Run - By Seyara Vihansi

Written By: Seyara Vihansi

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In Seyara Vihansi's compelling short story "Run," readers are invited into a world of courage, justice, and unexpected connections. Presented in the Short Story category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative captures the essence of human resilience and the complexities of moral choices. Vihansi’s tale revolves around Davina, a young woman confronting her past and the consequences of taking justice into her own hands.

About the Work

"Run" unfolds with a gripping narrative style, weaving a story that is both poignant and thought-provoking. Seyara Vihansi crafts a vivid atmosphere filled with tension and introspection, as the protagonist, Davina, navigates the confines of her past and present. The imagery is stark and evocative, creating a profound sense of empathy and understanding. Themes of justice, redemption, and personal connection are skillfully explored, making this a memorable and impactful read.

Run

Original Submission by Seyara Vihansi

Run

by Seyara Vihansi

“Run, Davi, run!” I hear my mother’s gasping voice. It is very unfortunate for a daughter to hear her mother’s last words begging her to run for her life, and it is even more unfortunate for a daughter not to be able to listen to her.

Would I have listened to her if I didn’t see that fruit knife on the basket of blood-red apples? I would still not, for I am not a damsel, and not an innocent soul to run for my life, not without his blood spread across my sleeves.

I come to my senses as a bell’s echo rolls into the cell. Perhaps if he wasn’t a wealthy political donner, I would have ended up here.

It is then the guard comes to escort the inmates to kitchen duty. Honestly, this is the first beautiful sight I’ve seen since I came here.

He is broad-shouldered and tall. I only see his back as he unlocks the cell opposite mine.

As he turns toward mine, the first thing I notice is his deep blue eyes ,eyes that hide oceans and the deepest secrets. Dangerously attractive. There is something quite unexpectable to be in a prison guard’s shirt pocket with him, the book’s title shimmered faintly in the dim light which I instantly recognize as I too had the exact same book back then.

“Do you really want me to spend all my time here little miss Davina?” I look up only to realize that he has been waiting for me all this time while I was busy observing his physical perfection along with his reading taste.

“How do you know my name? and why do you talk to prisoners, with such respect? Specially knowing this is the cell block of murderers?” I ask honestly because I was surprised

“I wouldn’t know it if it wasn’t printed on your uniform” He says with a smirk “And as for respect, everyone deserves it prisoners or non-prisoners. After all, all of them had their reasons except for few psychopaths”.

“Let’s go shall we?”

I nod.

“Why are you not like the others?” I ask as we walk.

“What do you mean not like the others”

“Like, why do you justify crime or the violence?”

“I never justify crime, but violence. Because sometimes even thought it is utterly unnecessary it is not surprising.”

“No more questions little miss Dimples”

Heat rose in my cheeks while for the first time in my life I felt grateful for my dimples. Moreover, never have I ever felt someone so closer to my soul since I saw that title of the book and now with the cleverness of his speech.

“What’s your name?” I ask

“I thought you heard me loud and clear little Dimples.”

“Oh yes sorry”

I have to part him now as I arrive at the kitchen. I wave him goodbye as I see his face darken from an unknown sorrow.

“You are not to have this kind of conversations with a guard ever again Dimples unless you like both of us in trouble” he says with an alarming yet a teasing look.

“You hear me?” His smile returns.

“I nod as a walk into the kitchen to do my chores”

While I scrub the dishes I try to figure out what that feeling is. No one else have ever stood so close to my soul. And then suddenly I see the reflection of those ocean eyes from the huge steel pot that I am cleaning.

“Come with me”

I am shocked as he repeats. I have no option but to follow. I follow him through narrow path wishing others wouldn’t notice that I am with no handcuffs. No body seems to give much attention probably because it is a guard that I follow.

Then he stops making sure that no one is there and I look around to find a dull hall with empty cells.

“Tell me the truth Davina. I checked your case because the officer is a friend of mine. And tell me Davina are you really her? The daughter of Mrs. Hathway? The girl who killed her mother’s Perpetrator?”

I look straight into his eyes and nod

“I don’t mind dear Davina, if you hate me for the rest of your life hearing this but let me tell you, he.. he was my father whom I grew up hating,”

I look at him with disbelief and words failing me.

“After his death I gave up my job as a lawyer and became a guard in this prison knowing that the girl who killed my father will be sent here. I tried to find her so I can help her, because I know that she doesn’t deserve to be here. Now that I’ve found you let me help you Davina”

I still look at him with my vision blurred

“My mother was the only person on earth that I had and could call mine and as she left…. life lost its meaning to me. And now that I’ve found you… I..I don’t want to escape, for once in my life, I want to stay. I really don’t want to run for my survival once again, like I always do”….”But it is not here that I want to stay….with cells surrounding me and you….so I guess I’ll surrender for my emotions this time…”

He hugs me, and every bone in my body ignites.

“I don’t know if you have ever read Kafka but dear Devina, but perhaps it isn’t love when I say you are what I love the most but if I say, you are the knife I turn inside myself……..that would be the truest.

For a second you thought I am Milena, didn’t you?

“He looks at me surprised”

I nod before he asks me his next question. “You better know that my first impression of you was that book I saw in your pocket” I say with a smile.

“Devina, come with me. We should escape. Come Devina we must”

Then we start running, even though I sense danger, I want nothing but to stay by his side.

We successfully jump over the wall with the help of his friend and yes, my mind never lies when it warns, I feel a sharp, piercing sting in my back and for a second, I think I’ve been shot, my legs give in before I could run any further.

He came running towards me and I collapse in his arms..

“What is your name?” I gasp.

Azrael. His voice breaks.

“Do not fret dear Azrael but hold my hand, as I hold the death with my other, I promise to find you sooner in my next life.”

I see the ocean he has been hiding in his eyes all this time finally breaking, letting the storm inside his eyes spill onto my cheeks. And I… I drown.

Seyara Vihansi

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases a diverse array of literary talents from around the world. This prestigious platform celebrates the art of storytelling and poetry, offering writers an opportunity to present their unique voices and perspectives. Participants engage with a global audience, sharing works that challenge, inspire, and resonate.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Seyara Vihansi for her captivating short story "Run," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her narrative invites readers to explore themes of justice and human connection with elegance and depth. We look forward to more of her thought-provoking 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.