A Day in June - By Bhagya B.M

Written By: Bhagya B.M

Category: Short Story

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Bhagya B.M presents "A Day in June," a charming short story featured in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar. This narrative takes us through a single day in the life of Rima, a young girl navigating her world with curiosity and warmth. Set against the backdrop of a quaint home and the unpredictable June weather, the story invites readers into Rima's thoughts and observations, creating a vivid tapestry of everyday life and personal growth.

About the Work

"A Day in June" is a vivid exploration of simplicity and connection. With gentle prose and an eye for detail, Bhagya B.M crafts a narrative that captures the essence of a day filled with small adventures and personal reflections. The story balances themes of family, nature, and self-awareness, inviting readers to find joy and meaning in the quiet moments of life. The imagery of birds and the changing weather beautifully mirrors Rima's inner journey, making it a relatable and heartwarming read.

A Day in June

Original Submission by Bhagya B.M

A DAY IN JUNE

Rima found a small baby bird on the side of the grassy pathway. It looked scared and surprised to find itself staring into Rima’s eyes as she held it. Its beak was a little too big for its tiny head and the bright red tail feather stood out against the white of the birdling.

“Are you lost birdie?” said Rima aloud gently caressing it.

She placed the bird on the lowest branch of a shrub. The bird in turn stared at Rima and slowly hopped up the branches. It managed to reach the tallest branch of the plant and glided timidly to the bush nearby. Rima watched it delighted, for some time. It finally flew up and then back to an open field where the earth had been recently ploughed. A flock of birds sat on the field.

‘To meet it’s family or cousins,’ imagined Rima.

Rima walked up several steps to her home which gave the impression of sitting on a hilltop. She preferred this route, with her mom’s rose shrubs on the side, rather than the steeping road leading to the gates. Besides she prided herself on being nothing less than a mountain goat. The clouds had turned grey all of a sudden. The weather could never be predicted that June. She felt a drop of rain on her face as she looked up at the sky. Soon, she was running up the stone steps and speedy raindrops followed her. With muddy boots and wet jeans, Rima hurried through the back door of the house leading to the kitchen. As she stood at the doorstep, she set her boots aside and entered in. The rain couldn’t seem to make up its mind. Suddenly it stopped pouring but drizzled gently with sun shining through the clouds.

“I told you to take the umbrella,” chided Rima’s mother as she gave her a towel.

“You were right mom. And that is why you are the best,” cajoled Rima

“Go to the bathroom. I will get your pajama and shirt,” said her mother.

Rima felt refreshed after drying herself clean. She wrapped her hair in a towel and began sorting out the dried clothes which her mother had brought in from the terrace before it started raining. There was something soothing about freshly dried clothes with the lingering aroma of lavender detergent thought she as she folded them into a neat pile.

Her father sat on the sofa wearing his favorite shirt of light blue, reading the newspaper for the second time that day. He was ready to go for the monthly get-together of the townsfolk at the local community hall.

“Why don’t you come with us Rima?” asked her father looking up from the newspaper and glancing at his watch.

“Nah Dad. I came last month. I need to finish this book,” reminded she picking up a book titled ‘Trails of a Village’ from the table.

“Some reason you got,” smiled her father.

Rima didn’t want her father to know that the real reason she didn’t want to go was because she boasted about being an excellent dancer to her closest friend Preeth’s cousin brother, Vivaan and then when he challenged her to prove it, she had entertained everyone present there. Everyone had a good laugh looking at her as it seemed like she was trying to chase away a bee in her hair.

“But why did you have to take up the challenge stupid?” asked Preeth during dinner as people kept telling Rima to come every month to the function.

“In my head I was nothing less of Shakira,” said a pink-in-the-face Rima.

And so, she had decided to avoid the townsfolk for some time, perhaps eternity. She laughed at the idea. Her mother wore her newly purchased pink salwar kameez with a pastel green dupatta as she entered the hall.

“Mom, you look nice”

“Thank you, my baby. You can prepare noodles for dinner. There is Gulab Jamun as well”

“Yes. Don’t worry”

After her parents left, Rima sat reading for a while before her stomach began to grumble. She sauntered to the kitchen and found fresh cucumbers and tomatoes in a basket picked from the kitchen garden in the backyard. She washed a cucumber and a tomato and cut them into thin round pieces. She took out few big bread slices and glazed them with butter. “It’s my cheat day,” she said aloud as she placed the cut pieces cucumber and tomatoes on the bread, seasoned it with salt and pepper and few shreds of cheese. She then toasted the bread on a pan until the cheese had melted and the bread was golden brown on both the sides. “Perfect,” thought she.

She carried a glass of badam milk and a plate of sandwiches to the couch next to the window which had a serene view of the hills turning a hue of blue amidst the shade of green.

She saw a flock of birds fly against the distant sky and a smile reached her face.

THE END

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary creativity and expression. This prestigious event invites participants from diverse backgrounds to share their unique voices and stories. With categories ranging from poetry to short stories, the competition fosters a vibrant community of writers and artists, providing a platform to showcase their talents and engage with a global audience.

We extend our gratitude to Bhagya B.M for sharing "A Day in June" with us. This delightful short story is a wonderful addition to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through Rima's journey, readers are reminded of the beauty in everyday life and the power of personal reflection. Thank you, Bhagya, for your contribution and for bringing a touch of June's magic to our platform.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.