Jena pouted her lips for the perfect selfie, her head slightly tilted,the glass of red wine held in her perfectly manicured hand. She sent out her perfect shot to her Instagram followers- atop Burj Khalifa, a perfect Sunday.
She went back to her room and checked her Instagram. There were 1K likes and people swooning over her enviable lifestyle. She pulled the curtains and took out her cigarette. She had smoked 15 since the start of day and the bottle of Scotch was half empty.
Her real life was a stark contrast- drowned in depression, addicted to alcohol and cigarettes. Loneliness and the fear of losing out ate her up every day.
She woke up from her stupor suddenly , it was 3am. Enough of this pretentious life she thought.
She clicked a pic of her messy life and uploaded it on Instagram “No longer hiding behind a facade- Meet the real me”
Linking up with Rochelle Wisoff who hosts a weekly flash fiction for writers.
www.akswrites.com 
Loved it Akshata 👍 so relevant.
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Thx so much Meha!
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I attempted on this too. Do have a look when you have time.
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Brave girl to acknowledge and show what her life was really like. I liked this story because it’s relevant in today’s society. Nicely done.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thx a ton Susan. Ya it’s very relevant in today’s age not just for celebrities but all of us
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That takes real courage. Social Media is much more potent than any mirror if you want to take a good, hard look at yourself. Excellent flash fiction, Akshata.
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Thx so much Varad. True social media is indeed potent
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So I wonder what happens next. Celebrities don’t really like to accept reality
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My interpretation in this case is she is free, free from the pretentious life she was living and for her fans probably it was a shocker but they digest it and move on like everything else
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Takes courage to be the ‘real’ self online. On the flip, it’s far more fun!
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True it’s definitely more fun
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The real me. she needs to get out more…such a true reflection for half the world.
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True that James
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A very real problem indeed, all these mental health issues, encouraged by a virtual lifestyle. A very topical piece.
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Thx so much Kelvin
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I like to think behind although those pics of people looking glamorous and enjoying various exciting lifestyles, that really they’re all the same as the rest of us. This story gives me hope!
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They are the same but hide behind a facade. Thx Ian for sharing your thoughts
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We went along similar lines this week!
Good one.
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Good to hear that! Will pop over soon
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Love that, so true, the instagram generation is finally screwed.
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It is indeed royally screwed
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Loved the story. It’s so real. Yet I wonder how many have the guts to accept it.
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Very few I guess Priya.
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Wondering how many likes she got on Insta after her messy picture!! Good one!
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Haha thats quite unpredictable Anshu!
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Dear Akshata,
Powerful contrast. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thx a ton dear Rochelle
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Glad she finally figured out how empty her fake life was. Good story.
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Thanks so much. Indeed it was empty hopefully it will be fuller now
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Sad! What we do not do to impress others and attract attention. Glad she accepted herself as it is.
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Yes it’s the best thing to do
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Yes, I wondered about the likes on the “true” picture. I imagine lots of likes because she is probably exaggerating her own need to be glamorous. She may be really pleasantly surprised.
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And how many likes did the last one earn?
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I would like to think “many” as people identified she is real just like them!
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Very topical & well-written.
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Thx a lot
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