2020 – When the year throws two lemons at you, what do you do? Think of what you can make. A sweet sorbet to comfort you on a hot, summer afternoon? A spicy pickle to relish with a meal? Or would you cut it into bits, sprinkle spicy salt on it and keep in your pocket to lick it and to share it 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, during the time they faced an adversity, be it a virus or a war. Will the old man hang himself? Who is the young Krishna who had come to help? Who has stolen the emerald necklace? And was Madam killed for that? A masterpiece painting is replaced in a party. 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? Will they get help? The queen is betrayed by her kin-men. What’s 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 and the enemy versus the invisible one. 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!