D riving at night on hill roads is a real adventure. A touch of mist in the air, the chill like winter, and a road trip playlist. This combination turns Vijay into a driving superhero. He's a legend on these roads. Vijay, Samarth, and Naman were heading back from a late-night party, and their hotel in Manali was just 10 km away. But those winding hill roads made that 10 km feel like a never-ending journey. The music was in full volume, and Naman was fully drunk, sitting on the backseat. He was babbling nonsense, making Vijay and Samarth laugh so hard they almost forgot they were driving in the misty dark. “Do you know she held my hand, danced with me, smiled looking at me. I'm pretty sure it's a sign," Naman slurred in his drunken confidence. His eyes were closed. A charm in his body. Just like he won something. "She held this hand... this one," Naman declared, dramatically placing that hand on his chest. "I can feel her, smell her perfume. Her hand,...
Every last Saturday of month, Shanu would eagerly run to the village ground to watch the magic show. It was the only entertainment for the hard-working villagers in the month end. An old magician from that village used to perform different types of tricks which can trick everyone’s eye in daylight. He could vanish a living rabbit under his basket and from the same basket he would introduce his pigeon instead of the rabbit. He could double ten rupees note in air still he asked for money after the show. Magic has a universal charm that fascinates everyone, no matter their background. The villagers loved the show, finding pure joy in every performance. And in return, the magician not only entertained them but also earned a good income from their appreciation. As a child, Shanu eagerly waited an entire month for this magic show. The tricks weren’t world-class, but to him, making something vanish right in front of people’s eyes was no small feat. Magic always fascinated him—it wasn’t just...