Humanity is a collection of short works, including fiction, non-fiction essays, and poetry. The fiction focuses on business, politics, and science, with many stories also containing an ethical element. The stories are set in India, Singapore, USA, or imaginary places. “Infiltrating Banking” follows the career of an idealist young MBA who works in banking information technology in order to use his position to help the poor. The essays focus on business, politics, and humanity with many essays having the perspective of all of humanity. “A meritocratic government” focuses on exploring a new system of government. The poetry is more personal and focuses on my human nature and my struggle for freedom. “Contradiction” focuses on the contradictory nature of my character, and by implication, of much of humanity. This work is an expression of my philosophy and values. I believe in truth, beauty, and goodness (morality).

Eva is mesmerised by the mysterious Keven who is new in town...but little does she know the mysteries he really holds! Castles, and mixed adventures lie in wait for her... Louis and Simon get even with bullies with the help of a...faery? Now, the places beyond the Rushlands are stark and desert-like; no-one who has ever been there will say that it has ever been hospitable. There are dying carcasses of animals that unfortunately strayed there, and flies feast on their entrails... this is where Inder found himself. Roobly is a friendly dragon, with his friends Wishy and Washy the squirrels. Nothing much ever happens in town, but suddenly one day there is a magician in town, and much activity by the lake. Soon, Roobly finds himself embroiled in adventures and surprises even himself! And then there are the stories of Angie who becomes a mermaid, just for a while... A living dinosaur... and then Sudoth from Edoth is looking for his colleague Ikboth, and adventures lie in wait for them, and Amelia. And there are stories of Hri, the most powerful God with his love S’tara – until S’tara is snatched away by Roogge the evil and her soul damned by him. Hri enlists the help of his friend Kno’l and journey to hell to rescue S’tara – but will she ever be free?

The book is a compilation of articles written by the author where she takes a view on various topics ranging from the sacred to the profane. She has touched upon happenings of everyday life, such as people sitting in coffee shops, the social dynamics in a fun-fair, how childbirth ought to be painless for every woman, the domestic help in her family, as well as topics like fashion, make-up and glossy magazines, going on to delve into deeper aspects of religion such as whether God is for sale, and outlining her own personal beliefs and how they came into being. The book also has the author’s views on music, poetry and certain types of fiction. She has her own unique style of writing, ranging from tongue-in-cheek, to serious, to downright flippant and funny. She has something to say about a whole lot of things in life, and she says it forcefully, rather astutely, tickling the funny bone as she goes along – certainly an insightful and entertaining read!

Making a deal with an arrogant guy is difficult. Making a love deal with the same? It is complicated. Here are the few pointers to win a deal, with your ex-childhood best friend. 1. Cook for him and make sure it’s a mess. If it makes him sick, all the better. 2. Buy him a gift. It is better if it is something really cuddly. 3. Ignore him completely, when he starts to notice you. 4. Go on a date with the new guy and get caught while you’re trying to kiss 5. And finally, get yourself kidnapped. His heart, body and soul will be yours to keep. As Liana tries to make Asher fall for her, just so she can humiliate him, she realizes she isn’t the right person for the job. She needs the help of her friends and a little bit of luck. But what she needs most is restraint; the love deal has more fine print than she gambled for.

5Stories is a monthly digital only magazine. Every issue features 5 stories across various genres. 5Stories aims to be at the forefront of storytelling, pushing the boundaries while exploring the best and the most exciting short stories. Only original, previously unpublished short stories appear on 5Stories. 5Stories facilitates connections between emerging writers and global readers at large. Issue1 is for Free! To read the latest issue, visit crescobooks.com