Seeing Off - By Paridhi Garg

Written By: Paridhi Garg

Category: Flash Fiction

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Paridhi Garg presents a compelling piece titled "Seeing Off" as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This work, categorized under flash fiction, delves into the transient emotions and reflections that accompany one's transition from life to death. The narrative encapsulates a unique perspective on self-awareness, offering readers a profound look at the protagonist's introspective journey during their final moments.

About the Work

"Seeing Off" captures the intricate dance between life and the afterlife, conveying a haunting blend of emotions through its evocative imagery. The narrative is steeped in melancholy, as it explores themes of unspoken love, regret, and the desire for closure. Paridhi Garg navigates these complex emotions with a lyrical and introspective style, allowing readers a glimpse into the protagonist's soul and their unfulfilled yearnings.

Seeing Off

Original Submission by Paridhi Garg

When you get the urge to write a story try to put it in some hard form right then, because the emotion fades if you don’t, the words move away, the story disappears. Tonight, here I am, writing in my room with four pens by my side, a blade on my right, aching wrist and completing what I got to say at last.

Pen slipping from sides, trembling hands try to write and a long sleep waiting beside.

I couldn’t write.

Hence, I hugged the night.

I woke up to the whispers of my name and sound of loud cries.

I am at my funeral. So many people crying. I can see them all. Yes, I am still here and I don’t know how, but I am here not dead not alive, just me with my non- alive life. I can see myself, lying on a floor. It’s the first time I am seeing myself as me not as a reflection nor an image, the real me, the one you people might see. To be honest I look cute. Never mind, of what benefit this cuteness is when I am going to see myself burning in a few hours.

So, here I am seeing them all, those as well I didn’t expect will come at all. They are crying, trying to talk and I am there, still and stalled.

My life as a movie is moving right in front of my dead eyes, even not so remembered ones are moving steadfast in light, then I saw you. Again.

All started to slow down, even my funeral is going to delay now. I might think to relive now but it’s too late to skip all this and meet you now.

This is strange. I wanted to leave peacefully with the ones that care for me, you are ruining this for me and you’ll never know the feeling of being so free and suddenly caged right after being airy.

The reason why all this happened is here, moving in and out of this me, thinking if he would’ve hugged me like this before, I wouldn’t be bleeding for 5 hours or so. I don’t know.

I think I am losing track of the time. It’s just about 5 minutes since I am staring you and I see some guys lifting me up. I cannot leave right now; I need to tell you that I loved you from near and far. No matter what but you were my star. But I guess nobody’s gonna know about the secret that’s only between us. The one that hides and wraps me in the dust.

I’ve started to feel warm, slowly the gravity is losing its charm, I am flowing to the arms of the clouds, covering the way of the sun and the ground. It’s getting dark, just how you planned and executed my death sequence with your just friends.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates literary excellence. It provides writers from around the globe an opportunity to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess. The competition is renowned for its diverse entries that span various genres, offering a rich tapestry of voices and narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Paridhi Garg for sharing "Seeing Off" with us as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. The narrative's poignant exploration of life's final moments leaves a lasting impact, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships. We appreciate Paridhi's contribution and look forward to more of their creative expressions 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.