodile couple. Among the fig-trees planted in the bank of the river lived a great, mighty, and smart Monkey. The Monkey was well-to-do and powerful that one day an urge came over the female crocodile to devour the Monkey and his precious heart. Therefore, the female crocodile begged and pleaded to her husband that he retrieve the Monkey's heart for her. The Crocodile finally gave in to his wife's request and devised a plan on how to lure the Monkey into the Ganges river so his wife can enjoy the Monkey's heart. As the Crocodile was attempting to brainstorm a plan, he noticed that the Monkey would come to the bank of the Ganges to enjoy some refreshing water. When the Crocodile noticed this, the light bulb went off inside his head.

Therefore, on the next day, as the wise Monkey was enjoying the fresh water of the Ganges, the Crocodile drew near to him and said, "Monkey, why do you keep on eating these old and disgusting fruits when there are fresh and juicy mangoes and labujas waiting for you to be eaten just on the other side of the Ganges river?"

The Monkey responded, "The Ganges is far too dangerous for me to cross it. I cannot possibly swim across this river. How should I ever be able to get to the other side?"

A huge smile was seen on the Crocodile's face as he said, "Well, I can take you there!"

Intrigued by the Crocodile's kindness, the monkey climbed onto the Crocodile's back. However, halfway through the journey to cross the Ganges, the cunning Crocodile threw the Monkey off his back and drown him in the cold waters of the Ganges. 

The Monkey was horrified at what the Crocodile was doing to him and cried out, "Why are you doing this to me?"

With a devious laugh, the Crocodile responded, "You fool! You thought I was going to bring you the other side of the Ganges? Nonsense! I brought you to the depths of the Ganges so my dear wife can finally devour your precious heart."

The Monkey remained calm as he listened to the Crocodile's plan. Then the Monkey thinking on his feet said to the Crocodile, "Well if your wife wants my heart, we must swim back to the bank of the river. Something as precious and valuable as my heart is safely kept among the figs in the fig-trees."

The Crocodile was a bit confused at what the Monkey said. However, he was extremely desperate to fulfill his wife's desire that without thinking he said, I will take you back to the fig-trees if you promise me your heart. In return for your heart, I will not kill you." 

The Monkey nodded his head in agreement and the Crocodile brought him back to the fig-trees. The Monkey leaped off the Crocodile's scaly back and climbed to safety at the top of a fig-tree.

As the Monkey settled into branches of the fig tree, he chuckled and said to the Crocodile, "Oh how stupid you are! You actually believed that I kept my heart up here? Your stupid eagerness will never be a match for my wisdom!"

As the Monkey laughed, the Crocodile left feeling stupid and betrayed. The Monkey was wise and clever, and outwitted the cunning and devious Crocodile. As the Crocodile went home, empty-handed, the wife was desperate for a heart to eat that the Crocodile sacrificed himself and allowed his wife to eat his own precious heart. 

(608 Words)

Author's Note: The original story is about a female crocodile who conceives a longing for the mighty Monkey's heart that she ask her husband to get it for her. As the wife's request, he lures the Monkey into the water by telling him that there are yummy and delicious fruits on the other side of the river and that the he would take him there. Halfway through the river, the Crocodile begins to drown the Monkey, but the Monkey asks him what he is doing and the Crocodile spills his plans. The Monkey tricks the Crocodile by saying that his heart is actually in the fig-trees and that he he will get his heart for the Crocodile's wife if he brings him to the fig-trees. When the Monkey is in the fig-tree and away from harm, he tells the Crocodile that he is stupid and that he ended up tricking him. The Crocodile swims away ashamed and embarrassed. 

Bibliography: "The Monkey and The Crocodile" from Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie L. Shedlock. Web Source 

The Cunning Crocodile and the Wise Monkey. Source: Flickr