Thirty Nine or Forty - Short Story 167
- Luvv A Sanwal
- Sep 2, 2025
- 3 min read
In this chilling short story of fate and mystery, Arjun brushes off the terrifying legend that no one survives past their 40th birthday. As the clock strikes midnight, Mira witness it. Perfect for fans of flash fiction, horror short stories, and psychological thrillers. Read till the end… if you dare.
“Come on, it’s just a number,” he smirked, twirling the empty glass in his hand. “I mean, what am I turning tonight, thirty-nine or forty? Who even keeps track after thirty?”
Her eyes didn’t flinch. They never did when she was serious. “Don’t joke about this, Arjun. You know what happens when the clock strikes twelve.”
“Come on, Mira,” Arjun grinned, swirling the candle on the tiny cupcake she’d bought. “You’re looking at me like I’m already a ghost.”
He leaned back on the couch, smirk deepening, trying to break her tension. “Maybe I’m forever thirty-nine. A Benjamin Button of bureaucracy. Ever thought of that?”
“Arjun, stop.” Her voice cracked, a quiet blade cutting through the dimly lit room. “I need to know. Are you thirty-nine going on forty, or is tonight it?”
