The stories in Gulzar s first ever short collection in English have a distinct cameo quality, reflected in each story s subject matter and narrative style. The ingeniousness of this versatile writer finds expression in short narratives that vary from anecdotes to descriptions of states of mind. Serious, moving , funny and ironic by turns, the stories in this collection are replete with the perceptions of a man who has viewed the world with equanimity and compassion. It is no surprise, therefore, that is spite of their concern with human suffering, Gulzar s stories are refreshingly free from cynicism. Dextrously weaving tales with universal themes, ordinary characters and everyday incidents from his own unique perspective, this unconventional storyteller reveals the truth of existence with sincerity and sensitivity.