When you think of poems, generally you think of sweeping emotions, groundbreaking notions and deep thoughts, and perhaps multiple layers that you can peel away and discover something new each time. Very rarely do we think of poems and humor in the same sentence. But this time, I really wanted to recite something that was full of mirth and dealt with everyday living. So here are two poems related to the gym and unwanted guests. Do listen to them to see the poet's humorous take on the two...

She has made a friend in her office. Or so she thinks. What happens to that friendship and how does she deal with its effects? A story that you can relate to, for most of us would have gone through a similar experience when we started working. Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/to-buddy-or-not-to-buddy-short-story/ Email id - [email protected] Link to other podcast platforms -...

Today I have 2 very special poems for you. What Are Days Like? and Joy on The Wings of Hope. Both poems are part of a poetry book titled Islands in The Stream written by the very talented Sonal Singh, published by Authors Press, and available on Amazon. In What Are Days Like? she compares the days to mischievous children who are bargaining with the Sun for some more playtime. It starts with all this action; the bargaining by the days, then sulking and resisting, and then it segues into the...

So, today is very special. This is the 50th episode of Shweta’s Basket, a half-century. When I started Shweta’s Basket, a short stories and poems podcast in March 2020, I had no idea where this would lead. The only thought was to narrate stories written by you and me…The regular people, who had no platform to showcase our work and also to gift the listener a smile just like audio stories do for me. But this was completely new and I was not sure if I could do it, or what it entailed. But I...

Is love forever? Does it transcend death? What does one do when the love of one's life, one's partner of years & years passes away. Does life stop? Or can one find a reason to go on? Something that sparks the desire to live this life and live it to the best of one's ability. Listen to find out how the protagonist deals with the loss of her husband. What inspires her to go on.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post...

There are two beautiful poems in this episode for you. Both are total opposites but are heartfelt and a result of what the poet with her sensitive soul has seen, felt and experienced. 'The Hungry Flames' was written in the midst of the Second Wave of the pandemic when all around there was misery and devastation. "The Support System' is all about feeling strong and powerful because of the right support system and both poems are such a mirror reflection of today's life. This pandemic has made...

Daniel had everything going for him – a good job, great friends, a beautiful wife but on that fateful day, he was home alone? Why was he alone, what happened on that day? Listen to the episode and find out what happened.   Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below).   Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/the-missing-piece-short-story/  Email id - [email protected]   Link to other podcast platforms -...

A poem about 'New Hope', new aspirations, new goals. This poem is full of positivity and proactiveness. It’s not a passive poem, it’s a take-charge kind of a poem. The emphasis is on gaining new experiences and forging ahead with courage in our hearts.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/nayi-aas-hindi-poem/ Email id - [email protected] Link to other podcast platforms -...

Everybody deserves a second chance in life. This is a beautiful story showcasing the opportunity and an innovative and creative system of correction that helps people who want to grab that chance with both hands. The story of Deepak and his desire to lead a life of love & dignity. He was a convict and to find out how he turned his life around, do listen to the story.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post -...

This poetic prose written in Hindi is full of deep longing and soulful yearning. It tucks at your heartstrings. Through these lines, you can feel the poet’s pain and his struggle. And even though the love remained unexpressed, it ended in hope and that's just beautiful.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/umeed-hindi-poem/ Email id - [email protected] Link to other podcast platforms...

The old couple lovingly referred to as Mama and Mami are getting by in life. Mama is due to retire shortly. Theirs is not a story of hot and passionate love but love of a life spent together. Mama & Mami are so comfortable in each other’s company. Theirs is a love that runs deep and needs no extravagant overtures of love. But on the day Mama is supposed to retire, riots break out. He is still at the bank, where he works. Will Mami lose him too, she has already lost her son. To find out...

The old couple lovingly referred to as Mama and Mami are getting by in life. Mama is due to retire shortly. Theirs is not a story of hot and passionate love but love of a life spent together. Mama & Mami are so comfortable in each other’s company. Theirs is a love that runs deep and needs no extravagant overtures of love. But on the day he is supposed to retire, riots break out. Will Mami lose him too, she has already lost her son. To find out what happens to their love story, listen to...

