Ratna Pande

Li Ratna Pande

LI: FE! 2020 - When the year throws two lemons at you, what do you do?

Think of what you can make - A sweet sorbet to comfort on a summer afternoon? A spicy pickle to relish with a meal? Or cut it into bits, sprinkle spicy salt and keep in your pocket to lick or share with friends? This year, like a 'gondhoraj nimbu', is uniquely fragrant, pungent and sharp, exceptional if you slow down to savour it and, in spite of the thorns, very humbling in life experiences.

Scripted in this book are the tales of men and women who struggled, partied, connived, loved, laughed, fought and cried but eventually emerged as winners, with hope and positivity, as they faced an adversity, a virus or a war.

Will the old man hang? Who is the young Krishna who has come to help?

Who has stolen the emerald necklace? Was Madam killed for that?

A masterpiece painting is replaced. Was it by the guests, friends or invitees?

Will Shankar ever find his home with a promise of peace?

How much must the migrant couple walk to reach the village to get help?

The queen is betrayed by her kin-men. What is the price of escape?

Crisis in mid-air. Can the air hostess trust the men she thinks are brave?

A teenage girl's diary of 1971, living with war Vs the invisible enemy today.

Life, like 2020, tests us. The secret is to stop to smell the flowers and smile at those around. In your story of being handed lemons, remember to add a dash of lime to make the cocktail tangy!

Enjoy reading the stories, each set in a different mood and locale. While the lockdown may keep us indoors, our can thoughts fly freely everywhere!