Hyderabad, July 31 -- It wasn't the usual book launch. It had all the makings of a cultural feast - a book release, a soulful mushaira, and a grand finale of Chicken Biryani that could have easily been a headline act on its own. But, as it turned out, the biryani came second - and so did the mushaira.

What truly stole the show? A write-up? Yes, a cheeky, laugh-out-loud sketch of the author that left the audience wiping their tears - not from emotion, but from unrestrained laughter.

The event in question was the release of Dr. Shahab Afsar Khan's book Bahut Nikle Mere Armaan - a title that seemed to mirror not just the book, but the event itself. Organized with rare punctuality (a miracle in itself), the programme began on time, drew a p...