While I observed the black clouds settling down, Anupama sat beside me on the bench. She was observing her kid bowling. Folding Gita Darshan, I greeted her before enquiring, “Haven’t seen you in a while, Anu. Is everything okay child?” Turning to me, the woman in her thirties replied, “I’m waiting for Anirudh. How have you been uncle?” Cover Photo by Ravindra Patoju Observing her, I remained silent, before she mentioned, “Anirudh is celebrating his third birthday tomorrow. You must certainly join us at 6 pm.” Throughout her invitation, she kept looking at Anirudh who was busy finishing his bowling over. Unable to comprehend as to what is bothering her, I enquired, “I certainly will but tell me why are you tensed?”

Like most mornings, the moment I opened my eyes, I could see the radium solar system on the ceiling. Observing the blue rings of Saturn, I picked up my phone to check the time to be 6:24. Walking on the cold marble floor, I reached the living room to find Rahul skimming through the daily Eenadu. As I turned to the kitchen, he informed, “Your coffee is waiting.” Approaching him, I could see Renisha sleeping in his lap. I kissed him on his cheek before picking up the lukewarm coffee cup on the black table. Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada As I did, he asked, “Have you thought about her fancy dress competition? We only have a week left.” Resting on the adjacent sofa, I enquired, “I never get you. You remember her fancy dress competition but don’t even have a clue about my entrance exams.”

Whenever I see an elephant on the road, I feel like giving it a banana or an orange. And I am reminded of a particular episode with an elephant when I was five years old. The schools were closed and my cousins had come to Allahabad for their vacations from Patna. Our daily routine would be a visit to Sangam with grandpa and eat jalebis on our way back home at Hira Halwai which is a sweet shop in Allahabad. Of course, there would be visits to Wheelers or Universal bookshop, Nagars stationery shop or El Chico for pastries, later in the day. So one day when we had returned from our Sangam visit, I was sitting with my grandmother, and my cousin sister was engrossed in one of her Enid Blyton books. The doorbell rang and we were asked to go out to the verandah. Illustrated by Vaidurya Pratap Sahi Grandpa had seen an elephant wallah on the road and had asked him to give me and my cousin a ride. I clearly remember, the elephant was not very old and was not huge. It had a nice padded cushion on its back and a small brass bell tied around its neck. There was a rope around the cushion to ensure it wouldn’t divert from its place and I was very excited for the ride.

9503xxxxxxxx: ​Hi, I’m Arjun. 9316xxxxxxxx: Hey, you can call me Panda. 9503xxxxxxxx: What? Cover Photo by Ravindra Patoju 9316xxxxxxxx: Yeah, white and black coloured, bear-like animals. 9503xxxxxxxx: Yeah. Yeah... I know pandas... Nice to meet you Panda. This was how our conversation started. We met each other online through some random chatting app and then it was magical, not magical in a way that you might think that this is a love story, but this isn’t. This is about myself. This is my story. Panda: Hi, Arjun! I’m impressed by the way you talk to me. You give respect and space to me. I’d like to talk more with you if you wish so too.

It is strange, how I always fail to remember my first memory of you. So, to me, it seems as if you have been with me from the beginning of time. If I recall my first memory of enjoying the warmth of your lap, it reminds me of the night when I had caught cold and you strolled through our rooms, singing me lullabies that I still remember so clearly that I could sing them to my grandchildren. I remember our Sunday meals when we relished your eggplant curry and three eggs as we couldn’t afford meat. While I ate an egg, you would eat half of it for lunch and dinner. It was always a race of who would finish first. You ensured that I won and then offered me a portion of your food. When I grew up a little, you would not do that anymore and if I tried, you would say, “Asking for food from others’ plate is bad manners!” Now, at the age of twenty-three, when I think of your plate with half an egg, it makes me realize how you found happiness in that fragment of an egg every weekend. I wish I had at least once, offered you a bite from mine.

When I left my home, I was eighteen, How the world will be, I was keen. Being a teen, an adventure was all that I wanted, But to pursue it, all things turned out to be unsorted. In my youth, the most beautiful gift I ever got was a boon of friendship. ​

I ​ Walking down the road, On the way to the abode... Thinking about the world, That I’m about to get a hold... Might not reach the level of the gold, If not today, not the end of the world...

