Free Desi Stories, right at your fingertips, are available on various online platforms for reading. Remember those good old childhood days when story time was the highlight of our lives? Reading Desi Stories is like taking a delightful trip down memory lane, back to those golden days. Can you feel the nostalgia tingling yet? Desi stories hold the power to tug at out heartstrings and transport us to relatable worlds filled with characters that feel like old friends.
And here’s the best part. You don’t have to spend a penny to read these stories. Desi stories to read for free feels like finding the juiciest cherry on top of an already scrumptious cake. So, here’s the plan: find the comfiest seat in your reading nook and dive into the world of free Desi Stories.
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Desi Narrators: A glimpse into Contemporary Indian Writers
Countless modern Indian writers have played a crucial role in elevating the status of Indian literature. With their pens as swords, they have etched stories which shatter prejudices, break stereotypes, and ignite debates that demand attention. From the everyday struggles of the common person to the big, complex topics like politics, they haven’t shied away from penning Desi Stories which portray life’s myriad shades.
So, here’s to these amazing authors who are using their pens to make the world a better place, one word at a time.
- Ruskin Bond: A prolific author of numerous short stories, novels, and essays, he is loved for his ability to capture the beauty of everyday life. His stories feel like a warm hug from India. “The Blue Umbrella” by Ruskin Bond is a charming story about a little girl and her beautiful umbrella.
- Sudha Murthy: A philanthropist and storyteller, Sudha Murthy often draws inspiration from her real-life experiences to pen tales with relatable characters and plots. In her book, “Wise and Otherwise”, she shares inspiring real-life stories.
- RK Narayan: He is regarded as one of India’s greatest storytellers. Set in the fictional town of Malgudi, RK Narayan’s “Malgudi Days” is a beloved collection of short stories that holds a special place in the hearts of readers. His storytelling is a masterful blend of humor, wit, and wisdom.
- Anita Desai: Anita Desai is a talented Indian writer whose stories delve deep into the human psyche and the complexities of relationships. Her stories resonate with readers on a profound level and reading them feel like taking a journey into people’s hearts and minds. Anita Desai’s “The Inheritance of Loss” explores the impact of globalization and cultural change.
- Salman Rushdie: Salman Rushdie is a renowned author known for creating imaginative and sometimes controversial stories. One of his most famous books, “The Midnight’s Children”, tells the tales of people born on a special day in India’s history. This novel earned him widespread recognition and the prestigious Booker Prize.
- Jhumpa Lahiri: Jhumpa Lahiri is an accomplished writer whose stories explore the experiences of immigrants and their struggles to find a sense of belonging. Her writing bridges the gap between different worlds and highlights the shared human experiences that bind us all. Her debut collection of short stories, “Interpreter of Maladies” earned her the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2000.
- Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a skilled author whose stories draw inspiration from mythology and the lives of women. Her novel, “The Palace of Illusions”, offers a fresh and imaginative retelling of the ancient Indian epic, The Mahabharata. The novel delves into the complexities of life of its protagonist, Draupadi, and her role in a world dominated by men and power struggles.
- Shashi Tharoor: He is a famous writer who writes about a wide range of topics, from politics and history to fiction and social commentary. His writing engages readers in profound discussions about society, culture, and identity. His book, “The Great Indian Novel” is a satirical masterpiece that mixes real history with made-up stories.
- Amrita Pritam: Amrita Pritam, a celebrated Indian writer and poet, used her words to express her emotions and deep thoughts. Her writings often spoke about love, pain, and experiences of women. Her well-known book “Pinjar” shed light on challenges faced by women during times of conflict.
- Amish Tripathi: Amish Tripathi is a creative Indian author who takes ancient legends and gives them a modern spin. His books are like thrilling journeys that mix the past with the present, and make us think about myths and heroes in a whole new light. His famous trilogy called, “The Shiva Trilogy” gives a modern twist to stories about the god Shiva.
Here’s how to make the habit of reading books.
Desi Stories Online: Free Reads on the Web
The Woman on Platform No. 8
The Woman on Platform no. 8 is a short story written by Ruskin Bond. Narrated in first person by a schoolboy named Arun, it tells the story of an unexpected meeting with a mysterious woman.
Faraway Places
Yet another beautiful story by Ruskin Bond, Faraway Places is a tale of a young boy Anil and his strong desire to travel great distances to faraway ports in a steamer.
Link to listen:
A Tale of Many Tales
A Tale of Many Tales is a short story from the book, “Here, There and Everywhere” written by Sudha Murthy. In this story, Sudha Murthy talks about her journey as a writer and how her mother played an important role in developing her writing and reading skills at an early age.
Link to read: https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Here_There_and_Everywhere/mKxZDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=sudha+murthy&printsec=frontcover
The Man in the Anthill
The Man in the Anthill is a beautiful short story from “The Upside-Down King: Unusual Tales about Rama and Krishna.” This story talks about how a highway robber named Ratnakar undergoes a transformative experience after he meets a bold traveller. Eventually, he becomes the famous sage Valmiki, who composed the epic tale of the Ramayana.
