Arson #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z

My theme for this year’s Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is Crime Stories in 55 Words. Today’s story, A is for Arson…

A

55 Fiction[3]

Smoke billowed into the air, and debris littered the lawn.

The fire-fighters were taming the flames which were engulfing my house from all sides, as my neighbors and I looked on with disbelief and shock.

A veiled look of panic crossed my face when the officer asked, β€œWhy there isn’t any furniture in your house?”

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Image Courtesy : Pixabay

Comments

131 responses to “Arson #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z”

  1. Anmol Rawat Avatar

    Ok, that has left me with questions! Intriguing one. All the best for the challenge and do tell me why? :p

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Glad that you found this intriguing! Reasons… could be many!
      One could be he deliberately set fire to his house to claim fire insurance!
      Thanks Anmol and good luck to you too for this A to Z Challenge!

  2. Sanch @ Sanch Writes Avatar

    Haha…amateur arsonist! Great start Shilpa.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      You bet! Thanks Sanch!

  3. My Era Avatar

    Scandalous!
    Love your theme, Shilpa. What an exciting start to the A to Z Challenge. Keep ’em coming

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, ME. Glad you liked the theme and this story! πŸ™‚

  4. susan scott Avatar

    Well, you were first out the house Shilpa for sure! It’ll be several hours before my ‘A’ post goes up!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      I am looking forward to read your posts, Susan πŸ™‚

  5. Swathi Shenoy Avatar

    That was a brilliant start πŸ™‚ Way to go Shilpa πŸ™‚

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Swathi. Loved your take on various Arts too πŸ™‚

  6. Random Musings Avatar

    Brilliant – Definitely left me wanting more!
    Debbie

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Debbie! Glad you liked this attempt!

  7. Shailaja Avatar

    And she begins with a spark! What a spark to be sure. You are going to ace this A to Z πŸ™‚ Fabulous arson story, Shilpa!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you for kind words, Shaialja. I am hoping so too!
      Loved your story with a fab twist too πŸ™‚

  8. Rachna Parmar Avatar

    Aha The Queen of 55er.This one ain’t getting any insurance money for sure.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Not a single penny for him from the insurance guys, for sure!
      Thanks a lot, Rachna. You are generous! πŸ™‚

  9. Shalini Avatar

    For a crime fiction, this one has great tongue in cheek humour!!! Brilliant.
    Looking forward to tomorrow’s tale!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Glad you liked this 55 Fiction, Shalini πŸ™‚

  10. Parul Avatar

    Interesting! Well, at least they caught him. Such a perfect start Shilpa!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      They are smart guys, indeed!! Thanks Parul πŸ™‚

  11. Ramya Abhinand Avatar

    Ah ha.. why did he have in mind? I may go with Rachna ‘s comment… If its for insurance he surely isnt getting amything….

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Yes, claiming insurance money was on his mind!!

  12. Suzy Avatar

    Shilpa you are the queen of the 55s. Trying to cheat is a silly thing to do. Nicely written.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Well said. You can go a long way on the path of cheating and fraud! Thanks Suzy!

  13. Pooja Sharma Rao Avatar

    lovely tale with a twist !

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Pooja πŸ™‚

  14. Modern Gypsy Avatar

    Now that’s an interesting twist! And in 55 words – kudos!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Shinjini πŸ™‚

  15. Chicky Avatar

    Fraudulent fire insurance claim? πŸ˜€

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Yesss… that failed! πŸ™‚

  16. Vidya Sury Avatar

    Yes! Well done. Perfect punch line, Shilpa! Caught eh? What a great beginning for a story!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you so much, Vidya!
      Loved your today’s post πŸ™‚

  17. Debbie D. Avatar

    Looks like she didn’t get away with it. πŸ™‚ This is a fun theme. Looking forward to reading more.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      No, she/he didnt get away with it!!
      Thanks Debbie. Looking forward to your visits here and I must tell you that I enjoyed reading your boarding school memories πŸ™‚

  18. Eva Avatar

    Your theme seems quite difficult!
    I like the first story (and I learned the word arson!

    —–
    Name: Eva
    Blog: Mail Adventures
    #AtoZ Challenge Theme: Postcards
    Letter A: Adventurers. Because any postcard is a little adventure, isn’t it?