Scene I [While light music is playing in the background, a lady in her early 60s is sitting on the counter talking on the phone, a girl about 20 years of age enters the stage.] Ramya: Have a nice day, keep smiling (Hanging down the receiver)... our friends at table number 5 are in a gloomy mood, attend the table quickly! [Meanwhile, a waitress stops at a table where a few girls are sitting and turns to the counter.] Cover Photo by Ravindra Patoju Waitress: Ma’am! Someone wants to meet you. She’s sitting there. [The waitress pointed towards a table, glancing at the girl] Ramya: Kindly tell her that I’m not interested in giving an interview. Waitress: I’ve already told that ma’am but she told me to inform you that she is the daughter of one of your old customers. [Looking at her again, Ramya tries to remember if the girl seems familiar… giving up, she turns towards the waitress.] Ramya: Bring some coffee and tell her to come here. Make it extra strong! [After being informed, the girl comes and sits at a table near the counter and Ramya gently sits there too.] Girl: Thank you ma’am for your time. Ramya: Sorry for the inconvenience dear. Lately, I have stopped talking to people. Each and every person was demoralizing me. [Waitress enters and places the coffee on the table and exits.] Ramya: Here... have it, you look a bit tired. [Girl sips the drink] Girl: Hmm. Do you really serve this to everyone? I was in need of this, how did you know? Ramya: Well, that’s Karma Café… Girl: I am really eager to know your story madam. My father used to say, “If you wanna know what passion looks like visit Karma Café.” Ramya: Well who are you, child? Not a familiar face. Girl: My name is Arshi Shah, I work for a food magazine. My father was one of your regular customers and he had recently passed away. Ramya: I am sorry for your loss. Girl: He always used to talk about how you guys being business analysts and software engineers started this amazing place and it was his wish that I should visit and write an article about this cafe. Ramya: Such a kind man. I would certainly like to share our story. Not for you but for your father. I hope we could help in changing his mood a few times at least. [Blackout] Scene II [In a scarcely filled restaurant with romantic music playing through the stereo, a 32 year old man enters talking on the phone and sits at a table.] Kabir: (Frustrated) ​I am fed up with this daily routine… Yes, that’s exactly what I did, you better be careful too. I would just suggest you to follow me. (Checking the phone) Talk to you later my wife is calling. Kabir: Yes darling… are you okay? Wait, just drop by ‘The Royals’, I will order your favourite… and be calm. [Hanging up the phone, he calls for the waiter. Background music gradually fades in while he is thinking and a woman who is about 28 years old enters.] Ramya: (Hastily sitting on a chair in front of him) How could they do this to me? What were they thinking when they were giving me the bonus in April? Probably they gave it to me by mistake.

I: Impartial Choice Once upon a time, there lived a young king called Impartial, he was six feet tall with dusky skin, black silky hair, and brown eyes. Though he was well known for his strategies and wars, King Impartial was a scholar who insisted on maintaining good relations with his neighbouring kingdoms. He, however, earned his reputation while avenging his father’s death by killing the traitors in his council. For this, King Impartial heavily relied upon his best friend General Fair who stood loyal unlike many others when it mattered the most. Fair’s father started as a soldier and grew up in the ranks. He eventually even fought the traitors alongside King Impartial. However, during the second battle, he lost his life and his son took over his father’s duty. Just like his father, General Fair stood by King Impartial with blind loyalty. Fortunately, Impartial was exceptional in his administration and his subjects loved him for providing employment and sanitation. A few of them even called him the true son of Primrose for doing what none of his predecessors ever tried to do. Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Lavender, there lived a princess named Elegant. She is one of the most beautiful princesses in the world with golden hair, black eyebrows, emerald green eyes, and an oval face with glowing skin. Her compassionate nature and fluent words made many men desire her. Though many of them knew about her not many knew about her sister. Called by many as Gentle, the young princess had gorgeous long black hair, grey eyes, and eyebrows like a rainbow. She was as simple as a commoner and spent most of her time in art school, painting. She knew most of them found it to be unbelievable that she was the younger sister of Elegant. However, in her support, there were a few who couldn’t appreciate her sister’s presence too. Located adjacent to each other, the kingdoms of Lavender and Primrose shared many trade deals, especially fish from Primrose and grain from Lavender. The forest of Arax which spread between the kingdoms acted as a natural border and caravans had to pass through it every day. However, for the past two years, traders and their men had been attacked consistently by tribes after they have united as one. Unable to lose men every passing day, the traders pleaded for help from their kings and a meeting was held by King Sacred of Lavender. Though King Impartial intended to attend, due to a natural calamity in his province, he sent General Fair to attend the meeting. During their meeting, General Fair met both the princesses of Lavender. Though he heard about Princess Elegant’s beauty, he never witnessed it in person and was amazed when he did. As soon as he returned, he informed King Impartial, “I’ve found a perfect queen for you my king! I did not believe when others praised her but I must tell you that she lives up to every word used to describe her. She is gracious, a rare beauty, a worthy partner, and a perfect choice!” Listening to his friend, Impartial was surprised. It was rare for Fair to pay anyone compliments. He was one of those people who would avoid giving a compliment even when the other person deserved one. After a moment of silence, Impartial said, “If she is willing to meet me, I would like to consider this proposal.” Fair smiled before leaving. Later that night, he sent a letter to King Sacred proposing a bond in marriage. Within the next few days, they heard back asking to select a day for the meeting. Days passed by and the night before the meeting, Princess Gentle stood before the mirror in her cosy chamber trying different dresses. After a couple of tries, she asked, “Tell me, Lulu. Should I dress in a special way as my sister has requested or should I be myself?” Observing the princess striving hard, Lulu, the pale green parrot replied, “Wasn’t it you who told me that the most beautiful things are often simple?” Dropping the garment in her hand, Gentle protested, “I don’t want the maids whispering about how I have embarrassed my sister.” Lulu stayed silent and the princess just smiled looking at her friend. The next day, Lulu was impressed to see that the princess did not wear any special dress or jewels. She just dressed as she always did, which was quite casual. King Impartial was adorned in crimson armour & jewels. He sat in his chair waiting for Princess Elegant while listening to the maids whispering and looking around to see the palace filled with flowers, mirrors to reflect sunlight, golden pillars, and royal guards. As the young king observed all around, Princess Elegant and Gentle arrived before settling in the chairs facing him. Looking at them, the young King was amazed. Turning to Fair, Impartial whispered, “She looks blissful.” Fair was glad that Impartial liked the princess. Turning towards the King of Lavender, Impartial said, “Your daughter is as beautiful as the full moon King Sacred. If you agree, I would like to marry her.” After obtaining his consent through a nod, King Impartial walked towards the princess and offered his hand to Princess Gentle. While everyone stood shocked, Lulu thought, “So this one appreciates beauty too.” II: Elegant Ploy Within the next couple of weeks, the royal marriage filled the kingdom of Lavender with citizens from both kingdoms. People rejoiced in the celebration by taking part in the feasts, shopping for garments and jewels, playing in clubs and betting on races. Every profession other than the most necessary ones was discontinued. Everyone was at their best except for Princess Elegant. She kept weeping, loathing and blaming her step-sister for snatching her groom. She even started hating on her father for neither speaking out against nor checking on her as to how she was dealing with the change in events. Watching people cheering at feasts, Princess Elegant wondered, “Are they blind to not see the insult I’ve endured or did they never adore me?”

