Minaya Sivasubramaniam - By Kalhari Kaluarachchi

Written By: Kalhari Kaluarachchi

Category: Shor Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Kalhari Kaluarachchi presents "Minaya Sivasubramaniam," a poignant short story submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar. This narrative unfolds the life of Minaya, a housemaid navigating through personal turmoil and societal judgment, only to emerge transformed. The story is a testament to resilience and the power of change, capturing the essence of human endurance amidst adversity.

About the Work

"Minaya Sivasubramaniam" delves into the complex emotions of its protagonist as she confronts societal norms and personal tragedy. The narrative is rich with vivid imagery and emotional depth, offering a compelling portrayal of Minaya's journey from despair to renewal. The story's mood shifts from tense and sorrowful to hopeful, reflecting the transformative power of human spirit and kindness.

Minaya Sivasubramaniam

Original Submission by Kalhari Kaluarachchi

Minaya Sivasubramaniam

Suddenly, Minaya opened her eyes; it was the captain’s announcement. He asked everyone to be seated due to turbulence. Minaya was not bothered. She was already seated with her seat belt fastened.

Minaya Sivasubramaniam is a 32‑year‑old housemaid, returning home from Singapore to attend her mother’s funeral. Minaya was a widow. She lost her husband when she was only 20. In Madurai, India, she used to live in a remarkably isolated village.

Minaya ran towards the other side of the house when she heard a noise. It was a plate. She had just returned to the kitchen after serving her husband dinner.

Ravi Raj was her husband. He worked as a labourer at a construction site, earning a daily wage. Minaya was his uncle’s daughter. They had to get married as a family custom. Neither of them wanted the marriage. Minaya had no fondness for this man. She was a charming young girl who had just turned 16 when she was married. Ravi Raj was 36 at the time. He resembled a demon mask to anyone who saw him — a big rounded nose, big rounded red eyes, messy hair, and a face fully covered with a moustache. He was very dark and flabby. His routine was to leave early and return home drunk after dark. Coming home and being violent to Minaya was his evening job. Minaya was also dark‑haired, but a very charming girl. She was tiny and had no strength to fight back against this big man. With one slap, she would fall out of the house and sit behind the kitchen. Some days she even fell asleep outside. Her life was terrible. She couldn’t think of anything better.

When Minaya ran to check the noise, she saw her husband had thrown the dinner plate. Food was all over the floor. As soon as he saw her, he started screaming as loud as he could. “What have you cooked? You stupid woman, you don’t even know how to cook!” Ravi Raj shouted angrily, pulling her by her hair. Minaya was in deep pain, screaming and struggling to free herself. She pushed him as hard as she could. Suddenly, she got free — she never expected it. She turned back to see what happened. Ravi Raj had slipped on the spilled food, and his head was bleeding. A pool of blood formed within seconds. He was already dead from the head injury. Minaya was shocked. She didn’t know what to do. Her mother‑in‑law came running and started screaming, bringing the entire neighbourhood. She began accusing Minaya: “This woman is a witch!” “She killed my darling son!” “Someone call the police and take her to jail!” Terrified, Minaya ran to escape.

Minaya returned home, but her mother was not happy to see her. She questioned her endlessly until she understood why Minaya had come home. Her mother was furious when she heard what happened. She screamed as loudly as she could. “What an unfortunate thing! My daughter has become a widow!” She pulled Minaya’s clothes and removed the coloured plastic bangles she was wearing. “This is the end of your life. The colour of your life is gone. You are an unfortunate woman. You killed your husband. Don’t go outside; stay inside the house. You will be a bad sight to anyone.” By then, the whole neighbourhood had surrounded them. Minaya wasn’t sure what was happening. She came home seeking rescue, but she was in more trouble.

A couple of days later, the police came to the village. It was dramatic for the villagers. Everyone followed the police jeep. Female officers got off and went straight to Minaya’s house with the help of the villagers. Minaya was arrested.

