Book excerpt: An exclusive collection of 40 outstanding stories from 17 regions of India – translated and made accessible to English-speaking readers. Soaked in the flavours and colours of its region, each story smacks of its unique culture. This anthology traverses through states as far-flung as Kashmir and Tamil Nadu, mapping out our multi-lingual, multi-cultural land and celebrating its fascinating diversity. This anthology is a virtual canvas of human emotions. Its pages throb with everything primal to human nature: fear, angst, joy, love, lust and longing. A must read for those who wish to understand India better.