The Priority - By Hema Seneviratne

Written By: Hema Seneviratne

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "The Priority," a short story by Hema Seneviratne, readers are invited into a world where family dynamics and personal challenges intersect. This poignant narrative is part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, showcasing writers from across the globe. Seneviratne's tale captures a family's journey through personal trials and the enduring power of love and understanding.

About the Work

"The Priority" delves into the emotional landscape of a family grappling with unforeseen changes. With a focus on character development and realistic dialogue, Seneviratne crafts a story rich in emotional depth. The narrative's central theme of resilience and personal growth is highlighted through vivid imagery and a compelling storyline that resonates with universal truths about family and relationships.

The Priority

Original Submission by Hema Seneviratne

The Priority

An unusual gloomy atmosphere pervaded the usual, cheerful glee of our

house. At first it puzzled me, but soon I understood the cause-it was due to my sister who had apparently locked herself in her room. Her quiet sobbing, reached us through her closed door. She had not gone to work; I was amazed by her strange behavior, I did not know what to think. I knew her to be one, who could never sacrifice even a day to stay back from work. I was six years her junior, but she looked much prettier and dainty. I was still schooling when she was teaching in a recognized school in town as a graduate of English literature. To my knowledge she was the only teacher who had done both English and Sinhala for the degree.

I was astonished to see my mother and my brother looking annoyed, in a mood, with no interest or care for my sister. Generally meal times were fun. We related what had happened during the day, shared the fun and gossip, teasing each other, complaining of each other’s shortcomings; these made our meals much tastier and delicious.

My sister was a very sociable lady having a vast circle of friends of both genders. She had been quite popular among them, even at her university. She was a bookworm reading whenever she got a chance to sit down. As a result, she was versatile and as a student she led the school debating team, a pioneer handling literary work, organizing drama clubs and even wrote poetry and prose.

Both my parents been Heads of schools, were much concerned about

our discipline. I wonder if I am right when I say, we had no home but another school after coming home from school. Every act was scheduled; getting up in the morning, meal times, praying, attending to school work and even the little chores like closing windows before lighting up in the evening. Going to bed too was to be done according to an allocated time. Still, my brother won a soft corner from both my parents as he was the eldest. He too in his small capacity enjoyed playing an authoritative role, which pleased my parents. At this juncture, he seemed to have taken an upper hand regarding my sister. He ignored her totally not even bothering to find the cause for her silence.I was only an observer, puzzled amazed, annoyed and sincerely very much worried.,

The usual jabbering, teasing annoying others in an amusing manner

that made my house filled with fun faded away. I used to always have the radio on whenever I am at home. That interest slowly left me and made me think of my house as haunted. What was going to happen? How could she bring about this unthinkable change into our family? I was no one to make any guess and as I mentioned before, just be an inquisitive observer. However,and whatever, the present state of things has brought about a gloomy, agonizing environment to my house which has been generally

full of joy and laughter.

My sister’s friends were a serious lot concerned about literary,classical thinking , who read widely, exchanged books, had discussions, criticisms, appreciations and what not? We, her siblings too enjoyed their company. My parents never objected

to her such associations. Then, I went back in thought and wondered about a boy who was different from the rest. He was quiet and spoke sense unlike others who at times had high fun, and were boisterous. This particular boy was serious and gentle. We liked him and were very free and close to him. He visited us very often. I now feel we too should get the blame fo encouraging them to be attracted to each other.None of us could find a reason why it should not be so. As both of them were young and employed, my parents consented to their request.

Fortunately or unfortunately, we had never tried to find out about his environment. We only knew him to be the only child of a very religious family. When their idea of marriage was put across to his parents, it was an emphatic NO from them. They were not prepared to accept anyone other than one of their religion . They did not turn their ear to his pleadings. We could not get involved at this end as his parents had prohibited him visiting us. Not only my sister, but we too suffered most at this end.

Realizing that it was a useless effort to make up, she bore the parting. What she did thereafter amazed us all. She devoted all her time to the children she was teaching She conducted after school classes at school, got them involved in many useful activities and especially concerned with literary education.

It was her turning point in life, the day she staged a drama based on a book by a famous writer. The children decided to invite the writer as the chief guest. The principal was much pleased after watching the rehearsal and gave them permission to invite him.

The great day came, and the hall was full of school children and

teachers. The stage was decorated to suit the occasion.An unusual but striking welcome was given to the chief guest by the main actress dressed as the character she was acting.

He would never have expected that his book could be turned out into a realistic production by a teacher just a few years older than her students. As the curtain closed, bringing the drama to an end, there was an earsplitting applause from the audience. The announcer invited the writer on to the stage to speak few words on their task.He commented very positively on the production, praised the main actress for her role, and generally praised the school for encouraging such activities. He had learnt my sister’s name and about our parents from the principal. Before he left he had a friendly chat with the caste and my sister.

As days passed, I observed my sister involved in deep conversations, focusing on reading and even writing. One day, she told my parents that he wished to visit her. As usual, my parents did not object and he was invited to lunch. We saw him as a very friendly person as he never ignored us. His talks on books and poets were enjoyed by my parents too. My sister had full freedom to associate him. Though he was very fond of us, as small as we were, we could not bring ourselves to like him the way we liked my sister’s former friend.

My parents, especially my mum would have felt that this too would turn out to be an attraction.She had read a few of his books and was critical of some.My father who is musical was fond of poetry, and he liked his poems.He used to recite some of them at meal times. My mother was not very enthusiastic. I don’t say she had a poor opinion about him but I knew who and what my parents were. They being Heads of schools handling children for so many years, were very cultured, religious, disciplined and played an exemplary role. But, in my small capacity, I understood this new friend was not overbearing, he was holding a high government post and was well to do.

I too made up my mind to read some of his books. In most of his books he had dealt with much insistence on ‘Humanity’. This was enough for a person like me to call him a gentleman. Finally, there began the problems that had to be met. Same scenario as the previous! When this proposal was put across to his family, his siblings showed much reluctance to give him consent.His father had died early; his mother was reluctant to

oppose her other children. But, he never cared for their objection. He convinced us of his headstrong determination to make my sister his life- long partner.

I was deeply concerned about my sister’s plight. It was a difficult task on my side to conclude what would be the best for her. But she seemed to be sure. As time rolled on, I understood my sister was right.

I remember her marriage function which was a sober, solemn function. And what did we get after all her toiling? Things like religion, status, wealth and family background are only secondary to deal with when it comes to a serious concept like marriage. The priority should be mutual understanding, caring for each other, and the ability to possess patience when facing problems in life’s journey- slight or massive.

No. of Words: 1438

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary excellence worldwide. It encourages writers to express their unique voices and share stories that resonate with audiences globally. This competition is a testament to the power of words and creativity in bringing diverse perspectives together.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hema Seneviratne for sharing "The Priority" with us. This captivating short story, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offers a profound exploration of life's complexities and the enduring bonds of family. We look forward to more inspiring works from Hema 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.