Being In Two Different Frames

by Titiksha Singhal

When we finally selected one of my mother's photograph to put on display for her post-death ceremonial purpose, I plunged deep down in the narrow lanes of my memory and reached the point of time when that particular photograph happened. I was the one who clicked her into the moment, suggesting her a pose for the perfect click. That was a bright morning of a cheerful vacation. We were clicking for each other in turns, trying to capture the happy moments of our family trip. Above all, one thing I knew I could never have imagined in my worst nightmares was that I might have to use her pic of this sunny day, of a joyous month of April, of the rare moments of vacations captured in a blink of an eye, for a display in the name of highest reverences, remembrance and farewell, someday in future- a future that will follow just after 7 years of healthy life! She still was young but sick, very sick. Just a glance at the photograph that now stands in frame beyond the reach of my touch has driven me back into time I prefer returning back to. She still is that lively, cheerful, vibrant lady in a pinkish hued sari behind that frame, and in front of it are her children and husband squatted with teary eyes and hollowed hearts. The two sets of time are merely separated by just a semi-translucent glass. For a moment I am afraid that the other side of that frame does not come out to reach this present time. It would have completely freaked out the person on the other side clicking the photograph. Are the two instances really separated from each other? Are the people on the different sides of frame different from each other? Whether the thought is of dependency or independence of the two instances, it nevertheless fills me with horror. Horror of the oblivion that emerges as the distance between two sets of time increases. 

Short Story: Religion A Scam: by Sanchita Dwivedi

Religion is one misunderstood overrated "word" which some use to impose their mastery of living life  and to maintain their egoistic goals. While the borders divide nations, "modern religion" is responsible for dividing humanity and faith in everyone. Never did I know that religion was to divide people and restrict their actions. As a kid, religion to me, as taught by my mother, was a way to living with peace and harmony in the society. While growing up, I was exposed to the brutal truth, the atrocities that took place under the name of god! I felt disgusted because my mother presented a complete different ideology infront of me about god. Religion "had" motive to create happy living world then why does it bars people from different religion to love each other or to spend their lives together? I've never seen Muslims with horns or Christians with vulture noses or tail possessing Hindus to have a reason to differentiate. What I see that we look same, the air we breathe is same, the sky we share is same yet people need evidences to create differences, and I believe that excess faith in religion has led to this blinding of humans. Humans have complicated their lives to such an extent that killing seems to be a noble cause under the name of religion. I haven't ever come across any news stating that a Lion killed a rabbit due to conflicting ideologies about the jungle. Animals are more simplified thanks to their less evolved brains, which makes me sometimes regret human evolution. Then, is religion just a "scam" which is initiating to break people emotionally and to destroy them physically as well. Are we treating religion as just another system which we can play with and get a place in heaven? If that's the case, religion loses its grandeur, holiness, divinity and it shouldn't be the ultimate. Too much future planning we do, don't we? We're do nothing but initiating fights to prove that our religion is 'the' ultimate answer to everything. Why do we need to show off about religion and to claim that who's is better? Can't we just be thankful to lord for giving us life (that's what we are taught since birth that almighty created us! ) and to live happily greet people with love and not have skeptical mindset about others belonging to different religions. I asked few kids aged 5-6 years how they see religion and how are Muslim Hindu and Christians different from each other? All of them said religion divided to that limit where we can't change the ideology of elders because they "love" to fight and to see bloodshed across the globe because if it wasn't the same analogy then parents would have taught their kids that no religion is bad or different, god is one and you should respect him. That he doesn't expect you to fight in his name, all he expects is you to be true to yourselves.
One little kid came up to me and said let me tell you the difference between religion, he explained: Allah,Jesus, Khuda, Raaba, Quran, Bible, Geeta, they all have 5 letters and it's just the pronunciation and spelling that differs but deep down indirectly they mean the same thing,  they even preach the same thing. So we can conclude they are SYNONYMS of each other. So basically, we are fighting over which synonym is better that's just too foolish and perhaps very 'human' of us! And with this elaborate explanation of the word religion forced me to think that we all are same we are "synonyms". Wish I could ingrain simple thing into each and every persons minds. We can't eradicate it but we can mould it according to the growing world just like we do with Science, like we shifted from Nokia to iPhone's i.e. better version of communication. Acceptance is the biggest key to the successful enhancement of human race. Let's love and respect each individual to create a happy thinking world and focus on humanity's advancement to the next level, after all, its progress that will keep us alive in this vast expanse of space and time where we humans are perhaps the sole voyagers.

By
Sanchita Dwivedi 

In Conversation with Contributors of "i" An Anthology- Limca Book Of Records Holder Book

"i" An Anthology of short stories published by First Step Publishing  has entered into Limca Book Of Records so we got a chance to approach some of the contributing Authors of the book to have their view about the book and the Publishing Firm.
About the book:
Its a compilation of short stories based on the topic "i".
Awards and Credits 
The book has been entered into 

• Limca Book Of Records 
• India Book Of Records 

for the shortest title of book ever published.

Contributing Authors are from 3 Countries 

• South Africa
• U K 
• India

"i" has been written in 10 different languages on the cover which include 5 Indian Languages and 5 Foreign Languages


Aileen Friedman 

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is a huge honour to be a part of this award. To be selected from not only numerous authors but also from a far away country like South Africa is very special.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

They are a superb bunch of people and very honest.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "  

Daphney is returning to her home town after running away sixty years ago. She is to give a talk at her old high school but  the past and her memories of that traumatic evening become very challenging.


Nehali Lalwani

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?  