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Yes, it is a bit challenging but I love it πŸ™‚
      You have an interesting theme, Eva. Liked your postcard on Wright Brothers today πŸ™‚

  19. Mithila Menezes @fabulus1710 Avatar

    Hmm! This post made me a Watson to your Sherlock! I am currently in a detective mystery fiction stage, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to be hooked to all your posts. πŸ˜‰

    A brilliant start to April, indeed. πŸ™‚

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      I have been reading thrillers and mysteries off late and hence the inspiration for this theme. Thank you, Mithila. Glad you liked this story!

  20. Ramya Rao Avatar

    Oh I love crime stories. And this is an amazing start! Keep ’em coming!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Ramya! Glad you liked this fist story in this series!

  21. Namratha Avatar

    Intrigue, panic and caught in just 55 words! love the theme & the story. Adding you to my everyday visit list

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks for dropping by Namratha and glad that you liked this piece of writing. πŸ™‚
      Loved your cousins artworks on mental health! Kudos to her!

  22. Soumya Avatar

    Aha! Brilliant twist and tale, Shilpa. Looking forward to the others.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Soumya and I am looking forward to your take on various books this April πŸ™‚

  23. Vinodini Avatar

    You’re back with your witty stories, Shilpa! This is going to be fun. πŸ™‚

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Yes, am glad to be back at this space. Thanks Vinodini and loved your today’s letter on taming anger! Very relevant!

  24. Bellybytes Avatar

    Clever idea. But tough to tell a tale in 55 words! I know some people can’t even tell the story over an hour!!!! Look forward to other blood curdling stories ….

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Yes, weaving a tale in 55 words is challenging but I love to challenge myself in this way. Thank you, Sunita and looking forward to see you here and read your fascinating tales on textiles from A to Z too πŸ™‚

  25. Shraesta Avatar

    Really nice take off towards crime fiction . Waiting here as a eager beaver to read your full story.
    My wishes to you

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to read this 55 Fiction. Thanks for your good wishes and good luck to you too πŸ™‚

  26. Kalpanaa Avatar

    Aha! And therein lies the plot twist.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Glad you liked this twist in the tale, Kalpanaa πŸ™‚

  27. Jaishvats Avatar

    Interesting theme … Is it just insurance or something more sinister i wonder

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      I guess, insurance πŸ™‚
      Good to see you participating for this year’s A to Z, Jayashree πŸ™‚

  28. Rajlakshmi Avatar

    woaa that is very very suspicious!! what an ending!!! Loved it.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Glad you liked this attempt, Raj! Thanks πŸ™‚

  29. shubhangi srikanth Avatar

    Crime 55-ers look like a great idea! You are a master of twists!! Loved it!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Shubhangi. Glad you liked the theme and today’s 55er too.
      Loved your advice on dealing with argumentative people!

  30. Aditi Kaushiva Avatar

    I am so happy you are back with 55ers! Loved this! Great start! πŸ™‚

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      I am glad to be back too, Aditi! Thanks for your support.
      Loved your take on Hanuman’s birth story! Very beautifully done!

  31. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    Well, that didn’t work! Great little story.

    Click HERE to read my 200-word tale

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Yes, it didnt! Serves him right, though πŸ˜€
      Thanks, Keith. Loved meeting Arthur at your space today πŸ™‚

  32. Geeta Avatar

    So super duper happy you’re participating in the challenge! It’s been while I’ve read you!
    And this 55Fictioneer is perfect comeback!!

    Cheers

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      I am glad to be doing this challenge with you too, Geetika.
      Thank you for your kind words and looking forward to read you too, this April. Cheers πŸ™‚

  33. Jodie Avatar

    Ooooooh, love this!
    Great start to the challenge! Im excited to follow along πŸ™‚

    Believe In Fairy Stories – Theme – Folklore & Fairy Tales

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Jodie. Hope I am able to manage the excitement till the very end. πŸ™‚

  34. Shalini R Avatar

    And you start the challenge with a bang! Love your theme, Shilpa and this story is definitely intriguing! I thought somebody stole his furniture. Shheee.. Crap! I lack imagination πŸ˜›

    1. Holly Jahangiri Avatar

      πŸ˜€ That made me laugh. That, or you just assume the best of people.

