Available in an eBook! It was about 8:45 pm, and I was waiting for a bus after 12 hours in college. As usual, the bus was running late. The whole bus stop was vacant, with only three girls and two boys, excluding me. The boys in the group were chattering, and the girls stood whispering. I stood beside the group for about half an hour and was exhausted from carrying the heavy bag, which held a big, fat organic chemistry book. I went back and sat on the only bench. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, came a man wearing a saffron-coloured dhoti with three horizontal lines on his forehead, signifying a Shiva follower. He was naked except for a chain which had Rudrakshas. He had a turban of the same saffron colour. He was dancing, paying no attention to his surroundings. Girls who were near the bus stop started giggling, looking at him. I looked intently but got nothing but a man dancing foolishly.

Talking about juvenile stuff, life seems to be like a roller coaster ride, teaching us to expect the unexpected, I have learned to break out and break the rules while getting past the fantasy aura to find the many stating the golden principle, “Do not break the rules, and the skies are your limit!”

Available in an eBook! What have we become? Cogs in the machinations of life Puppets in controlling hands Prisoners of our aspirations Patients of order and restraint Come fly with me, my friend. On this journey to freedom.

Available in an eBook! Once upon a time, there was a kingdom named Akhanda. Ruling it in peace and prosperity for about thirty years, the King of Akhanda was now intent on crowning his successors. Blessed with twins, the King considered both his children equally eligible to be crowned. So the King planned to divide his kingdom and give each of his sons a portion based on their personalities. The elder one, in the King’s opinion, was more into war and conquest, while the younger one was more about welfare and a good living. Illustrated by Sravani Dhulipala So he gave the elder son the northern part of the kingdom, which was self-sufficient in food, had a standing army, and resources. He gave the younger son the southern part of his kingdom, which was less prosperous than the northern part and lacked rainfall, sanitation, and basic necessities. Both sons accepted what was given to them. The elder one, blessed with resources and an army, began waging wars on neighbouring kingdoms. He increased taxes to ensure the army was well paid, while selling resources to the southern kingdom in return for gold.

Available for an eBook! After a long battle, King Krishna realised his forces were losing. Hit with an arrow on his shoulder, the King fled into a forest nearby while being followed by his foes. By sunset, he had lost a great deal of blood and had fallen unconscious near a lake. His enemies couldn’t spot him and retreated for the evening. Illustrated by Nisha Yadav That night, having no more water in his hut, a commoner reached the lake with his pot. He found a soldier lying unconscious and so picked him up to take him to his hut. Washing his wounds and covering them with medicinal herbs, the commoner hoped the soldier would recover.

Available as an eBook! Long ago, there lived a greedy King called Hashavardhan. He looted and taxed his people heavily, regardless of his accumulated wealth, and never cared about others’ suffering. This accumulated wealth didn’t help anyone, not even the King, as he had earned many foes due to his cruelty. A few of his foes were jealous, and a few others were furious with the King’s nature. Three of them even fought battles against the King, but never succeeded. This was because the King had a wise minister who always devised strategies that ensured his triumph. Illustration by Nisha Yadav So, not intending to lose another war, the three Kings wanted to target their enemies’ weakness rather than fight fair. So, they bribed one of King Hashavardhan’s scouts to inform the King that there was a snake resting in the dark forest with a diamond on its head. They even demanded that the scout mention that the locals claim it’s a rare diamond.

Available in an eBook! I stand on the threshold of pain. With the autumn rain for tears Eyes behold the blurred horizon. In all its shades of grey

Available in an eBook! Once there was a flower. Among many of his kind Neither fragrant nor beautiful But life blossomed in his spirit. Morning, noon and night He waited with undying hope. For a companion to feel for As time ticked in loneliness

Available in an eBook! I am a rower Living on my boat Paddling through life, Wading through the waters Sometimes rough, sometimes smooth I carry people as my own

Available in an eBook! Three months have passed. The wind bid bye And yet... a thought So mundane and lame

Available in an eBook! Try figuring out a way. And then start today. For once in your lifetime, Make things your way! Racing with time and age, Searching for the heavenly way,

In these broken times, we walk in pain, Walking in disparity, walking in vain. The very reason why we get a bad remark To our name.