LOCKED IN - By Bihansa Yenuli Wijesinghe Jayawardena

Written By: Bihansa Yenuli Wijesinghe Jayawardena

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Discover the intricate family dynamics and societal expectations woven into "LOCKED IN," a poignant short story by Bihansa Yenuli Wijesinghe Jayawardena. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative offers readers a glimpse into the complexities of familial relationships and the diverse perceptions of marriage. With a focus on the protagonist's perspective, the story invites reflection on personal identity and the societal pressures faced by women.

About the Work

"LOCKED IN" delves into the intimate world of sisterhood, exploring themes of identity, conformity, and resistance. Through vivid imagery and candid dialogue, the story captures the protagonist's struggles with societal norms and her desire to protect her sister from domestic challenges. The narrative's tone balances humor and seriousness, offering a critical look at the normalization of concerning behaviors within a family setting. It raises questions about autonomy and the societal roles imposed on women.

LOCKED IN

Original Submission by Bihansa Yenuli Wijesinghe Jayawardena

LOCKED IN

by

Bihansa Yenuli Wijesinghe Jayawardena

The twinkles splashing over the moving sea waves while the sea breeze scrolling across the tiled hallway of our home, my sister packing up her newest saree collection and heading towards the market street with our father on his cart. She always says "my target customers are from the bars and the couples who come out from the boutiques, they are either proposed or getting ready for weddings, so I definitely sell at least five sarees in-between 7pm to 9pm".

I'm just the notorious daughter in our family. Therefore, I know nothing about business. But what I know is "marriage" is scary and it shouldn't be the ultimate goal. My mother hates my belief in marriage, but what to do? It was my own family that made me stand on this kind of belief.

I walked towards the large mirror hanging on our living room. Through it I could see the bright purple sofa set with green, yellow pillows and the tussles hanging across the kitchen entrance. Next to it was the TV stand with all the framed family and graduation photographs. My eyes went through each of them like a laser light searching for a spot, and finally it stopped on my sister's wedding photograph. Next to it was a picture of me kissing my sister while crying and I was looking like a psychopath with a half-gone hairstyle. Unknowingly a smile came into my face. "Huh, Niru why smiling alone?? Wondering about your dream man??? (Giggled) Here, I made some pancakes, take some...and there's ginger plain tea on the table. Go and take" my mother suddenly appeared. "Oh mommy!!! Dream man?? Oh never! Not in my whole life! Myself is my dream girl and that's enough" I replied while grabbing two hot pancakes and crunching a good honey socked piece out from one into my mouth.

"I don't know when this girl will grow-up!!" My mother said while rolling her eyes. And it didn't continue much. Her favorite daughter came home with some good amount of money after selling sarees. As usual, she was rewarded with the evening sweet treat and then she was allowed to go to her bedroom, freshen up and have dinner which will be served to her own bedroom by me (the little girl who loves to have dinner while talking with her sister on her bed).

" Ma'am may I come in! Would you like to have some seafood or some dosai ??" I entered her room with a silly joke as usual.

"Anything with you my girl boss" is my lovely sister's everyday reply.

Sister was ready with a good movie as usual for us to watch and we started. We cracked jokes, inside jokes, hugs, cries all in one. Almost an hour passed and I felt the movie getting bored, therefore I suddenly bumped into my sister with one another silly question as I always do.

"Sissy! By the way...why is my beloved brother-in-law not visiting us??? It's been a month now and as you said he was busy, but I don't think he's busy for the whole damn month !!! and you are almost 3 months pregnant with an unplanned baby!!" I asked. My sister looked at me and with a warm smile she said, "oh my sweety, he's busy, he got some important meetings to handle with his assistant manager, Ms Thishya!" She explained. "So, is he also busy when you two are together??" I was curious and I asked.

"Oh.. not always but yeah!! Most of the time. But it's fine right! As an understanding wife I should give him his space. He cares about me, listens to me ...so..." she was trying to stitch words from one another,

"Cares? Listens? When?? Does he give you time at home? Do y'all even eat together?? " I kept asking.

(A pause) She was thinking a bit, but again with a smile she replied, "darling he's super busy therefore he needs some time for himself as well! Therefore, sometimes I sleep earlier than him or he sleeps early than me, during weekends he go to meet his parents because if not he won't have time for that even. At least he's living with me! So, I should be glad right?"

She seemed to be normal, but I wasn't.

"Sissy... You are just living with him but not LIVING! It's not about just being there. you need to enjoy your marriage life! And what's meant by giving time?? Does he give you your time??" I shouted.

"Oh yes, sometimes even when I am sleepy at night, I give him whatever he wants. You know? There was this one night, I was super tired but he insisted that as a wife I should be available all the time. I believe he's correct! So, I kept myself awake the whole night." she said while laughing. I took her hands and pointed at some wound patches, "what are these then?" I asked. "Oh!! They were a mistake. He actually didn't want to hurt me, he just threw a pan to me, but unfortunately, I fell down hitting the lamp table (laughed as she was telling a joke), I went speechless. I asked "why did he do so?".

"You will laugh at me, sister. It was because I forgot to put his boiled egg to his lunch box that day. My bad, I know it's really bad!! He should have beaten me up! Because it's a good wife's duty to not to forget stuff, and to provide the best to her husband." She said with a very confident tone.

I was absolutely speechless. “What on this earth made this normalized? And how come my own sister considers this as a normal behavior?? How come she doesn't know this is domestic violence? Is she really carrying a baby because she also wants to?” I asked from myself.

I took a deep breath, looked into my sister's eyes and asked,

"Listen my darling sister, I don't know how this kind of a mentality grabbed your pretty soul! But I won't let you go to that man again!!! And didn’t he use protection? Or are you really….?" I kept a pause while looking at her eyes to let her comprehend what I am asking. She didn’t reply, instead her eyes reached towards the door behind me.

Unfortunately, it was our mother was right front standing in the entrance with a drained face, shivering.

"So, you are going to separate your pregnant sister from her husband, just like how you want to live without a man?? Are you jealous or lonely to live without a man?? Is it???"

She asked me. I stood up, I had no energy to fight or argue. I went to my room and LOCKED IN.

Later I heard my sister and my mother laughing loudly just like nothing has had happened.

-the end-

Written and submitted by-

bihansayenulij@gmail.com

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in literature. This competition invites writers from around the world to share their unique stories, fostering a global community of creatives. Participants explore a range of themes and styles, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bihansa Yenuli Wijesinghe Jayawardena for sharing "LOCKED IN" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our community and offers a valuable perspective on family and societal expectations. We look forward to more of your insightful storytelling.

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.