Dehradun, May 31 -- Sanjay Kumar

Dear Reader, it wasn't during Covid times. It was not a virtual literary festival. It was pure flesh-and-blood live action. As guests, Abha and I found ourselves next to the hill station's solitary club, near an army cantonment. Hearing a commotion on the flat below us, I remarked how good it was to hear jawans on parade.

'I see no jawans,' said Abha. 'Looks like it's demonstrators at the gate. They are protesting yesterday's debate.'

Next day, it was my turn. With six other authors, I find myself sitting on a stage. Beside me is Ms Iron-Pants, compere, interviewer and general busybody, who had already decided that I was the wrong type. When my name was announced, she adjusted her spectacles and looked ...