Life in a Dorm - By Shivangi Dasgupta

Written By: Shivangi Dasgupta

Category: Short Story

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Shivangi Dasgupta offers a poignant exploration of isolation and identity with her short story, "Life in a Dorm." As part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative delves into the complexities of self-perception and solitude. Set against the backdrop of a desolate dorm room, it reflects the internal struggles faced by many. Through vivid storytelling, Dasgupta invites readers to ponder the weight of expectations and the silence that often accompanies it.

About the Work

"Life in a Dorm" envelops readers in a somber and introspective mood, capturing the essence of solitude through its rich imagery and introspective narrative. The story weaves a tapestry of emotions, juxtaposing the quiet despair of its protagonist with the external pressures of academic achievement. Shivangi Dasgupta crafts a reflective piece that urges readers to consider the impact of societal expectations on personal identity and mental health.

Life in a Dorm

Original Submission by Shivangi Dasgupta

It was a sultry June afternoon. I dragged my pen across the page, the ink fading with every letter. A domineering pile of textbooks loomed beside my table, casting shadows long enough to engulf my room. I never drew the curtains. Yet not a drop of sunlight flickered in.

I couldn’t remember how I sounded. Mama always joked that I had inherited my drawl from my father. As a child, I jumbled up syllables. Eventually, I stopped speaking.

I stood before the mirror. It seemed as though it was layered with moss.

I opened my mouth.

“Hello.”

My lips shifted. I heard no voice. Not even a whisper.

I tried to enunciate my name as I had been taught all my life. My mouth moved like rusted hinges. No sound trickled out.

Was I hallucinating? I probably was. I couldn't recall when I sat down to study. I took a break and lay down.

My eyes traced the calendar on the wall. The UPSC dates circled in red. The calendar seemed closer than usual. Were the beige walls closing in on me?

I shut my eyes. Glimpses of candidates rushing to see their results streamed in. The press and cameras crowded around them. I didn't see myself. Where was I?

I stretched my eyes open. A dust-laden telephone sat on the table. In three days, it would be ringing all day. Had it too forgotten the sound of its ring?

The headline in today’s newspaper read:

“21-Year-Old MBBS Student Dies By Suicide over Poor Grades in Kota”.

Or was it yesterday? No, maybe last week. But wasn't that a JEE student? I couldn’t be quite sure.

These articles blur into one another. If not for my current-affairs preparation, I would've skipped them entirely.

I placed newspaper bundles outside my dorm once a week.

A man in his late fifties stood before a bhelpuri stall, his mouth chomping obnoxiously while complaining about the insincerity of today's youth. The bhelpuri was wrapped in the same newspaper. His eyes never found those headlines.

But would mine, if my name was printed in there tomorrow?

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform for writers to showcase their literary talents. It celebrates creativity and diverse voices, offering participants the opportunity to present their work to a global audience. Through this competition, writers like Shivangi Dasgupta can share their unique stories and perspectives, contributing to the vibrant world of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shivangi Dasgupta for her thought-provoking entry, "Life in a Dorm," in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her story offers a deep reflection on personal and societal themes, leaving a lasting impression on its readers. Thank you, Shivangi, for sharing your voice and contributing to the literary tapestry of our competition.

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.