Link to read: https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Upside_Down_King/e2puDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=sudha+murthy&printsec=frontcover
Malgudi Days
Malgudi Days is a collection of short stories written by R.K. Narayan. Set in the fictional town of Malgudi, these stories offer glimpse into the everyday lives and dreams of its inhabitants. These stories are celebrated and loved by its readers for its relatable characters and heartwarming plots.
Link to read:
https://eruditesdps.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/malgudi-days-narayan_-r-k_.pdf
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Guide
Guide is a critically acclaimed novel written by R.K. Narayan. It tells the story of Raju and his journey from a tourist guide to an unexpected role as a spiritual leader. It delves into the complexities of human nature, societal expectations, and the quest for meaning.
Link to read:
https://www.ssgopalganj.in/online/E-Books/CLASS%20XI/THE%20GUIDE%20BY%20RK%20NARAYAN.pdf
The Landing
The landing is a short story written by Anita Desai. It revolves around a woman who moves into her newly purchased house on the hills. As she settles into her new home, she begins to experience a series of eerie events, including hallucinations and a growing sense of unease.
Link to read:
The Lender of Time
The Lender of Time is a short story written by Salman Rushdie. It follows an alien’s arrival on Earth, with the ability to lend and borrow time for a price. The business soon flourishes but raises ethical questions too. Eventually, feeling homesick and misunderstood, the alien departs Earth, leaving a world where borrowed time has its limits.
Link to read:
https://salmanrushdie.substack.com/p/the-lender-of-time
A Temporary Matter
A Temporary Matter, written by Jhumpa Lahiri, is the opening story in her debut collection of short stories titled “Interpreter of Maladies.” The story explores the theme of grief, loss, and complexities of human relationships. Published in 1999, it won Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2000.
Link to read:
http://djrabb72.weebly.com/uploads/2/2/6/9/22696388/a_temporary_matter.pdf
Clothes
Clothes is a short story written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It is part of her collection of short stories titled “Arranged Marriage.” The story follows the journey of a woman who moves to the United States from India after getting married. “Clothes” delves into the themes of cultural identity, tradition, and the struggle to fit in a foreign environment.
Link to read:
https://jerrywbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Chitra-Banerjee-Divakaruni-Clothes.pdf
Tales from My Heart
“Tales from My Heart” is a collection of short stories written by Ruskin Bond. These stories capture the charm, beauty, and extraordinary aspects of life as seen through the author’s perspective.
Link to read:
https://english.pratilipi.com/series/tales-from-my-heart-by-ruskin-bond-nffjydkanx4u
Jenna
Jenna is a short story written by Anita Roy. It follows the journey of Jenna who is imprisoned on a rainy planet. The story beautifully explores the themes of connection, friendship, and human resilience amidst confinement.
Link to read:
http://outofprintmagazine.co.in/archive/mar_2011_issue/Anita_Roy.html
Ma Tujhe Salaam
Ma Tujhe Salaam, written by Divya Dubey, is a short story about Harshit, who jumps from a classroom window urged by a classmate, injuring his ankle. The story explores the themes of heroism, memory, and passage of time.
Link to read:
http://outofprintmagazine.co.in/archive/mar_2011_issue/Divya_Dubey.html#
Fault Lines
Fault Lines is a short story written by Kailash Srinivasan. The story follows the journey of a young girl who is torn between her mother’s pain and her father’s irresponsibility due to intrusion of her father’s other relationship. The story delves into the themes of abuse, and the resilience of a daughter caught in the middle.
Link to read:
https://www.identitytheory.com/fault-lines/
Kilinochchi
In this poignant story written by Himali McInnes, the protagonist Nisha, sets on a difficult journey to war-torn Sri Lanka in search of her son, AJ.
Link to read:
https://granta.com/kilinochchi/
Dosai
Dosai, written by Srilatha Rajagopal, is a short story about a woman named Vasanthi. Amidst a busy day at work, she craves crispy dosas and decides to cook them for her upcoming visit from in-laws. The story captures Vasanthi’s journey to find herself and a place where she fits in.
Link to read:
https://www.identitytheory.com/dosai-rajagopal/
The Cherry Tree
The Cherry Tree, written by Ruskin Bond, tells the touching tale of a young boy named Rakesh who wishes to have a cherry tree in garden. The story highlights the themes of determination, patience, and the joy of nature’s gifts.
Link to read:
https://fliphtml5.com/bjnng/xunm/basic%20(%20The%20cherry%20Tree)
That Evening
That Evening is a short story written by Saswati Chatterjee. It captures a day in the life of Rupa, a schoolgirl who misses her train and sits near the tracks, lost in her own thoughts.
Link to read:
http://outofprintmagazine.co.in/archive/march_2021-issue/saswati-chatterjee_that-evening.html
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Exploring the world of free Desi Stories helps in connecting us with our roots and identity through relatable tales. With a perfect mix of classic and modern stories, these stories delve into themes like love, family, and resilience that resonate universally.
So, immerse yourself in the vibrant journey of Desi storytelling.
Happy reading!