A young seagull had just left her nest on the mountain by the sea. Before she took her first independent flight, her mother gave her a suggestion. “Never look for fish away from this mountain,” she said. But the young one had other ideas. “There is a world out there to explore. I will not…
Shreya had always wanted to be independent. So, as soon as she became eligible, she asked her father to get her a scooter and teach her how to ride. Her father, Mohan, loved his daughter. He didn’t need to think twice before granting Shreya her wish. “Now, we must get to practice every day before…
Karim was scared. He didn’t want to leave his father’s side, with so many strange faces around at the train station. The March sky was overcast; the weather windy. Karim was kept warm by his red and green chequered hoodie. His father wanted him to play, but Karim just would not step away. Priya walked…
A princess had been sitting in the window of their palace since morning, refusing to eat anything. When nothing worked, the king was told about the princess. “O my sweetheart, what makes you so sad? Is there anything I can do for you, my lovely princess? Your sadness is spreading its wings to my heart,”…
John had just landed in Maple Town, where his father had been transferred to. Lean, little John had to leave behind his friends and good company. In Maple Town, things were different. The surroundings were green and clean, but many a kid there was rather rough. One boy in particular, named Steel, who was known…
Ali had prepared really hard for the race. So, when the day came, he was certain of his victory. Everyone was on his mark, ready to go, when the referee blew his whistle. Others were no match to Ali’s speed. Ali was way ahead of others. He touched the finish line at the end of…
Autumn had set in Aas, a village hidden somewhere in the southern half of the globe. Trees looked more yellow than green, about a fortnight away from turning blood-red to nude. As far as the sight could go, the rice fields were left barren by the fresh harvest. None of it was a treat for…
Mrs. Shahid wakes up before dawn, with the first call by a Muezzin from the green masjid her modest house shares its fence with. This is her routine. She freshens up, lays out her prayer rug, and facing west, the direction of the holy Kaa’ba, begins her morning prayer. Hassan tiptoes out of the bed…
Back in the olden days, there was a plateau in China. The plateau was famous for its serene landscape and a calming effect. It was said that anyone who would make it to the plateau could find peace. The way to the plateau, however, passed through a dark, dense, mysterious forest, which no one could…
At the middle of a vast valley was a precious garden of flowers that produced the sweetest nectar. The garden and its flowers were unique, only one of a kind, while there were dozens of other gardens around. All gardens were accessible to all the butterflies, but the precious one was reserved for the big,…
