Victoria's Journey - By Bhavna K. Mehta

Written By: Bhavna K. Mehta

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Bhavna K. Mehta presents "Victoria's Journey," a poignant short story submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This creative non-fiction work delves into the profound theme of motherhood, exploring the trials and triumphs faced by a young girl named Victoria in her quest for a better life. As part of the competition's diverse array of entries, Mehta's narrative stands out with its heartfelt exploration of resilience and hope amidst adversity.

About the Work

"Victoria's Journey" encapsulates the heart-wrenching and inspiring tale of a young refugee's struggle for survival and dignity. The story is rich with vivid imagery and emotional depth, capturing the harsh realities of displacement and the strength found in community and family bonds. Mehta's narrative style brings an authentic voice to Victoria's story, offering readers a moving glimpse into her world and the enduring hope that guides her journey.

Victoria's Journey

Original Submission by Bhavna K. Mehta

Theme: Motherhood

Word Count: 1196 words

Creative Non-Fiction

TITLE: VICTORIA’S JOURNEY by Bhavna K. Mehta

It was Friday and the English teacher listened to formal speeches presented by the students. Mrs M looked forward to listening to the students as it was a welcome break from having to teach all day. It also gave her a rare glimpse into the world of the students. She was aware that standing before a class and delivering a four-minute talk was a daunting task for most students, but many students surprised her with their interesting topics and their delivery. She consulted her mark-book and announced clearly, “Victoria, you’re next. Please come forward.”

Victoria was a tall, thin girl with high cheekbones. She was quiet and only spoke when addressed directly. Mrs M was aware that English was not Victoria’s home language and assumed that this was her largest barrier to integration in school. She was curious about this student with the dark, unfathomable eyes. Victoria fidgeted with her hands and her cue cards but there was a quiet determination in her voice when she began speaking.

“Good morning to my English teacher and my fellow classmates. My topic today is South Africa, Land of Hope.

I was born in a village on the outskirts of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the 14th of August 1986. I am the elder of two children. My father was a schoolteacher and my mother used to work in the fields and take care of us. My country has been ravaged by war and when the Second Congo War broke out in 1998, barely a year after the first war, there was widespread killing and torture…”

The class was silent as they listened in shock and horror to stories of massacres, the spilling of the blood of soldiers and innocents, and the death of thousands from starvation. Victoria continued with her story.

“One day, soldiers barged into our school and hacked my father to death before our eyes. My family and I hid in the bushes till nightfall until Uncle arrived with his family of four and some provisions. Then we began a six- month journey, mainly on foot, from the DRC through Zambia, Zimbabwe and then finally into South Africa.

But our problems were not over. Months followed in a refugee camp while authorities investigated the legitimacy of our request for refugee status. Another six months passed. Fortunately, a non-governmental organisation arranged for the children at the camp to attend a public school nearby.”

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Teacher 1: It’s not fair that our school has to be a dumping ground by the authorities for refugees from all over Africa. As it is, we do not get sufficient funding from the Department of Education and our resources for textbooks, stationery, furniture and teacher salaries are already stretched.

Teacher 2: I’m teaching for five years and I haven’t been made permanent yet.

Teacher 3: These students don’t even know English, let alone Afrikaans!

Teacher 4: I think we need to start an outreach programme to provide sandwiches and fruit for indigent children. We can conduct a Needs Survey to ascertain how many students need support.

Teacher 5: I can help you. I spoke to the chairperson of the school governing body and she knows a parent who is willing to donate bread and fillings for the sandwiches.

Student 1: As the Chairperson of the Representative Council of Learners, I would like to propose that we organise a team of volunteers who will make the sandwiches early in the morning.

Student 2: My father has been unemployed for six months. It’s not fair that our government takes in refugees who will then steal our parents’ jobs.

Student 3: It’s a well-known fact that the foreigners are willing to work for less wages. This will make it easy for them to steal jobs meant for locals.

Parent: I need to find a better school for my child. This school is becoming flooded with foreigners. First it was the Angolans, then the Zimbabweans and Mozambicans. Now, they’re arriving from the DRC. The classes are over-crowded. You can see that the standard of education is dropping already.

Entries from Victoria’s diary:

Sunday, 15 August 2001

I can’t believe that my Grade 12 year is almost over. Tomorrow, we start with our prelim exams. I have worked so hard. I need to pass this exam well so that I can start working. Mother is not keeping well but she doesn’t complain. She has to work as a domestic to feed us. Last night she was coughing blood.

Her employers are good people. They let us stay in the outbuilding for free.

Uncle is struggling. He cannot find a job. He sits outside the hardware store in the hope that he can get a piece-job painting or tiling.

Wednesday, 25 August 2001

Uncle was beaten up today. He received eight stitches to his head at the local hospital. The mob said we are stealing their jobs. There is something about watching grown-ups cry. It’s hard to describe.

Mother’s coughing keeps me awake at night.

Three days later, Victoria was standing in the principal’s office. She was surprised to see her aunt there. Mother was no more.

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Victoria was nervous as she stood before the door. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Then she knocked on the door. Mr Chetty opened the door. She could get the smell of the evening meal on the stove.

“I need to speak with Baas and Missus, please! It’s important.”

“Come in.” As he led the way to the lounge, he called out to his wife in the kitchen.

“I want to thank you, Baas, Missus - for the help with the funeral, food and everything. We really appreciate it.”

“It’s ok. It’s the least we could do to help.”

“But I still need your help.” Victoria got down on her knees and brought her hands together. Her eyes were big and beseeching. “Please don’t make us leave the servant’s room. We have nowhere else to go. I can work. I will do everything my mother used to do, after school and in the weekends. My brother Robert is eight years old already. He will help me wash the cars. I just need to finish my exams. You can pay me whatever you want. Just let us stay, please!”

Mr and Mrs Chetty looked at each other. Mrs Chetty nodded and then her husband spoke.

“Victoria, listen to me. We are not going to throw you and your brother out on the streets. There is no need for you to stress. Your mother was a good person. You want to finish your exams. Well, that’s what we want you to do. You are not alone. We are here. Study hard and get a good pass. Then we will talk about your future.”

Victoria felt a tight constriction around her throat. Tears were rolling down her face.

“Thank you,” she whispered. Her voice was hoarse.

It was drizzling as she made her way to the outbuilding. Her brother stood at the door and pointed excitedly at the sky. She looked up. A giant rainbow arched across the sky. Victoria smiled. They stood there, hand-in-hand, watching the sky.

………………………………………………. END ……………………………………….

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of storytelling and poetry. It invites participants worldwide to share their unique voices and narratives, fostering a global community of writers and poets. The competition highlights diverse themes and encourages creative expression, offering a stage for both established and emerging talents to shine.

We extend our gratitude to Bhavna K. Mehta for her touching contribution, "Victoria's Journey," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. We are honored to feature her work and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her storytelling.

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.