16th August 2007 It was a rainy morning when Govind was resting beside the window reading a newspaper. He was enjoying the weather and having some Upma, which his neighbour had just made. Through his window, Govind saw a police officer reach his building. Puzzled, he opened the door and waited. To his surprise, the officials stopped a few floors before. Intrigued, Govind went down the stairs. As he approached, he could see the neighbours and the building secretary gathered. Passing by them, he heard their whispers that possibly predicated every use case that could have happened. The obese Inspector in his fifties stood before them, panting after three floors of stairs. He looked agitated and covered his mouth with a handkerchief. Noticing someone at his shoulder, the Inspector turned to gaze at Govind. Cover Photo by Kevin Braun As the Inspector’s face enlightened, Govind greeted, “Good morning, Inspector!” “Good morning, Detective Govindam… I mean Govind sir… it’s a surprise to see you here,” muttered the Inspector. With a smirk, Govind asked, “I live on the sixth floor here. What seems to be the issue?” Glancing around, the Inspector explained, “The housemaid called us saying her employer’s wife was shot dead. We took the employer into our custody, and as usual, he claims he didn’t kill her.” From a distance, Mr Vijay shouted, “Detective, please help me! These guys do not believe me…She did not even budge when I shot her.” His complaint was immediately silenced by the accompanying constables standing before him. Govind saw Mr Vijay’s eyes dilated, which shows he was scared and worried about it. He had known this guy for the past few years, and he did not seem capable of such a crime.

Sitting on a tree beside a stream on a sunny day, a parrot and a hen waited for one random couple just like every day. Beneath them were a few stones on which these couples rested while the parrot called Sooth & the hen was called Ilu listened to them. Sooth: I challenge you to show me a man at least today who would never let go of his lover and I shall give you every tasty fruit I will gather all my life. [Ilu stayed silent considering how she failed yesterday] Sooth: I challenge in confidence because I know for a fact that even when the world is filled with happiness, these superior creations and their hearts are filled with discontent. They rejoice pain and sorrow while seeking revenge even when they know it doesn’t give them any satisfaction. ​ [After a moment of silence] Sooth: But what more could be expected from a race in which the majority of them don’t even try to understand the difference between love and lust? Ilu: I shall show you today a couple just beneath this tree who shall love dearly until their time and I shall snatch away all your tasty fruits. That’s the price you shall have to pay for your foolish remarks.

“It is surprisingly dark on the new moon night and I am getting down along with my team from one of the four helicopters to set forth on our mission. The illuminating symbol of an eagle on our shoulders is radiating and our mission is to kill the militants who ambushed and killed at least a dozen civilians- three days ago. ​ ​I am one amongst the troop who set forth on a mission that demands life at its price and coincidentally, this is my first time and I am exactly like a docile lamb amidst the seniors in the troop. Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada To begin with, it all started a few days ago when a senior commander started recruiting freshers into assault troops. I definitely did not want to be a recruit but sometimes passing your tests gets you noticed. Post recruitment, the first instruction I received was to not tell my family about the mission and hours later, the commander even asked me, ‘Why do you think I recruited you despite an average performance?’