The Capybara and The Ghost - By Hanvitha Golla

Written By: Hanvitha Golla

Category: Story

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the enchanting short story "The Capybara and The Ghost," Hanvitha Golla crafts a narrative that explores themes of friendship and memory. This story is a notable entry in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, a prestigious event hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. Golla's tale invites readers into a world where the past and present intertwine through the unexpected return of a long-lost friend.

About the Work

"The Capybara and The Ghost" is a poignant narrative that masterfully weaves elements of suspense and nostalgia. The story begins with a whimsical scene of a capybara and a mysterious painting, swiftly transitioning into a deeper exploration of loss and reunion. Through vivid imagery and a gentle narrative style, Golla captures the enduring bond between friends, even beyond the boundaries of life and death.

The Capybara and The Ghost

Original Submission by Hanvitha Golla

Name: Hanvitha Golla | Admission No.: 3775 | Grade & Division: Grade 6D

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The Capybara and the Ghost

― A Short Story of Friendship and Memory ―

Once upon a time, there lived a capybara who loved decorating his little home with beautiful paintings. One day, he ordered a painting that he had been waiting for.

When the painting arrived, he noticed something strange. There was a dark, unusual line in the painting that almost looked like a ghost.

“Hmmm… It must be a mistake,” he thought.

He didn’t think much about it and went to bed.

That night, something strange happened.

A dark, shadowy figure slowly emerged from the painting. It was a ghost!

The ghost moved closer and closer to the sleeping capybara. Suddenly, a strange sound woke him up. The capybara screamed and ran!

The ghost chased him through the house for what seemed like two long hours. Finally, the frightened capybara found a hiding place in the kitchen.

Then he remembered something he had heard before: “Salt can drive away ghosts!”

He quickly grabbed a handful of salt and threw it at the ghost. The ghost cried out in pain. Then, something unbelievable happened.

The black ghost slowly turned white. The capybara stared at it in shock. The ghost had the same shape as a capybara.

Then he realized the truth. It was his best friend!

Ten years earlier, the capybara and his best friend had been the best of friends. They did everything together. One day, they were crossing a road. His best friend crossed first, but before the capybara could follow, the traffic light changed. Suddenly, a truck came rushing toward them. The accident took his best friend’s life.

The capybara was heartbroken. The memory haunted him for a long time, but eventually, he learned to move forward with his life. Now, after all these years, his best friend had returned as a ghost.

The ghost looked at him gently and said, “I only wanted to see my friend one last time.”

The capybara stood silently, unable to say a word. For a moment, they looked at each other just like they had years ago. Then, the ghost slowly faded away. And just like that, he was gone.

The capybara looked at the painting. This time, there was no strange line. There was only a beautiful picture of two best friends standing together.

- THE END -

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a platform celebrating the art of storytelling and poetic expression. This annual event welcomes writers of all ages and backgrounds to share their unique voices and narratives with a global audience. Participants explore a diverse range of themes, aiming to captivate and inspire through the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hanvitha Golla for sharing "The Capybara and The Ghost" with us in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her story of friendship and memory resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on all who read it. We look forward to seeing more of Hanvitha's 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.