      1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
        Shilpa Garg

        Isnt she a sweetheart, Holly? πŸ˜€

    2. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      That’s some imagination, Shailini πŸ˜€
      Thank you for the nudge, Shalini. Appreciate your mail back then! πŸ™‚
      And I looking forward to lots of mouth-watering recipes and travel tips! Cheers πŸ™‚

  35. Sheethal Avatar

    The Queen of 55 fiction! Loved the ending.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Sheethal. Glad you liked it πŸ™‚

  36. nancy thornton Avatar

    i look forward to reading your posts. 55 words…i’m impressed!
    i’ll be posting mine later today. goodluck! Nancy at Lightheaded

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks for dropping by, Nancy. Appreciate it.
      And am looking forward to know all about your mother πŸ™‚

  37. nancy thornton Avatar

    i look forward to reading your posts.
    55 words…i’m impressed!
    i’ll be posting my blog for AtoZ later today. goodluck! Nancy at Lightheaded

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Nancy. Good luck to you too πŸ™‚

  38. C. Lee McKenzie Avatar

    Oops! Poor planning. Congrats on jumping into the A to Z!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Yesss, after all he was not all that clever! Thanks Lee.
      Wish you were joining in too!!

  39. Mayuri Nidigallu Avatar

    Loved the twist, despite the poor planning:)

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks Mayuri. Glad you liked this 55er πŸ™‚

  40. lissa Avatar

    well, yes, why there aren’t furniture in the house? curious story. great start for the a-z challenge

    have a lovely day.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      May be was trying to act smart but was not so smart after all.
      Thanks for dropping by, Lissa. Hope to see you around πŸ™‚

  41. sheela Avatar

    A good start Shilpa! Loved your theme for the challenge! Waiting to read more of those stories. Best of luck!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks Sheela for your kind words.
      Glad that you are participating too this time. Looking forward to read your 55ers πŸ™‚

  42. Sreesha Avatar

    And your A to Z begins with an explosion!
    I love these intriguing tales written with so few words and end with the reader going “Ahhhhh, so that’s what that was.”

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks a lot, Sreesha. I am glad that you liked this attempt.
      I loved your idea of sharing the story in snippets and then leaving it for the reader to interpret the complete story. Looking forward to read your stories πŸ™‚

  43. Elixired Avatar

    In those limited lines you say a lot, there is always hidden something and I so love reading you πŸ™‚

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks a lot for your kind words, Shesha! You made my day β™₯
      Arent you participating in AtoZ this time?

  44. Holly Jahangiri Avatar

    Hahahahah!! Well done.

    Just like your house. πŸ˜‰

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks Holly! πŸ™‚

  45. Manisha Avatar

    Wow! The end was the beginning of too many questions.

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Manisha. Glad you liked this 55 Fiction.

  46. JazzFeathers Avatar

    Well, let me just tell you, that last sentence chilled me!

    @JazzFeathers
    The Old Shelter – 1940s Film Noir

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you Sarah. Good to see you here πŸ™‚

  47. Nibha Gupta Avatar

    Crime stories! My favourite! You are back in action with 55ers! Good luck!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Nibha.
      Loved your theme and I am looking forward to your snippets of love too.

  48. Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine Avatar

    Interesting question. I wonder what the answer is….

  49. Shilpa Garg Avatar
    Shilpa Garg

    Arson!! πŸ™‚

  50. Vinay Leo R. Avatar

    Furniture is expensive I guess, that he removed it before the arson! πŸ˜‰ Loved the twist again!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      LOL πŸ˜€ May be… who knows what goes on in a twisted mind.
      Thank you, Vinay. Glad you enjoyed this 55er πŸ™‚

  51. Dahlia Avatar

    Nicely done!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thank you, Dahlia πŸ™‚

  52. Michelle Wallace Avatar

    Great twist to your piece!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks Michelle.

  53. Tina Basu Avatar

    I love crime stories Shilpa, waiting for more.

  54. Mocktail mommies Avatar

    Hmmm….interesting!!!

    1. Shilpa Garg Avatar
      Shilpa Garg

      Thanks Karishma!

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