To be frank enough, I never thought the book consisting one of my short stories will ever be listed in Limca Book Records. I was overjoyed when I was told about it. This book is really close to my heart and it will be close as I have given my first ever written short story for I an anthology of short stories. I really want this book to reach to the masses.  I feel delighted when my parents share this news with their acquaintances and feel proud about it.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

Wonderful! It feels so good to work with a passionate team that works so efficiently. I would like to thank the entire team of First Step and specially Dr. Rohit Shetty for giving me a wonderful opportunity as a debut writer. I have been part of 2 books till date that has been published by first step and honestly, I would like to work  with them in future as well.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i " 

My story, titled as “Destiny wins over love” in I – An anthology of short stories is an inspirational tale about a combat amid destiny and love. Many times in life, we are mistaken in identifying the factual facade of our close ones because, we are blindly entailed into them and when reality strikes in we end up blaming destiny.

The moral of my story is, whatever happens, happens for something good. At times, If God/ destiny seizes away something from you that’s because, destiny have plans to surprise you with something better.
The story ends up with a positive note and I’m sure reader's belief in fate will befall stronger after reading Destiny wins over Love.


Lt Col Ankita Srivastava

1.  Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?  

I am feeling totally honored to have been one of the contributing author in this amazing anthology called "I". It is indeed a moment of rejoice for me and my family to know that the anthology that I contributed in has been selected to be entered in Limca Book of Records.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

I had a very smooth work experience while being associated with First Step Publishing. The entire team had been very efficient and proactive. They were prompt and kept to their words in terms of publishing the author's  work. There was timely updates to each of the authors and they put in lot of efforts in designing the catchy cover with the word I written in different languages. As an author I felt  highly motivated to contribute in their other two anthologies as well.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story titled "The Lost Identity"  is my personal story in terms of what i felt when my short service tenure with the Indian Army got over after putting in 14 years of long  military service. I felt lost in the civil world and how I developed hatred for one of my junior lady colleague whom I could
not bear to see having taken my place. I struggled hard to re assemble my  professional life just to earn my lost identity back.  Three years later when I was called by the  specialist doctors of RR
Military Hospital to help them decide upon a case of Lost identity of a military lady officer who was in coma since last 6 months due to a serious road accident , I come across that same colleague as this patient. I had to make her remember me as only that would have assured the doctors to continue her treatment or else declare her brain dead. I made her recognize me. I made her live. I didn't make her lose her identity of being a living being.

Abhishek Agarwal

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is a special feeling to be a part of Limca Records. It is my first book and being a part of such prestigious list its overwhelming.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

I always wanted to pen down my thoughts and first step gave me the opportunity through " I" . It was a privileged to co-author it with 12 esteemed writers. to I am thankful to all and specially Rajesh and his team of first step for the co-operation.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My Story" Amchi Mumbai" talks about the experience that i had during stay in mumbai, and what actually makes the city different from the rest of the world. Right from impressing a girl to making new friends, Mumbai and Mumbaikars offer experiences which became un -erased pages of my life. I am sure that my readers will develop a new perspective of mumbai after reading the story.



Dr Nayab Patel

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

I feel very proud of the fact that I am amongst the handful of authors whose publication has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. Considering this is my second publication it is a huge achievement for a budding author like my self and others who have contributed towards "i". Although there were some delays with the publication, considering the book has made it to the Limca Book of Records for 2015 it was worth the wait.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

It is a real pleasure to work with First Step, they are very professional and proactive. They deserve credit for putting their trust in new/unpublished authors and giving us a chance to be able to get published. They have excellent Marketing and PR skills and make very good use of social networking website. I am looking forward to working with them in the future.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story "The best or worst years of my life" is about a school year in the live's of five friends. It has a mix of trust, emotion, jealousy and envy and tells a tale of how they go on from becoming the best of friends to complete strangers

Dr Roshan Radhakrishnan

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it?

It is really gratifying and a great honour to be a co-author in a
book that is now in the Limca Book of Records. Right from the very
concept onwards, the publishers looked to be unique among all the
anthologies available in India and I am glad it has been recognised.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

The whole experience of working with First Step Publishing was very
smooth. Everything was done with clockwork precision from the contest
entry dates to a timely announcement, lovely bio pages for each author
and publicity campaigns online.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "

My story "The Girl Without A Face" is a true story based on my
experience with a patient in an ICU and how her circumstances, her
attitude and her determination taught me a valuable life lesson.


Indu Pillai

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it? 

I think the concept of the book in itself was very unique and challenging. The news that 'i' has been entered into the Limca Book of Records 2015s Special Literature Edition is every more thrilling. This is a great achievement and I congratulate First Step Publishing and wish them many more such honours and accolades.

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing? 

It was an enjoyable experience. First step Publishing is that breed of publishers who are aiming to look at new formats and work with authors who are interested in telling stories in a unique way.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i " -

The central theme of the story is hope. During the span of just an hour or so the story takes you through the journey of a lifetime.

Paras Bandha

1. Now "  i "  has been entered into Limca Book Of Records 2015's Special Literature Edition. How do you feel about it? 
I would firstly, like to congratulate entire team and supporters of this book. Secondly, I appreciate each and every member of this book who is linked with this book directly and Indirectly. At last, I would like to sum up in short "It's a wonderful feeling to be a part of this book."

2. How as it working with First Step Publishing?

Working with Rajesh sir was wonderful experience but We are soon going to launch our next book as editing of that manuscript is done and I find probably fantabulous working with them.

3. Can you please share the gist of your story in " i "  

I" is itself explaining so many things within. All I can say is, one can see real life situation easily as this anthology acts as mirror.

Inviting Contributors

We would like to invite

1. Contributors for our magazine for both short story and poetry
2. Book Reviewers

3. Editors
4. Proof Readers

All of the above to work on an honorary basis.

Regular Contributors will be featured in our team section.

We would also like to invite Publishers and Authors to Promote their titles and advertise with us at economical charges.