All the villagers blamed her and her parents. It was a shame for the village. This was the first time police had ever taken a girl into custody — and she was a murderer.

Minaya’s father was a farmer. He was very old and ill. He couldn’t bear the blame or the pain. He didn’t come out of the house out of shame. He died within a few days after Minaya was arrested. It was another tragedy for her.

Minaya was kept in custody for a few days and then sent to court when the case was taken up. She was just 20 years old, but the complaints against her were huge. She had killed her husband.

The lawyer who represented Minaya was a newly practising government lawyer named Preeti Kumar. This case was a challenge for her. She was very keen on women’s affairs, and she sympathised with Minaya’s situation. Minaya had no one by then, and Preeti prepared well. Winning this case was important for her — not only for Minaya, but for her own career. The opposing lawyer was a very senior commercial lawyer, well‑reputed in town.

Minaya won her freedom. Preeti won the case. Minaya wasn’t sure whether to celebrate or what to do next. She came out of the court and sat on the edge of the staircase.

It was a great win for Preeti. She was over the moon. It took her a long time to leave the court. After all the greetings and discussions, she finally walked out. She had completely forgotten Minaya in her celebration. When she came out, she saw her client — innocent Minaya, the real winner — sitting on the court stairs like a loser. It was terrible. She felt ashamed of her joy. She felt bad about her professional victory while this woman had lost everything.

She walked to Minaya and sat next to her. Minaya’s eyes were tired and lost. The pain in them was unbearable. “Minaya, you’re free now. No one can call you a murderer. You’re free from all the blame. Instead of being happy, why are you sad?” Minaya looked at her and said, “Thank you, Madam. Thank you for your effort.” Preeti smiled. “You’re welcome. It is a victory for me too.” Minaya wasn’t sure what she meant, and it didn’t matter to her. “Minaya, I can drop you home if you like,” Preeti said, standing up. “Thank you, Madam, but I’m scared to go home. My mother must be upset. My Uppa’s death will not be easy for Amma.” Minaya said. “Let’s go, Minaya. I will drive you home. You’re not just a client to me; winning your justice is a major victory in my life.” Minaya smiled, not fully understanding her words.

Minaya was very quiet. Preeti was also quiet, having nothing much to say while Minaya was sad. Preeti suddenly got a call from one of her best friends in Singapore. She had recently given birth to a baby girl and was struggling without help. Minaya didn’t pay attention to the conversation. She felt her house was getting closer, and she didn’t want to go. After the call, both were quiet again. Suddenly, Preeti asked the driver to stop the car. She turned to Minaya and stared for a few minutes. “Minaya, would you like to go abroad for a job?” Minaya’s eyes widened, puzzled. She stared without answering. “Madam, I only studied up to 10th grade. I have no qualifications,” Minaya said, her voice shaking. “No, Minaya, you don’t need qualifications. I know you well now, and I know this job is ideal for you. Did you hear the call I got? She is my best friend from university. She recently gave birth and is struggling without help. I strongly feel you can go as a domestic helper. They will give you a reasonable salary and good facilities. You can help your mother too.” Minaya felt it wasn’t a bad idea. She had hope for her future.

Minaya put her seat upright and closed the window shutter. Through the flight window, she gazed far away. After ten years, she was returning home. In a few hours, she would land at Madurai Airport. She was no longer the Minaya who left home. She was a happier, better version of herself. Preeti’s friend had been very kind and paid her well. Minaya was returning home transformed. She didn’t feel emotional about her mother’s death. She was returning to farewell her biological mother as a delicate woman.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices and creative expression. Participants from around the world share their unique perspectives through poetry, short stories, and essays, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature. The competition emphasizes the importance of storytelling in understanding and connecting with the human experience.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kalhari Kaluarachchi for sharing the moving story of "Minaya Sivasubramaniam" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary world and inspires readers to reflect on themes of resilience and transformation. Thank you for your contribution and for bringing Minaya's journey to life.

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.