If You Can Believe - By Bhavna K. Mehta

Written By: Bhavna K. Mehta

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Bhavna K. Mehta presents a compelling tale titled "If You Can Believe" in the Short Story category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative narrative takes readers on a journey of faith, introspection, and ultimate realization. Set against the backdrop of an ashram and the challenges faced by the protagonist, Anand, the story captures moments of profound insight and personal growth. Mehta's storytelling weaves a tapestry of emotion and discovery, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of belief and grace.

About the Work

In "If You Can Believe," Bhavna K. Mehta crafts a narrative rich with themes of faith, resilience, and self-discovery. The story unfolds through vibrant imagery and a reflective tone, capturing Anand's journey as he navigates through physical and emotional trials. The piece explores the power of belief and the unexpected ways in which grace manifests. Mehta’s literary style is both engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to consider the deeper meaning behind life's challenges.

If You can Believe

Original Submission by Bhavna K. Mehta

Hashtag Kalakaar Submission 6

If You Can Believe by Bhavna K. Mehta

It was about half-past four in the afternoon. Anand staggered in the heat towards the white building at the end of the road. He lifted his right hand to his forehead to shield his eyes from the bright glare of the sun and instantly felt the sweat beads on his fingers. His knees were buckling but he mumbled, “Swami! Please help me. I can’t go on.” Almost as if in answer to his prayer, he saw in the distance, the red cross and the sign that read ‘CLINIC’. He quickened his pace and half-ran, half- walked the last twenty odd steps. He saw a man in a white coat with a stethoscope and tried to bring his hands together in greeting, but instead, he fell in a heap on the ground.

Someone was asking him questions. What is your name? Where are you from? When last did you eat something? Can you feel anything when I touch here? Keep still, I’m going to put up a drip for you. Anand was already drifting into oblivion. He felt himself sinking and his arms and legs stopped threshing about as weakness engulfed his body. Someone was holding his hand, lowering his head and speaking soothingly, “You are going to be fine. Close your eyes and get some rest. I am Doctor Shrinivas. I’m going to take good care of you.”

When Anand regained consciousness, the doctor was checking his pulse. The doctor smiled and said, “Hello Anand. It’s good to see you awake. How do you feel?”

“Where am I? How did I get here? What happened?”

“Nothing to worry. You are severely dehydrated and you have a temperature. Must be some bug you picked up on foreign soil. You are in India, at the clinic in the Āshram*. Young man, you collapsed on our doorstep. Do you remember coming here?”

“No. What time is it? I can’t miss my graduation. I must get back to the hall.”

“Hush! It’s too late for that. I’m sorry. Everything is closed for the day. It’s just after eight in the evening. The important thing is that you have woken up. That’s a sign that you are going to get better. We must thank our Lord. This is all His grace.”

“What grace? For the past year, I have been doing the International Youth Leadership Course, and the highlight was that the students who successfully completed the course would get to graduate in the ashram, the Abode of Peace, in the presence of the Lord, our Swami. Now, you say that I slept through it all! What cruel play is this?” Anand was crying now. The tears were streaming down his face.

The doctor wiped Anand’s tears gently and continued, “Do not question the Lord. Everything happens for a reason even though we may not know it at the time. The important thing is that you are awake and your vital signs are improving. Tell me, where are you staying? Is there someone who can take care of you?”

“I was at the ashram, but I checked out this morning. I’m staying with some friends at the Hotel Vishwas down the road. I have booked a taxi to Bangalore for two this morning. I must leave now as the ashram gates close at nine.”

“You’re travelling tonight?” The doctor was frowning. “I would not advise it. You’re not strong enough. Can you not postpone your journey?”

“No, I can’t. I must meet my Maasi*** tomorrow and two days later, I fly back home to Johannesburg from Mumbai.”

“You are too weak to travel but if you insist on going, I’ll give you some medication that will help you until you reach your mom’s family but I strongly advise that you rest and rebuild your strength for the next leg of your journey back home.”

Anand could not remember much of the journey to Bangalore except that he kept on slipping in and out of sleep and that the concerned taxi driver was constantly checking on him. When he was united with his aunt the next morning, she and the rest of the family fussed over him and insisted on taking him to their doctor for a check-up.

That night, as Anand tossed from side-to-side, he felt someone hold his hands; wipe the sweat from his brow and apply a wet facecloth to his forehead. In the background, he could hear the hymn “Why Fear When I am Here” playing. When he awoke the next morning, Anand knew that his fever had broken and he was out of the woods.

Back home, Anand narrated his story and concluded with. “I’m never going to get excited about meeting Swami again. It was just not meant to happen. I made the trip for no reason. No graduation for me and no blessings from Swami.” His mum opened her mouth to say something but then closed it again as she picked up a signal from the shaking head of Anand’s dad.

Six weeks later, Anand received a notification to collect a registered parcel from the post-office. He immediately recognised the post-mark and the tube- shaped holder. As he opened his scrolled certificate, his heart swelled with pride and joy to see his name. He fingered the embossed emblem and his name written in calligraphy. He couldn’t wait to show his certificate to his family. He carefully rolled his certificate back into the tube-holder and made his way to his car. He was about to drive off when he saw the security guard from the post-office at his window. He was holding something.

“Sir, you must have dropped this when you opened your parcel. I found it on the floor.”

It was a smaller scroll. But this was not a certificate. It was a letter and it was addressed to him.

My Dear Student Anand

I am sorry you missed out on your graduation. I know how much you were looking forward to it. The long journey and the three trays of golgappas** you ate from the food stall on the street, the night before, may have been too much for your system. We must be careful about what we put in. Food must be Satwik and taken in moderation. But you know that now. I had to make sure that you would be strong enough to make the journey back home. It’s now time to put into practise Swami’s teachings. Go and do your duty with kindness and generosity. Love all, serve all.

When in doubt, remember the bhajan, “Why fear when I am Here…”.

Swami

Anand got out of the car. His eyes were streaming with tears. He sank to his knees and bringing his hands together in servitude, he bowed in reverence, letting his forehead touch the ground.

The security guard looked at him in confusion.

“Are you all right? Can I get you some water?”

“I have never been better. I have been such an ignorant and ungrateful fool. Can I hug you?”

The guard looked at Anand’s eager face in confusion and said, “If you wish!”

The security guard was not prepared for the bear-hug and the heart-felt ‘thank you’. He could not explain why he felt his heart soar to the heavens in the embrace with this strange young man. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt the need to say:

“Thank you, son.”

………………………The End ………………….

Vocabulary

*Āshram – a religious or spiritual retreat

** Maasi – Maternal aunt

*** golgappas – a popular street snack made out of potato, chickpeas, flour, spice and onions

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates creativity and literary expression across various genres. This prestigious event brings together writers from around the world, providing a platform for sharing diverse voices and stories. Participants showcase their talents in categories like poetry, short stories, essays, and more, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of global narratives and perspectives.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bhavna K. Mehta for sharing her captivating short story, "If You Can Believe," with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a unique and thoughtful perspective to the event. We appreciate her contribution and look forward to seeing more of her inspiring work in the future.

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.