And Shweta's Basket is back with a brand new season.  Let’s celebrate the magic of short stories & poems. They are truly magical, aren’t they? They make us feel… Happiness, heartbreak, horror, hope, hatred and so much more. Namaste people, Welcome to Shweta’s Basket, a stories & poems podcast. I am your host Shweta Singh and each week; I will bring an incredible new story or poem for you. Welcome to Shweta’s Basket, a weekly stories & poems podcast and I am your host Shweta...

This episode is part of the #firstparty celebratory contest of Shweta's Basket, marking our first anniversary.  This game is called Drabble Sandwich and you have to answer the 10 questions, in order they are asked. These questions are asked, in between reading of the drabbles (pieces of fiction of exactly 100 words). The drabbles are for the listeners to enjoy and see how even 100 words can express so much. And the 10 questions are divided into 5 pairs. All questions are super easy and...

Sometimes our love is not enough. Sometimes there is no happy choice, only one less grievous than the others. What does Sam love and why can't she save her love? Listen to find out.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post -  Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for Website - https://geeks.artoonsinn.com?aff=shwetasbasket Narrator - Shweta Singh Writer - Natasha Sequeira Music - Mixkit #shwetasbasket...

A poem of loss, love and memories. A poem of sadness and yearning that ends on a note of hope, of moving forward, albeit with the shadows of the past. Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post -  Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for Website - https://geeks.artoonsinn.com?aff=shwetasbasket Narrator - Shweta Singh Writer - Nisha Tandon Music - Mixkit #shwetasbasket #podcasting #podcaster #podcastindia...

How would you react to going through an experience where, something you hated to begin with turns out to be something you love now. Our experiences change us. Listen to the episode to find out how this protagonist's hate, turned into love.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/an-arachnid-anecdote-short-story/ Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for Website -...

As the writer says, sounds like a very mouth watering title, right? Well he says listen to the story and then see how you feel about Besan Laddu.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/besan-laddu-short-story/ Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for Website - https://geeks.artoonsinn.com?aff=shwetasbasket Narrator - Shweta Singh Writer - Sandeep Jumrani Music - Asepirawan20...

He is Mrs. Daisy Duncan's non-human confidante. He knows her secrets but as long as they are juicy he is willing to go along to keep them. What secrets you ask? Well, listen to the story to find out.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/the-conundrum-short-story/ Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for Website - https://geeks.artoonsinn.com?aff=shwetasbasket Narrator -...

Sometimes the bad things are not so bad after all. They turn out to be a blessing in disguise. All we need to do is adjust our perspective a little. Listen to this story to find out how the protagonist finally learnt to enjoy the situation she found herself in.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/lotus-stem-with-gramflour-short-story/ Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for...

Domestic violence is an age old story. But slowly the voices are emerging from behind closed doors. More such stories need to be written and read to make it a subject that woman can talk about without feeling guilty or the fear of being persecuted.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/splash-of-sunshine-short-story/ Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for Website -...

Time and tide as they say, wait for non. Here the poet is reminding us the same thing. And also advising us to make promises and memories and to tuck them away safely with love. In today's world, which is in the grip of fear and despondency due to Coronavirus pandemic it is a very relevant poem.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/mein-samay-hoon-hindi-poem/ Email id -...

When hate and vengeance are upper most in peoples' mind and heart. Even more than innocent lives. Listen to this story to find out what happened to innocent Piu.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/it-flows-gently-on-short-story/ Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for Website - https://geeks.artoonsinn.com?aff=shwetasbasket Narrator - Shweta Singh Writer - Esther...

We expect our elderly to behave in a certain manner. There is this stereotypical image that we have of what they should be doing after a certain age. The question of doing something new and exciting and invigorating is almost unthinkable. The max they can do is get into a sedentary or religious activity. Well, this story challenges that mind-set. Let us hear what this sexagenarian doctor wants to do?   Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided...

This poem is a fun take on all the poetry forms that follow a strict syllable count like #haiku, #tankas, #cinquain and #sequin. It's about how tough it is to find the right words and feelings and then tailor them to a #syllable #count.  Please leave a comment under the post on the website (link to the post provided below). Link to the post - https://shwetasbasket.com/naughty-syllables/ Email id - [email protected] Geeks Room Link for Website -...