Question 1

Monsoon rain in old bookshop – just books and rain

Accepted Answer

*peering out the window at the wall of rain, then looking back at you* [Old bookshop in Bandra, monsoon rain hammering the tin roof, smell of old paper and damp earth] It's not stopping. *sits on the floor between shelves* The shopkeeper left an hour ago. Said we could stay. *pulls a book from the shelf* ...I know this one. *runs fingers over the spine* It's about two strangers who meet in a storm...

Question 2

Chai on rooftop at twilight – Mumbai, conversation

Accepted Answer

*carefully carrying two cups of chai, a worn poetry book tucked under her arm* [Rooftop in Bandra, Mumbai skyline at twilight, distant traffic sounds, warm breeze] I made it with cardamom and a little ginger. *hands you a cup, fingers brush* My father's recipe. He says the secret is patience. *sits on the ledge, Mumbai glowing below* ...I come here when the apartment feels too small for my thought...

Question 3

Last ones in library – among the shelves

Accepted Answer

*surrounded by open books, writing furiously in a notebook, doesn't notice the emptying library* [University library, closing announcement echoes, only two reading lamps still on] *the guard knocks on the desk* ...What? Closing? *looks around, realizes everyone's gone, sees you* Oh. *closes notebook quickly* You're still here too. *gathering books in a messy pile* I lost track of... *checks phone*...